Penn State Nittany Lions - NCAA Football Odds, Lines & Betting

Joe Paterno's boys will be looking to turn things up a notch on offense this year on the heels of quarterback Anthony Morelli's promising performance in a win over Tennessee in last year's Outback Bowl. Morelli is joined by seven other starters on his side of the ball, but the team will need to replace Tony Hunt at running back. Derrick Williams and Deon Butler should prove solid targets at receiver while senior Austin Scott will try to take over for Hunt. Morelli-Williams could be a strong combination this year but the gifted receiver will need more than two touchdown catches (his total for all of last season) to make the Lions a consistent threat.

The other major question for the offense is the line - and whether or not it can protect the quarterback. As always, the Nittany Lions have superstars on defense. This year's cream of the crop is linebacker Dan Connor, who recorded 113 tackles and was named a first team All-American last year. Connor moves into the middle linebacker spot, replacing Penn State's all-time tackle leader Paul Posluszny. The secondary benefits from the return of standout corner Justin King. On the defensive line, John Gaines is the only returning starter, meaning the group must prove itself before it can be branded great.

Last year Penn State failed against all the big tests — Ohio State, Notre Dame, Wisconsin, and Michigan — before rallying in their bowl game. They will need the defense to be as good as last year's 15th-ranked unit and for the offense to click in order for them to make the next step. If the team needs any motivation for toughness, they need look no further than their 80-year-old head coach, who is back for his 42nd season and showing no signs of slowing down after a badly broken leg last year.

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