Last year was hugely disappointing in Happy Valley as the Nittany Lions sputtered to a 7-6 finish. It marked the first time since 2004 they hadn't won at least nine games and the first time since 1987 they recorded four losses of 20 points or more. Uncertainty at QB was a big issue last year and there’s still not a clear-cut starter in 2011 between Rob Bolden and Matt McGloin. Last year Bolden became the first true freshman to start at quarterback under Paterno. He played the first seven games until suffering a concussion. That set the stage for McGloin. Three returning offensive linemen, including both tackles, will help give whichever QB time and pave the way for Silas Redd and Stephfon Green in the running game. Derek Moye might be the top returning receiver in the Big Ten after catching 53 passes for 885 yards and eight touchdowns in 2010.

The defense brings back seven starters. Four regulars return in the secondary, three of whom — safeties Drew Astorino and Nick Sukay and cornerback D’Anton Lynn — are seniors. Starting ends Jack Crawford and Eric Latimore (6-6, 278) played in only 10 and six games, respectively, because of nagging injuries but are healthy now. Junior Michael Mauti should anchor the linebacking group if he can stay healthy as he played in slightly more than nine full games last season because of ankle and shoulder injuries.

Penn State opens the season Sept. 3 vs. Indiana State. The Nittany Lions’ over/under win total at Bodog is 8.

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