Youngstown State

The first game of the season is around the corner, along with the excitement of the new season comes a lot of uncertainty. No one ever knows what to expect, everyone has their rave reviews, but there is always that excitement to see what the team looks like on that first Saturday of college football. There are two glorious things about the first game this year, we get a first look at the team's final depth chart and we get to do it against the likes of Youngstown State.

No disrespect to Youngstown State, but the fact of the matter is that we all know, as well as you all know that this game is a give me game. It's a great payout for the program as they cash in on a visit to Happy Valley, their kids get to play in a big time stadium, and they get to see how the measure up to a division I program. That's about as far as it goes for previewing the threat that we face against Youngstown State. Thank you for being our warm up for the season.

The truth though is that this is going to be one of the most exciting season openers we have had in recent years. There was so much competition in the offseason at a variety of positions, that this is going to be a competitive game throughout. For some players, it is a continuation of an audition for a starting spot for the upcoming season. Players are going to be fighting for spots all the way til the final bell this Saturday.

Yes, the first week depth chart was revealed this week, but if you take a close look we have three players listed at the starting QB position. This means one thing, that the first team offense will be playing the entire game this Saturday. We, as Nittany Nation, are going to get an in depth look at what each player has to offer for the upcoming season. We are actually going to be using the first game to build off of, rather than just taking care of business as usual and coasting till the final whistle.

For this Saturday, I would definitely keep a close eye on the QB race. What I would be looking for is not just the performance of the QBs throughout the game, but how we use each one. What does the play-calling look like for each guy, how does the rest of the team play under that guy, and what does the chemistry look like. My suspicions are that Newsome will be starting, with Bolden coming in to spell him at times. I would look for these guys to get the most repetitions. My reasoning behind this, the obvious, they each give us an edge that McGloin does not. They possess raw tools and potential that McGloin does not, and especially Newsome, he has an X factor in his ability to hit a home run at any given moment.

As for the rest of the offense, the only thing that I would keep an eye on would be the battle between Pannell and Troutman at left guard. Look for a nasty streak to develop from both of these players as they try to position themselves for a start in week 2 against Bama. Another thing I would be on the lookout for would be the chemistry of the wide receivers and the QBs. Lets see how this veteran group adjusts and builds confidence in our young QBs. Possible breakout players for this season in this group would include Shawney Kersey, and my personal favorite, Justin Brown. Look for Brown to come in and wreak havoc all over unsuspecting secondaries all season long, freeing Derek Moye to stretch the field vertically, and open up the underneath routes for Zug. Brown's coming out party will be key for this wide receiving corps.

Now for the defensive side of the ball, for once, I have absolutely no worries. We have a bunch of no names, excluding Astorino in the secondary, and Ogbu on the d-line, but I have never been so excited for a group of guys. This is possibly going to be the most athletic and exciting defense we have had in recent years. Especially with guys playing to make a name for themselves this year, it will be an absolute delight to watch.

To keep the breakdown simple, the defensive line has never been as big, fast, athletic, and deep as it is this year. The smallest guy at any DT position is listed at 300 pounds this year, and he's the most experienced in Ollie Ogbu. As for our starting ends, they top out at no less than 270 pounds, and are far more explosive across the board. Look for these guys to be in the backfield all day and opening up holes for all the Linebackers this Saturday.

As for the linebackers, I do not even need to go into any details. We have 6 starters and go about 7 to 8 players deep. No wonder they call us "Linebacker U"! Look for all of these guys to be all over the field, and look for Gerald Hodges to make a name for himself quick, as his playing style and explosion will make him a fan favorite from the get go. As for the secondary, this is the most consistent secondary we have had all around in the past 10 years. Consistent in size, physicality, speed, and ability. With one exception, Stephon Morris is listed at 5'8", but his physical style, speed, and athleticism makes up for what he lacks in height. One surprise though on the depth chart this week, is Chaz Powell listed at the starting CB ahead of Morris on the opposite side of D'Anton Lynn. This will be an interesting position to watch as both are starting caliber quarterbacks, however, Morris is more versatile as he matches up greater with guys in the slot.

Other than that, just enjoy the game this Saturday, and try not to give up on our guys too early if they make some mistakes. If adjustments need to be made, I'd rather see those mistakes against YSU than against Alabama. It'll be a great opportunity to make an assessment of our team, as well as enjoy one of the last winding Saturdays of the Summer.

Predictions:
- Look for Newsome and Bolden to further separate themselves as the top two candidates for the QBs for our team. (Possibly, make a case for a two QB system for the upcoming season)
- Look for a balanced attack on offense, as the coaches try to build come confidence in these young QBs.
- Look for Royster to get his fair share of touches, but what will be most intriguing will be the use of Dukes in goal line situations.
- Freshman to keep an eye on: Silas Redd in mop up duty as he makes a case for early playing time, Mike Hull and Khairi Fortt as they shore up special teams play, and Daquan Jones and Hailes working their way in on the defensive front.
- Gary Gilliam catches a touchdown pass and works the middle of the field.
- Lynn grabs an interception.
- Hodges hitting the gaps faster than the other linebackers.
- Better special teams play than last year.

WE ARE!!!!!!!!