I really think the Defense will be better this year ....

[dawgduice]

The secondary will be deeper and quicker, the LBs will be deeper (concerned about he loss of Hull), BUT I believe the D-lin will be better than last year. My concern with the loss of Hull is less about his physical ability but more about his "instincts" and understanding, he was rarely "out of position". AND I am happy to see Franklin going after some JC DTs in the event that Johnson leaves (if the D as good as I expect he will be gone).

 

[TEXLION]

I think it will depend on the development of the D-line. A good D line can make the LBs look good. If the D ends are as good as we've heard, then it should be a good unit. CBs and Safeties are looking good too, so I think the D can be as good, if not better than last year too.

 

[bdgan]

The secondary will be deeper and quicker, the LBs will be deeper (concerned about he loss of Hull), BUT I believe the D-lin will be better than last year. My concern with the loss of Hull is less about his physical ability but more about his "instincts" and understanding, he was rarely "out of position". AND I am happy to see Franklin going after some JC DTs in the event that Johnson leaves (if the D as good as I expect he will be gone).

I agree that the secondary should be better. We lose one impact player but we have lots of young talent to step up. The DTs should improve too. The problem is at LB and DE. Hull was our best player and will be sorely missed. Guys like Cabinda and Kline should give us better depth but I don't see anybody as good as Hull. We will be starting over at DE so that will likely be our weakest position.

Overall I think the defense will be slightly worse but not by much. Last year's defense was excellent but the ran out of gas late in a few games. Added depth might help in that category.

 

[Louisville JD]

The D line will be dominant lead by 2 future NFL DTs that will make it difficult to run on the inside vs. state. Secondary and LBers deeper with more talent. Shoop and D coaches top notch so the development will be very good into the BIG season. Get excited b/c this will be a fun year. Oh btw, the potential #1 QB in the draft (1st since Collins in 94) will be directing a much better offense too!

 

[dawgduice]

The D line will be dominant lead by 2 future NFL DTs that will make it difficult to run on the inside vs. state. Secondary and LBers deeper with more talent. Shoop and D coaches top notch so the development will be very good into the BIG season. Get excited b/c this will be a fun year. Oh btw, the potential #1 QB in the draft (1st since Collins in 94) will be directing a much better offense too!

I totally agree and it is why I think we "can/should" go 10-2. A lot of that is because of an easy schedule. The two losses come from the only two good teams we play. It's also based on the fact that 4 of the Big 10 teams we play will have first year QBs.

 

[Ian]

Forever the eternal optimist.... Only tO$U is a better team on the schedule. MSU has some holes. PSU's season all comes down to the OL. Doesn't get any simpler than that. All the other pieces are there including a great schedule, exciting skilled players and a more athletic defense that very few will be able to run on. 10-2, 9-3 is expected!

 

[Hoophead]

Michigan State's front 7 is ridiculous this year. If your OL is still questionable, I don't see how you think you are going to beat Michigan State. Last year was not even close and MSU's front 7 is noticeable better this year.

In the interest of full disclosure, I am a Spartan alum and fan, but I lived for PA for 15 years recently and PSU is my second favorite team in college football.

Hoop

 

[Pitt is #1]

I'm not trying to be a smart azz...but I wouldn't call your schedule great. There are not many OC teams anyone is excited to see.

 

[dawgduice]

I'm not trying to be a smart azz...but I wouldn't call your schedule great. There are not many OC teams anyone is excited to see.

He meant a "great" schedule it terms of not too many "good" teams. In short, and easy schedule. BUT, given the growth pains the team is going through "easy" is what they need to get experience and gain confidence. It is ALL about the OL.

 

[Pitt is #1]

I agree. I think if PSU is able to run the ball this year you have a very good chance of going 10-2 or better. Zettel and the Defense should keep you in every game. Running the ball takes a lot of pressure off Hack.