CFI: ONE FOR THE ROAD

BY PAUL ASPAN
PENN ST. INSIDER

Penn State heads into Saturday’s season finale at Michigan State looking for a strong finish to an up and down season. The Lions have beaten all of the teams they should have. However, they haven’t had a marquee win, and they got blown out at home by #1 Ohio State. In a down year for the Big Ten, Penn State is on the upper half of a mediocre conference – but that’s not saying much.

Off-the-field issues have been a constant problem throughout the season and Thursday was a busy day for some Lions’ players and their lawyers. Defensive tackle Chris Baker and back up linebacker Navaroo Bowman were the latest two Lions to face legal problems. The two were charged with assault Thursday in relation to a fight on October 7th. Starting tailback Austin Scott pleaded not guilty Thursday to charges of rape and sexual assault stemming from an October 5th incident. Scott has since been suspended from the team. Baker and Bowman are listed as out on the injury report (personal/legal) for Saturday’s game in East Lansing.

While it’s tough to say how the volume of off-field issues have impacted Penn State’s game performance, the Lions have certainly been hurt by injuries. PSU has lost FB Matt Hahn, DT Jared Odrick, and DE Jerome Hayes. Promising freshman tailback Evan Royster tweaked his ankle in last week’s win against Temple and is listed as questionable for Saturday’s game.

In Penn State’s last five wins, they’ve succeeded with a balanced offensive attack. The Lions have averaged 224 yards on the ground and 223 yards in the air in those games. Expect State College to have another balanced day moving the ball as Michigan State doesn’t protect especially well against either the pass or the run.

On the other side of the ball, the Nittany Lions will need senior linebacker Dan Connor and the rest of the top-five rush defense to step up once again as the Spartans run for over 200 yards per game.

Penn State can give itself an outside shot at a New Year’s Day bowl with a win on Saturday, although late December looks more likely. The Lions have shown that they can beat most of the other mediocre teams in the Big Ten and weaker non-conference opponents. They also showed that they can’t beat the top teams in their conference. What remains to be seen, and what the Penn State hopes to earn with a win Saturday is a chance to show that they can compete with a strong team from another conference come bowl time.

CFI: PSU DEFENSE RESURFACES ON SENIOR DAY

PAUL ASPAN
PENN ST. INSIDER

Penn State’s defense woke up just in time and the Lions came back from an early ten-point deficit to beat Purdue 26-19. The Boilermakers stood a yard away from taking a 17-3 lead late in the first quarter, when State linebacker Sean Lee forced a goal line fumble from running back Jaycen Taylor. The Lions recovered and by halftime held a 13-10 lead. The Boilermakers ran back the opening kickoff for a touchdown, but Lee’s forced fumble was part of a Penn State defensive effort that held Purdue to four field goals.

This Lions’ defense looked a lot more familiar to the Nittany Lion faithful as opposed to the unit that gave up 63 points in the last two games. The Boilermakers’ pass heavy attack gained 255 yards, but couldn’t get into the end zone. Justin King and the rest of the secondary bounced back from a few rough outings to come up with big plays when it mattered. Senior linebacker Dan Connor helped stuff the Purdue running game (68 yards) and in the process broke the school record of 372 tackles, with his fifth of eleven on the day. Connor passed former teammate Paul Posluszny who set the record last season.

Senior quarterback Anthony Morelli also left Happy Valley with a solid performance. The often-criticized signal-caller completed 22-of-35 passes for 210 yards and a touchdown. Red shirt senior Rodney Kinlaw also performed well rushing for 86 yards, but it was a redshirt freshman who stole the show on senior day. Evan Royster plowed through Purdue’s defense for 126 yards on 21 carries and closed the door on the Boilermakers with a 26-yard touchdown run to put the Lions up 26-16 with under four minutes to play.

The Lions finish the season on the road with an “away” game against Temple in Penn State friendly Philadelphia before heading to East Lansing to face Michigan State. At 7-3 the Lions still have a chance to play in a New Years Day bowl game if they win out. However, they can’t come out flat on the road where they are 1-2 and struggled to squeak out a win in Indiana.

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CFI: THE BIG TEN REPORT

BY MICK MILLER
BIG TEN INSIDER

Just as importantly as starting a season fast, coming down the stretch could be more important. Teams getting their ducks in a row, jockeying, positioning, or coming down the stretch (pick one) is where the conference stands with two weeks to go in Big Ten play. The conference title has yet to be decided and bowl eligibility is to be announced with the seven bowl tie-ins the conference has. So while Ohio State was winning its record 20th straight conference game, Michigan was in East Lansing for the 100th meeting of their storied rivalry and the Paul Bunyan Trophy, and the rest of the league was making the most of what’s left of their schedules and readying for the upcoming bowl season.

(1) Ohio State 38 Wisconsin 17

After starting slow and holding a mere 10-3 lead at the half, the Buckeye offense woke up and matched the defense in the second half and closed down the Badgers with a 21-point fourth quarter. Chris “Beanie” Wells rushed for 169 yards and three scores while the Buckeye defense allowed 12 yards rushing in a game the Badgers were without starting running back P.J. Hill, and racked up 10 sacks. Ohio State quarterback Todd Boeckman threw for 166 yards and two touchdowns to receiver Brian Robiskie, while Tyler Donovan kept the Badgers in the game for three quarters with 238 yards and two touchdowns, snapping Wisconsin’s three-game win streak at the Horseshoe.
What’s next: Ohio State invites Illinois; Wisconsin hosts Michigan

Penn State 26 Purdue 19

Linebacker Dan Connor broke the school record for tackles (372) held by Paul Posluszny on Senior Day in Happy Valley while freshman running back Evan Royster ran for 126 yards and a clutch 26-yard touchdown late to seal the win over the Boilermakers. Wide receiver Derrick Williams caught 10 balls for 95 yards and a score and also rushed for a 12-yard touchdown as the Penn State defense held the fading Purdue offense to 318 total yards. Dorien Bryant opened the game with a scintillating 98-yard kick return for a touchdown for Purdue’s only score that wasn’t a Chris Summers field goal.
What’s next: Penn State is at Temple; Purdue welcomes Michigan State

(15) Michigan 28 Michigan State 24

Wolverine quarterback Chad Henne hit his fourth touchdown pass with 2:28 left to Mario Manningham to bring Michigan back from the brink against the resilient Spartans. While virtually sleeping through the first half, State took a 24-14 lead behind their ferocious running game with 7:40 left in the game. With both Henne (shoulder, knee) and halfback Mike Hart (ankle, 110 yards) in and out of the line-up all afternoon, Henne came back in to pass his team back and keep their hopes of a Big Ten title showdown with Ohio State alive. The Spartan’s “Thunder & Lightning” combination of Javon Ringer and Jehuu Caulcrick combined for 37 carries for 212 yards and two scores, but the inability of their secondary to cover Manningham (8 receptions, 129 yards, 2 touchdowns) all afternoon proved to be the fatal flaw.
What’s next: Michigan wings to Wisconsin; Michigan State plays at Purdue

Iowa 28 Northwestern 17

Two fourth quarter touchdowns by back-up tailback Damien Sims brought the Hawkeyes back from the brink again this week as they overcame a 14-0 deficit to the Wildcats and put themselves one win away from bowl eligibility. Northwestern, who was outscored 21-0 in the fourth quarter last week versus Purdue, came up empty at home this week. Quarterback C.J. Bacher, whom had been on a roll, has thrown just two touchdown passes and six interceptions in the last two weeks, as the ‘Cats remain one win shy of the magical six needed to be bowl eligible. Iowa quarterback Jake Christensen may have played his best game of the season with 299 yards passing and a score. Tailback Tyrell Sutton ran for 116 yards and a touchdown for Northwestern in a losing cause.
What’s next: Iowa hosts Minnesota; Northwestern welcomes Indiana

Indiana 38 Ball State 20

In throwing four touchdown passes, Hoosier quarterback Kellen Lewis set a school record for a single-season with 23 and also compiled career-highs in passing yards (354) and total yards (406) while bringing Indiana to bowl eligibility for the first time since 1993. Ball State jumped out to a 10-3 lead after the first quarter, but the Hoosiers wrapped two Lewis touchdown throws around a Chris Phillips 58-yard interception return of a Nate Davis pass for a score for a 21-point second quarter and a two touchdown lead at the half. Indiana receivers James Hardy and Ray Fisher combined for 14 receptions for 250 yards and four touchdowns while the Cardinals were lead by junior wide receiver Dante Love with 14 catches for 177 yards.
What’s next: Indiana is at Northwestern

Illinois 44 Minnesota 17

It’s nice to see the Golden Gopher defense playing to its potential Saturday night, giving up more yards than any of the other 118 teams in college football. Quarterback Juice Williams threw for 207 and two touchdowns and ran for another 133 yards and a score, while Rashard Mendenhall piled up 201 and another two touchdowns as the Illini amassed 655 total yards (9.0 yards per rush, 9.9 per pass), spoiling Minnesota homecoming game. Gopher quarterback Adam Weber threw for 208 yards and a touchdown, running for another, before being pulled in the fourth quarter. Minnesota receiver Ernie Wheelwright continued his fine second half of the season with 9 receptions for 123 yards and a touchdown.
What’s next: Illinois is at Ohio State; Minnesota invades Iowa

PHOTO CREDIT: COLLEGIATE IMAGES

CFI: 'CATS BOUNCIN’ BACK

BY PAUL ASPAN
PENN ST. INSIDER

Penn State (6-3, 3-3) looks for its defense to reassert itself this weekend when it hosts Big Ten opponent Purdue (7-2, 3-2). The Lions showcased a top ten defense for the first seven games of the season, but the last two weeks have been a different story. PSU’s defense has given up 63 points and 839 yards in its last two games. They’ve been a bit banged up – losing defensive end Jerome Hayes (knee), defensive tackle Jared Odrick (ankle) and safety Tony Davis (appendectomy) - but they didn’t even force a punt against Ohio State last week.

The Lions were equally bad against the run and the pass against the Buckeyes, but the secondary has been a real question mark lately. They’ve given up 571 yards in the air the last two weeks. Losing Davis hurt, and defensive backs Justin King and Lydell Sargeant have struggled. Indiana’s Jeff Hardy (142 yd, 2 TD) had a monster day against the Penn State secondary. And after the Lions went up 7-3 against OSU, they allowed a 60-yard pass from Todd Boeckman to Ray Small, which led to Ohio State retaking the lead. It’s not going to get any easier for the secondary this week as they’ll go up against the Big Ten’s leading receiver Dorien Bryant.

Bryant is part of a Boilermaker offense that passes the ball almost 45 times and averages 285 yards per game through the air. King and company could use some help from the Penn State pass rush to throw off Purdue quarterback Curtis Painter. Led by Maurice Evans, the Lions are second in the nation with four sacks per game, but got to Boeckman only once last week.

These two teams are similar in that they have decent records, but neither one has a marquee win. The Lions have a chance to close out the home portion of its schedule strong after a poor showing against top ranked Ohio State a week ago. Senior Linebacker Dan Connor will headline the senior day atmosphere as he enters the game just four tackles short of the school record of 372 set last year by Paul Posluszny.

LIONS GET THEIR SHOT

BY PAUL ASPAN
PENN ST. INSIDER

The game Penn State fans have had circled since the summer has finally arrived. No. 1 Ohio State comes into Happy Valley Saturday night to defend its top ranking on national television against the No. 24 Lions and a rockin’ Beaver Stadium. The Buckeyes have won 26 straight regular season games, but their last loss came at State College, a 17-10 victory for the Lions.

Saturday night’s game sets up to be a good old fashioned Big Ten defensive showdown. Both teams rank in the top ten in defense, personified by a pair of All-American linebackers, James Laurinaitis (OSU) and Dan Connor (PSU). Laurinaitis and the Buckeyes are best in the nation, holding teams to under 210 yards per game and less than eight points per game. Connor and the Lions are almost as stingy, allowing only 15 points per game. Penn State also leads the nation in sacks (4.38/game).

As good as the Ohio State defense has been, it hasn’t faced any sort of challenge. The Buckeyes are 117th in strength of schedule and they haven’t faced any of the other top teams in the Big Ten. Not only does this suggest the relative weakness of the Big Ten, but also hints at the fact that Ohio State is not the best team in the nation. Much like Penn State’s early season No. 10 ranking was a mirage, so too is the Buckeyes’ No. 1 ranking.

The Lions are, by far, the Buckeyes’ toughest test to date. Looking at last week’s games, turnovers could play a significant role in deciding the outcome of this game. Ohio State almost came from ahead to lose to Michigan State thanks to two consecutive turnovers, which resulted in touchdowns, and nearly a third. All of a sudden -- a 24-0 lead was 24-14, but Ohio State held on for a 24-17 win. If the Buckeyes are careless with the ball this week, Penn State has to capitalize. The Lions forced three fumbles (and a fourth to end the game) against Indiana last week and only managed three field goals as a result. Penn State has to turn those opportunities into touchdowns if they want to drop Ohio State from the top slot.

The key to this game for Penn State is quarterback Anthony Morelli. The senior play-caller has been good – not great – the last few weeks, but if the Lions want to win, he’ll have to play very well. Morelli has averaged 215 yards per game to go with four touchdowns and three interceptions over the last three Penn State wins. He has done a solid job of managing these games. But, to beat Ohio State, Morelli will have to win this game as opposed to manage it. This isn’t exactly a warm thought to the Nittany Lion faithful as Morelli has struggled in big games. However, if there’s one thing to take hope from, it is last week’s 9-play 77-yard drive Morelli led against Indiana to answer a Hoosier touchdown and put Penn State back on top by two touchdowns with four minutes left. That’s as close as the Nittany Lion quarterback has gotten to winning a game this year. If he builds on that experience this weekend, the Lions could very well pull the upset.

The running games will have a tough time against two tough running defenses. Penn State is battle hardened with tough road losses at Michigan and Illinois, and a good road win against Indiana. The Nittany Lions “White-Out” the Buckeyes’ national title hopes 16-13.


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Linebacker class in session when No. 1 Ohio State visits No. 24 Penn State

By GENARO C. ARMAS
AP Sports Writer

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - High school linebackers aspiring to play at the next level might want to watch top-ranked Ohio State and No. 24 Penn State play Saturday night.

Two of college football's best middle linebackers, the Buckeyes' James Laurinaitis and the Nittany Lions' Dan Connor, figure to put on a clinic in leading two of the nation's best defenses.

Even Penn State coach Joe Paterno is getting caught up in the hype.

``You will probably see four or five of the best linebackers in the country at the same time,'' Paterno said. ``I don't mean at the same time ... They will be there at one time or another.''

High praise from a man who has coached the likes of Paul Posluszny, Shane Conlan and Jack Ham at Penn State (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten).

Both Laurinaitis and Connor have stellar supporting casts.

Standout junior Sean Lee is waiting in the wings to become Happy Valley's next linebacking headliner. With a team-leading 79 tackles, Lee has played just as well as Connor, while Tyrell Sales, Josh Hull and redshirt freshman Navarro Bowman have been solid in sharing time at the other outside position.

For Ohio State (8-0, 4-0), Marcus Freeman and Larry Grant have been pretty good starting outside for a defense that has allowed just four touchdowns all year. Freeman, a senior, is second on the squad with 6 1/2 tackles for a loss.

They may all be overshadowed by the mighty matchup of middle linebackers. Laurinaitis and Connor are both semifinalists for the Butkus Award, given annually to the nation's top linebacker.

Watching Connor on film reminds Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel of his own star.

``In their defense, philosophically, that's the guy that can go sideline to sideline,'' Tressel said. ``Connor's a great linebacker, like Laurinaitis.''

They've followed somewhat similar paths into the spotlight.

Both saw extensive action as freshmen and spent part of their careers playing next to All-Americans: Connor learned from Posluszny, and Laurinaitis overlapped for a season with standout A.J. Hawk.

Laurinaitis took over at middle linebacker as a sophomore and won the Nagurski Award as the nation's best defensive player. Connor moved to the middle this season after spending most of his collegiate career outside, where last season he was named a second-team All-American.

Both are team captains, considered ``lead-by-example'' guys rather than vocal leaders.

Their resumes include interesting morsels of off-the-field information that stand out to those unfamiliar with their careers.

Laurinaitis grew up in a household that featured a professional wrestler idolized by many of his grade-school buddies. His father, Joe, donned tights and face paint in assuming the persona of Animal as part of the tag team called the Road Warriors, or Legion of Doom.

Connor's tidbit traces back to a stint in Paterno's infamous doghouse in 2005, after the linebacker allegedly made prank phone calls to an unsuspecting retired assistant coach close to JoePa. Connor sat out the first three games before starting the last seven games that season, and Paterno has said Connor has been a model citizen ever since.

Connor is a big reason why the Nittany Lions are second-best in the Big Ten in scoring defense (15 points per game) and rush defense (79.8 yards). Only the Laurinaitis-led Buckeyes are better in conference, leading the nation in scoring (7.9 points) and second against the rush (62.4 yards).

``You'd better get Connor blocked if you want to move the chains,'' Tressel said.

It sounds a lot like how Paterno feels about Laurinaitis and his ability to range sideline-to-sideline to make plays.

``He is a fine football player,'' Paterno said. ``He is very smart, very alert, a very aggressive football player and loves to play and can change directions and do all the things that you like to see in a linebacker.''

If Laurinaitis keeps this up, NFL scouts may be eager to see the junior leave school a year early to join Connor, a senior, in next year's draft.

Connor doesn't view this weekend's game as a competition with his Ohio State counterpart to be the best linebacker or the higher draft pick.

``It's more neat to see a guy like him play,'' he said. ``It's more of a neat experience, of watching good linebacker play.''

SOURCE: NCAAFOOTBALL; PHOTO CREDIT: COLLEGIATE IMAGES

Big-game hype descends on Happy Valley as PSU preps for No. 1 OSU

By GENARO C. ARMAS
AP Sports Writer

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) - Justin King has had a little extra spring in his step this week in practice.

Top-ranked Ohio State is coming to Happy Valley.

``Obviously, everyone says you have to remain the same, that it's just another team,'' the Penn State cornerback said Tuesday. ``But of course, we'll approach it with more intensity, and be ready to play. You only get the No. 1 team so many times.''

King was a 2-year-old the only other time a No. 1 team came to Beaver Stadium, when Notre Dame defeated Penn State, 34-23 on Nov. 18, 1989.

Fans of No. 24 Penn State (6-2, 3-2 Big Ten) are eager to see a different outcome Saturday night.

``Beat Ohio State'' T-shirts have popped up in storefronts. Students anxious for good seats have already set up camp at ``Paternoville,'' the tent city that sprouts up outside Beaver Stadium the week of big games.

Some players are remarking that even 80-year-old coach Joe Paterno has been a little more animated than usual getting ready for Ohio State (8-0, 4-0).

``If you can't get excited about that, then I think maybe you get out of it,'' said Paterno, in his 42nd season as head coach. ``It's a big game for where we're going to go with this football team.''

A win over the Buckeyes and Penn State will likely rocket up the polls and strengthen their credentials for a New Year's Day bowl.

But it's going to be far from easy.

Ohio State boasts the nation's stingiest defense (7.8 points and 208.5 yards per game) and is second against the run (62.3 yards) and pass (146.1 yards).

It has been more than enough support for the offense (34.2 points), which got a career-high 221 yards from tailback Chris Wells in last week's 24-17 win over Michigan State.

No wonder Ohio State has won a school-record 26 straight regular-season games.

Their last defeat? A 17-10 loss to Penn State on Oct. 8, 2005 - the last time the Buckeyes came to Beaver Stadium.

``Anytime you lose to a team, you want to redeem yourself. Penn State and Ohio State the last couple years have developed a little bit of a rivalry,'' Buckeyes cornerback Malcolm Jenkins said. ``This year, there's going to be a lot of hype around the game. It's going to be a very intense environment.''

Complicating matters this time around for Paterno is a growing injury list. Starting fullback Matt Hahn, a solid all-around senior, suffered a season-ending right knee injury last week in the 36-31 win over Indiana and may prove difficult to replace.

Guard Mike Lucian, who has started five games this year, will likely sit out a second straight game after suffering a concussion, Paterno said.

Also, tailback Austin Scott remains suspended after being charged earlier this month with the rape of a fellow student at his on-campus apartment.

On defense, starting defensive tackle Jared Odrick is out for the year after breaking his right ankle during the Indiana game. That injury came a week after backup defensive end Jerome Hayes suffered a season-ending injury to his right knee.

The Nittany Lions, who have an emerging star in defensive end Maurice Evans (10 1/2 sacks), should have the line depth to withstand those setbacks.

``It has been a tough year for us physically, plus a couple of distractions,'' Paterno said.

The solid defense wants to get back to its stingy ways after giving up 31 points to the Hoosiers.

``That was tough to swallow. It wasn't one of our best wins,'' linebacker Dan Connor said. ``But it was a win and gives us a chance to see where we need to improve on in different aspects of the game.''

With big-game hype having already descended on Happy Valley, Paterno will try to keep his team as grounded as possible in practice as they prepare for what is expected to be a raucous atmosphere Saturday night.

``You try to practice the same way, get in a routine,'' said Paterno, whose 369 career wins are just one behind Florida State's Bobby Bowden for most victories among major college coaches.

``It's not really a big deal. I think it is for the fans,'' Paterno said about the evening start, drawing chuckles. ``They tailgate a little longer.''

Source: ncaafootball; Photo Credit: Collegiate Images

CFI: THE HAPPY VALLEY REPORT: "CAN WE TALK ABOUT WISCONSIN?"

BY PAUL ASPAN
PENN ST. INSIDER

Following Penn State’s solid 24-7 win over Iowa, the Nittany Lions were poised to shift their focus to Saturday’s showdown with No. 19 Wisconsin. However, at Coach Joe Paterno’s Tuesday press conference, the upcoming game took a back seat to allegations that Penn State players were involved in a fight over the weekend. After a handful of questions about the alleged fight, Paterno wanted to shift the focus back to the play on the field.

“Can we talk about Wisconsin?” asked the agitated coach.

Apparently, Paterno was agitated a couple days before the press conference as well. Reports of an alleged road rage incident involving the Lions’ head coach may further take away from the focus on the upcoming game.

The swirling allegations could not come at a worse time for Penn State. The next three weeks – Wisconsin, at Indiana, and No. 3 Ohio State - are critical to the Lions’ season. Win out and PSU puts itself in back in contention for a big time bowl game. A loss all but assures the Nittany Lions a place in the middle of a weak Big Ten pack.

If Penn State can put the off-the-field issues in the background, they can build off a solid performance against Iowa. The defense held the Hawkeyes to just eight first downs and 194 yards. Not to be outdone, the offense put together 489 yards of balanced offense. Between the off-field issues and a strong performance last week, Penn State quarterback Anthony Morelli (233 yards, TD) is temporarily off the hot seat. It also helped that red-shirt senior Rodney Kinlaw ran for a career-high 168 yards and two touchdowns in place of suspended running back Austin Scott.

So, “let’s talk about Wisconsin.”

Kinlaw will get the call again this week, as Scott remains suspended for violating an unspecified team rule. Kinlaw will be up against a Wisconsin defense that has struggled against the run, yielding more than 150 yards per game. The Badgers are equal opportunity offenders as they haven’t been good against the pass either, giving up 216 yards per game in the air.

On the other side of the ball, the Lions defense will face a reeling Wisconsin offense. Badgers’ receiver Luke Swan is out for the season with a career threatening hamstring injury. Running back P.J. Hill (125 ypg, 10 TD) is also banged up, suffering a groin injury during last week’s 31-26 loss to Illinois. That leaves a tall order for Wisconsin going up against the nation’s fifth best defense. Depending on Hill’s status, the Badgers will have to rely heavily on quarterback Tyler Donovan who threw for 392 yards and two touchdowns against the Illini.

It’s homecoming weekend in Happy Valley, and Penn State is 35-6 on homecoming under Paterno. However, Wisconsin is PSU’s first ranked opponent and the Badgers have won five of seven against the Lions and two of their last three at Penn State. Which is tougher to overcome: negative off-the-field allegations or injuries? If the Lions can focus on the play between the lines, they should have enough of an advantage to edge the banged-up Badgers.

TEN PRO PROSPECTS FROM THE BIG TEN

BY MICK MILLER
COLLEGE FOOTBALL INSIDERS
BIG TEN WRITER


The Big Ten continues to cultivate, and the National Football League salivates. Some of the top talent and impact players that college football has to offer comes from the Big Ten, which produced 32 players in the 2007 NFL Draft, including two of the top five in Wisconsin left tackles Joe Thomas (#3) and Penn State’s Levi Brown (#5). In all, six went in the first round, with Ted Ginn of Ohio State (#9), Michigan’s Leon Hall (#18), Anthony Spencer of Purdue (#26) and Ginn’s fellow OSU wide out Anthony Gonzalez (#32).

This year’s crop is just as bountiful as these ten players will provide teams at the next level cornerstones to build upon.

1. Jake Long, OT, Michigan – The draft status of both Thomas and Brown gives us an idea into the draft potential of Long. It was Long, not Thomas, who won the conference’s Lineman of the Year award, to go along was First-Team All-Big Ten and a consensus All-American selections. Considering where Thomas and Brown were selected, Long’s potential certainly places him in the top five.

2. Dan Connor, LB, Penn State – Although Buffalo Bill draftee Paul Posluszny got all the print, Connor had the better season from the opening kick. He also was a Bednarik finalist last season and his 113 tackles (including nine for a loss) has placed him 99 tackles behind Posluszny’s newly established school record. Some experts consider him a better linebacker prospect than Posluszny.

3. James Laurinaitis, LB, Ohio State – The Bronco Nagurski Award (nation’s top defensive player) winner had a solid 2006 season and led the Buckeyes with five interceptions from his linebacker spot as he chalked up 115 tackles and four sacks to boot. Said to be not as athletic as former first rounder A.J. Hawk, he will be equally productive in college and at the next level.

4. Justin King, CB, Penn State – How happy is the valley with this Thorpe Award candidate and possibly the first defensive back off the board when he decides to leave for the pros? King has the size (6-0, 186), the speed (4.38) and versatility (Dean’s List in ’05 and Academic All-Big Ten in ’06) to improve on a 2006 when he was selected to the Second Team All-Big Ten. Claiming to be the healthiest he has ever been, coaches are expecting a monumental year.

5. Jack Ikegwuono, CB, Wisconsin – Big (6-1, 199 lbs) and fast, Ikegwuono ran down Arkansas all-world running back Darren McFadden from behind on the opening drive of the Capital One Bowl when it appeared to be a sure touchdown. This play not only displayed the measurables, but showed the type of heart this Badger plays with as well. It fueled the Badgers to a 17-14 win in the bowl game and will carry over into this season. He only had two interceptions, as teams simply threw away from him.

6. Malcolm Jenkins, CB, Ohio State – Another big (6-1, 202 lbs) corner who simply takes half the field away from opposing offenses. With 4.3 speed and solid tackling ability, he has NFL written all over him. He had four interceptions last season, including a 61-yard for a touchdown on one of his picks. Jenkins was First Team All-Big Ten and after a huge sophomore year, the sky is the limit.

7. Vernon Gholston, DE, Ohio State – A Second Team All-Big Ten selection last season, Gholston led the Buckeyes with 8.5 sacks while starting all 13 contests. The 6-4, 260 pound junior runs a sub-4.7 forty and looks to pick up the slack on a defensive line that lost three seniors. Having the benefit of a redshirt freshman year could vault Gholston into the first round in the 2008 NFL Draft.

8. Chad Henne, QB, Michigan – A starter since his freshman year, Henne had a solid 2006 with 2,508 yards, 22 touchdown passes and only eight interceptions. In his three seasons in Ann Arbor, he has thrown for 7,777 yards, 70 touchdown passes, and 28 interceptions. With an intact offense coming back and some shootouts bound to come his way this season, Henne could topple all of the Michigan passing records this season and take his place amongst other NFL Wolverine quarterbacks.

9. Alex Boone, OT, Ohio State – A mountain of a man in the midst of a Buckeye reload could be a top ten pick in the 2008 Draft if he comes on with a strong junior campaign. Considered the best offensive line prospect since Orlando Pace, who himself went number one overall. A poor showing in the National Championship loss to Florida has placed a chip on his shoulder and he is out to prove himself.

10. Mario Manningham, WR, Michigan – Derailed by injury last season, Manningham stepped his summer training regimen by working out with quarterback Chad Henne and the rest of the Wolverine receivers on routes, fundamentals, and overall conditioning. At 6-0 and 181 pounds, Manningham is electric on the outside and opens everything up for the Maize and Blue underneath. A big game performer in the clutch, he is looking to explode this season and take his place amongst the greats at the U of M at the receiver position.

THE CFI TOP 25 COUNTDOWN: #23 PENN ST. NITTANY LIONS

BY DANIEL MOGOLLON
COLLEGE FOOTBALL INSIDERS CO-FOUNDER


2006 RECORD: 9-4; BIG TEN: 5-3
Won Outback Bowl vs. Tennessee 20-10
LOCATION: State College, Pennsylvania
STADIUM: Beaver Stadium (107,282)
HEAD COACH: Joe Paterno
OVERALL: 363-181-3 (41 seasons)
AT PENN ST.: 363-181-3 (41 seasons)

The Nittany Lions roster is stocked with four and five star recruits, including quarterback Anthony Morelli, wide receiver Derrick Williams, linebacker Dan Connor as well as corners Justin King and A.J. Wallace, a quartet of five-star prospects. The question is can they put it together the way their veteran squad did two seasons ago under the leadership of Michael Robinson. You might say the won nine games last season, so how far do they have to go? A closer examination shows they were just 2-4 against Division 1A teams that finished with winning records.

WHEN THE CATS HAVE THE BALL

OFFENSIVE COORDINAROR: Galen Hall (4th Season)
OFFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 7
KEY LOSSES: Tony Hunt, Levi Brown

The player who must step up more than any other is the signal caller Anthony Morelli who has the physical ability, as well as the weapons on the perimeter to lead an explosive aerial attack. He threw for just 11 TDs and completed a mere 53.9 percent of his passes, numbers he will have to vastly improve upon without increasing his interceptions (eight). At receiver, Derrick Williams has boundless potential, but in two seasons in College Station, he has 62 total receptions for 729 yards and two touchdowns, numbers he could surpass this year if he breaks out. Last season, he trailed both Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood, a duo that maximizes their ability. At tailback, Austin Scott is another highly touted recruit who has yet to put it together. With Scott redshirting the 2006 season with an injury, Tony Hunt flourished, which is what PSU needs the shiftier Scott to do. Everyone must rely on a suspect offensive line, which has to replace top ten pick Levi Brown. How much do they need help in the trenches? JoePa reached out to the Junior College level for the first time in over 20 years to seize not one, but two JC offensive lineman. Keep an eye out for sophomore tight end Andrew Quarless, a threat down the field, which can open things up for his receivers.

PRO PROSPECTS: 1) Andrew Quarless (SO), 2) Derrick Williams (JR), 3) Anthony Morelli (SR), 4) Austin Scott (SR), 5) A.Q. Shipley (JR), 6) Matt Hahn (SR)

WHEN THE OTHER TEAM HAS THE BALL

DEFENSIVE COORDINAROR: Dick Bumpas (4th Season)
DEFENSIVE STARTERS RETURNING: 6
KEY LOSSES: Paul Posluszny, Tim Shaw, Jay Alford, Ed Johnson

The back seven can rival almost any around the country. They will not even miss two time Bednarik Award winner Paul Posluszny, as the speedy Dan Connor moves over to the MIKE spot. Connor is 6’3”/230 with more speed and upside than Posluszny making him a sure fire first round draft pick in the 2008 Draft. Playing the role of wingman is Sean Lee, yet another linebacker with size and speed. Linebacker U is at full strength. Their corners could be even better with Justin King returning and A.J. Wallace stepping into the starting lineup. King is as good a lockdown cover man as there is, with true sophomore Wallace cut from a similar cloth. Both are playmakers capable of contributing on special teams and each saw playtime on offense in their freshman seasons. The only potential weakness is along the line of scrimmage where they lose two experienced tackles. Sophomore end Maurice Evans has the ability to be an impact player coming off the edge.

PRO PROSPECTS: 1) Dan Connor (SR), 2) Justin King (JR), 3) A.J. Wallace (SO), 4) Sean Lee (JR), 5) Maurice Evans (SO), 6) Anthony Scirrotto (JR)

THE SCHEDULE

If the Nittany Lions hope to do better than they did last season, they will have to deliver some payback early and often. Week two they play Notre Dame, who beat them up 41-17 last season, two weeks later they travel to Ann Arbor. The last time they beat the Wolverines was back in 1996, as the losing streak is up to eight in a row. They did not lose to Iowa last year, because they did not play, as the Hawkeyes have dropped them in five straight contests. PSU hosts Ohio St. and Wisconsin, two more clubs that defeated them last season, with the Buckeyes having won four of their last five and Wisky three out of four head-to-head.

PIVOTAL POINT

Will that talent pay off in the field? Anthony Morelli, five-star recruit, enters his senior season with 12 career TD passes, after finishing his junior campaign as the ninth rated quarterback in the Big Ten in terms of efficiency. Derrick Williams, five-star recruit, enters his junior season with two touchdown catches in his career, while averaging around 12 yards per reception. Austin Scott, four-star recruit, enters his senior season with 1021 career yards. If PSU is to reach double figures in wins, all three will have to exceed their career numbers this season.

CFI FINAL ANALYSIS

JoePa still knows how to coach and he does well when he has the time to teach, just look at Penn St.’s Bowl record, so if PSU takes off this season after spring ball and fall camp I would not be the least bit surprised. However, until they actually do it on the field they do not deserve a high ranking. The Nittany Lions could do as well as challenge the Wolverines for supremacy or finish up as just a middle of the pack Big Ten team. As much talent as they possess on defense, I am not a Morelli believer and there is no reason a team that has questions on both lines should be ranked any higher.

Check back tomorrow to see who is #22 in CFI’s Top 25 Countdown

CFI’S CONFERENCE PREVIEW PART IV:

THE BIG TEN CONFERENCE
BY DANIEL MOGOLLON
CFI CO-FOUNDER

Conference Champ: Michigan Wolverines vs. Ohio St./Wisconsin: Some may see this as a two horse race, but I cannot count the Buckeyes out, not considering their recent record against Michigan or the fact that they don’t play either Michigan or Wisconsin (who they host) until November, giving their passing game time to develop. The winner of the OSU-Wisconsin contest (Nov. 3) will challenge the Wolverines who close out the season with a trip to Badger country (Nov. 10) before they host the Buckeyes (Nov. 17). OSU is stacked defensively led by James Laurinaitis. Wisconsin returns 16 starters from a team that finished 12-1 in Brett Bielema’s first season as head coach. Michigan is the favorite, with the likes of Chad Henne, Jake Long, Mike Hart and Mario Manningham back on offense.

The Sleeper: Iowa: The Hawkeyes are coming off back-to-back disappointing seasons; nevertheless, you can never sleep on a Kirk Ferentz coached team. They return eight starters on defense, including six of their front seven led by defensive end Kenny Iwebema. On offense, they may have lost Drew Tate, but the quarterback regressed and had injuries after his spectacular sophomore season. Stepping in will be Jake Christianson, who has talent, as well as an improved receiver corps and a solid running game. They have been at their best when slept on.

Offensive Player of the Year: Chad Henne (UM) vs. Mike Hart (UM): The much-maligned Chad Henne enters his senior season with 70 career touchdown passes to 28 picks…not a bad ratio. Last season, he improved his completion percentage to 61.9 percent and his yards per attempt to 7.65 (up from 6.61 in 2005) and the signal caller should be even better in 2007. He has the prototypical left tackle in Jake Long, who is probably the best offensive player in the conference, with receiver Mario Manningham not to far behind himself, however it will be tailback Mike Hart who will provide Henne with the biggest challenge. No one in the country is more reliable than Hart, who rushed for 1562 yards and 14 scores. He may be small but makes up for it with quickness, toughness and sheer desire. One thing is for sure -- it will be a huge upset if someone not wearing Maize and Blue is the Offensive Player of the Year.

Defensive Player of the Year: Vernon Gholston (OSU) vs. Dan Connor (PSU): What no Laurinaitis you may ask? I hate to say it, but the Buckeye backer is slightly over-hyped and may not be the best defender on the OSU defense (Please no hate mail from the “Little Animal” Fan Club). That would be Gholson, their pass rushing defensive end. While Laurinaitis, who is an excellent player, made most of his big plays early on in the season, Gholson continued to improve and I expect him to put up even bigger numbers after recording 8.5 sacks last season. Another linebacker he will have to beat out is Connor out of Linebacker U, who is ready to finally break out of Paul Posluszny’s shadow. Connor, who made 113 tackles last season, brings even more speed than the school’s all-time leading tackler, as he shifts over to the MIKE position, needing 98 tackles to step in as the career leader.

Breakout Seasons: Brandon Graham (UM), Chris Wells (OSU), A.J. Wallace (PSU): Graham did not get many opportunities in a backup roll on the star-studded Wolverines, with five of their front seven moving on to the NFL. This season Coach Ron English expects Graham to put his hand down and make plays in the opponent’s backfield, an ideal replacement for the talented and versatile LaMarr Woodley. Wells also had to wait his turn behind Antonio Pittman, but he gave Buckeye fans (as well as Michigan fans) a sneak peak of what he can do. By the end of the season, the 6’1”/230 pound speedster may be the best back in the country. Playing opposite Justin King, Wallace will be tested early and often and the talented sophomore should be up to the task. He has an opportunity to make a major impact. He is playmaker who contributes on special teams as a return specialist and even dabbled a little on offense last season.

Best Pro Prospect: Chris Wells (OSU): Jake Long could be a franchise left tackle, Chad Henne can make all the throws and Dan Connor is future star linebacker in the NFL, all three could go in the top ten in April, nevertheless I can’t help but go with Chris Wells, the Ohio St. running back. He just looks like he has NFL star written all over him. He is ready in terms of his size and speed and in limited duty, he has already proven that he will live up to, if not exceed the hype.

College Football Insiders Picks:

Conference Champion: Michigan Wolverines: The Maize and Blue are simply too talented to lose to the Buckeyes again (at home), as they have as good a chance as any to run the table. Henne, Long and Hart returned to win it all.

Offensive Player of the Year: Chad Henne (UM): With Jake Long protecting his back side and Mario Manningham leading a talented group of playmakers, Henne will have every opportunity to build on last season and shine.

Defensive Player of the Year: Dan Connor (PSU): It is pretty amazing considering how ballyhooed Paul Posluszny’s career was, twice the Defensive Player of the Year, that Connor is on pace to pass him as PSU’s top tackler.

Check back tomorrow for Part V: The Pac-10