#14 Penn State vs. Youngstown State
When: Saturday, September 4, 2010 – 12:00 p.m. EST
Where: Beaver Stadium
TV: Big Ten Network
Twitter: @PSUExaminer
A season of some uncertainty begins Saturday in Beaver Stadium. Why is it a season of uncertainty? Two reasons: quarterback and coach. We won’t waste any more time on that latter.
For the first time in program history a true freshman has been tabbed the opening day starter without having injury playing a role to other players. Taking snaps behind center will be Robert Bolden, a recruit out of Michigan. With Bolden comes a load of potential but unproven success. Of course that is because Bolden just walked on to campus a few weeks ago. He must have been really impressive, or the rest of the competition must have shown more than enough rust, to be given the starting job Saturday.
But Bolden will not be taking every snap against the FCS Penguins. Kevin Newsome and Matt McGloin will split playing time behind center, according to Joe Paterno earlier this week. The depth chart will list all three as alternates on first string (1A, 1B, and 1C). What this means is that Penn State still is not settled on a starting quarterback. A solid performance this week could go a far way to determining who will win the job down the line, and whichever player has the strongest performance against Youngstown State will likely get the starting nod next week when the Nittany Lions travel south to take on defending BCS champion Alabama.
The good news for Penn State is that even with a trio of quarterbacks expected to see playing time as the competition for the full time gig. One position the Nittany Lions will not have to worry about against Youngstown State is the running back position. Evan Royster will lead the way but don not expect huge yardage from him on this day. Instead look for Penn State to spread the ball around to other guys like Stephfon Green, Curtis Dukes and Joe Suhey throughout the course of the game.
This game likely will see more time spent running the ball, as Penn State should win by a comfortable margin. When the passing game is going to be utilized though Penn State quarterbacks, whoever they may be, will have some low-key veteran receivers to look for down field. Graham Zug and Derek Moye provide just that for Penn State. Neither player will intimidate too many defenders in the open field but each have a solid set of hands and can be reliable without being flashy. If there is a playmaker to look for though in the passing game look for sophomore Devon Smith to make something happen in the open field.
The offensive line will be a crucial part of the success of the offense. Last year the offensive line had many issues, as were evident in some big games. This year the line should gel quicker than they did last year with four seniors projected to start on Saturday. The only non-senior listed first on the depth chart is junior DeOn-tae Pannell.
The defense will be in good hands even after losing all three starting linebackers. Filling the holes left behind by Sean Lee, Navorro Bowman and Josh Hull will be Chris Colasanti on the inside and Bani Gbadyu and Nate Stupar on the outside, but expect to see Michael Mauti, Michael Yancich and Gerald Hodges to see some playing time on a rotating basis in the middle of the defense.
Up front all eyes will be on defensive end Jack Crawford, who looks to take his game to the next level and make a push to be recognized as one of the best in the Big Ten.
Penn State takes on Youngstown State at 12:01 p.m. on Saturday in State College. The game will be aired on the Big Ten Network. You can follow my updates on Twitter as I provide live commentary form the press box for all home games. Follow me on Twitter @PSUExaminer.
Blue White Roundtable
Series history - PSU leads 1-0
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