On September 26th, Iowa travels to Penn State for a rematch of the best Big Ten game of 2008. Penn State is coming off an 11-2 season that resulted in a Rose Bowl birth. With a favorable schedule (8 home games including Iowa and Ohio State), the Nittany Lions certainly have a chance at repeating last year’s success.
Offense: Key Returning Players
Only 5 starters return on offense. QB Daryll Clark had a breakout year in 2008 passing for 2592 yards and 19 touchdowns. Clark will be the key to Penn State’s offense in 2009. Also returning is RB Evan Royster, who rushed for 1236 yards last year averaging 6.5 yards per carry.
Offense: Key Losses
The whole starting wide receiver corps is gone including standout Derrick Williams who was utilized in many different ways in the Nittany Lion’s offense. Also gone from the group is Deon Butler, who had a team leading 47 receptions, and Jordan Norwood. Three First Team All-Big Ten offensive linemen, OG Rich Ohrnberger, OT Gerald Cadogan, and C A.Q. Shipley, will also not be returning.
Defense: Key Returning Players
The defense has even less coming back with only 4 returning starters. On the line, DT Jared Odrick returns after a season with 4.5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss. Also returning is LB Navorro Bowman. Bowman led the defense in 2008 with 106 tackles (16.5 for loss) that earned him a consensus First Team All-Big Ten. UPDATE: Bowman has been put on probation for a year. It will be interesting to see his status with the team.
Defense: Key Losses
Much like the receivers on offense, the defense loses its entire secondary. Gone from the secondary is S Anthony Scirrotto who had a very productive career at Penn State. Also leaving is CB Lydell Sargeant, who led the team with 4 interceptions. The defense line also takes a big hit with Aaron Maybin leaving. Maybin had 20 tackles for loss and 12 sacks in 2008 and was a First Team All-American.
No spring prospectus for Penn State, but here is their website: Penn State Football.