A look at Penn State that doesn't mention Joe Paterno's age, OK maybe a little

There are few college football stories in recent years that are as tired as those questioning JoePa's age. I'm merely mentioning it to say I don't want to talk about if further than this:

Penn State has won 29 games (more than Michigan) the last three years, and were a pass away from playing for a BCS title as recently as 2005.

So what about the '08 Lions? There is an open competition at quarterback and stud recruit Stephfon Green will battle incumbent Evan Royster for the most carries at RB. The receiving corps and offensive line meanwhile are brimming with experience.

On defense, expected team leader and LB Sean Lee is out for the year after injuring himself making a cut in spring practice. This after losing Bednarik Award-winning LB Dan Connor. The secondary should be a huge strength.

Big Ten Network (Ch. 220 on DirectTV) is carrying the Penn State spring game at 11 Eastern tonight. It's also available on the network's Web site. Here's an AP rundown of the game.

The schedule could have been kinder for the Lions. Their first six weeks in the Big 10 PSU goes vs. Illinois, at Purdue, at Wisconsin, vs. Michigan, at Ohio State and at Iowa. That's going to make another 9-win year tough, but if they fall to a lower tier bowl they should dominate their opponent.

Early estimated results: 7-5

Local recruiting note:
Looking to fall 2009, Penn State is one of the schools that have offered Dunbar senior RB Tavon Austin a scholarship. Just a year ago, some local observers were debating whether the 5'9 back could be a D-I recruit, but with offers from programs like West Virginia, Maryland and early chaser B.C., in addition to PSU, I have no doubts. Watch some of these YouTube videos, the kid has moves.

--Nate

Spring games — Hooray!

The Big Ten Network is televising conference schools' spring football games (scrimmages) this week as well as offering them free online. My thoughts from the portion of the Wisconsin game I caught and Badger beat reporters:

QB battles always grab the headlines, and it appears the situation remains unresolved. I was most impressed with Scott Tolzien, who led a nice drive that eventually stalled and resulted in a missed field goal.

The kicking game was inconsistent, as the Badgers search for a replacement for NFL-bound Taylor Mehlhaff. The offense stalled several times in the red zone, including a defensive stop where Lance Smith was stood up on 4th and goal at the 1-yard-line. Ken DeBauche's younger brother, Brad, is replacing him at punter. He got off a nice 45-yarder but also shanked another one.

The running game looked great. Redshirt freshman John Clay, a top-5 RB recruit, racked up nearly 100 yards. Of course he's still behind All-American P.J. Hill as well as Lance Smith and Zach Brown. Hopefully the attack will help all the RBs keep their legs fresh, particularly Hill, who was worse for the ware at the end of his freshman year.

Most of the DL sat out with injuries, although senior DE Matt Shaughnessy's broken leg is not as bad as initially feared.

For those wondering about last year's QB, Tyler Donovan, he signed a CFL contract with Edmonton.

The schedule is favorable for Wisconsin. Ohio State, Illinois and Penn State all come to Madison, where they have lost just one game in four years. They have to go to Ann Arbor, but at least it is in September as the Wolverines adjust to new man Rich Rodriguez running the program. They make a trip to the usually dangerous Fresno State in September, and also have a trip to Iowa sandwiched between the Penn State and Illinois road games. Michigan State also seems to have UW's number; the Spartans host the Badgers on Nov. 1.

Early pre-season estimation: 10-2

--Nate Sandstrom