Focus is now on team, not Paterno

Joe Paterno had gone three months without speaking to the media because of a stubborn illness, so the questions to Penn State's 83-year-old head coach came quickly at the Big Ten football media day earlier this week.

How do you feel? What do you think of the conference adding Nebraska as a member? What's your thought on reaching 400 career wins? How long do you want to continue to coach? Will you have a say as to your successor?

Or as the anchor of the Big Ten Network's four-plus hours of coverage lamented following Paterno's news conference, "There wasn't one question asking him about his football team."

Yeah, we know, bummer, but that's what happens when an iconic, quotable coach is out of the public eye for a sustained period of time.

However, with the attention turning to the Nittany Lions as they start their preseason camp Thursday, Paterno now will face questions about his team. He probably can't wait to field queries other than "How are you feeling?" and "What do you think about closing in on 400 career victories?"

Here are five big questions entering the preseason:

After setting a number of school records and going 22-4 as a starter, Daryll Clark has ventured north of the border to Calgary to begin his pro career. The quarterbacks he left behind have precious little experience overall, and virtually none in a pressure situation.

The "veterans" are true sophomore Kevin Newsome and redshirt sophomore Matt McGloin. The freshmen are Paul Jones and Robert Bolden. Jones may have an advantage since he enrolled last January and participated in spring drills, and did pass for two touchdowns in the Blue-White game.

But neither Jones nor Bolden figure to see anything more than mop-up duty this season, which makes it a two-man battle in camp. The winner will have to navigate the Lions through some turbulent waters, given their tough road schedule. Good luck.

Mauti had been penciled in last season to challenge Josh Hull at middle linebacker before he tore the ACL in his right knee one year ago. Hull went on to have an outstanding season that saw him drafted by the St. Louis Rams.

Mauti, a 6-foot-2, 229-pound sophomore, has been cleared for full contact. He is listed as the No. 2 outside linebacker on the preseason depth chart, and the Lions coaches probably will work him in slowly.

But he shouldn't be on the sidelines much if he can regain the form that saw him play in every game as a true freshman in 2008.

The Nittany Lions saw their kicking game let them down at key moments in both of their losses last season. There was the blocked punt that was returned for a touchdown against Iowa, and a long punt return by Ohio State that got the Buckeyes in gear.

During the 2009 season, Paterno admitted that he had redshirted a few players who could have helped Penn State's coverage teams, and he may be more inclined to let some speedier young players solidify the units this year. Plus, the Lions have to come up with a replacement for punter Josh Boone.

The chips didn't fall very favorably as far as the Lions' schedule is concerned. Their two toughest Big Ten games - Iowa and Ohio State - are on the road, and then there's the Sept. 11 test against defending national champion Alabama, also on the road.

The game at Tuscaloosa has all the makings of a horror show, especially with a quarterback who presumably will be making just his second collegiate start. But Paterno thinks the game will be a good one for his team.

"I think it would be a good experience," he said at Big Ten media day. "We'll be a better football team for it."

All-American Stefen Wisniewski is back at guard after spending last season at center, and two other linemen are at different positions from last year. But the line must jell almost immediately because of the inexperience at quarterback.

One wouldn't think the Nittany Lions are going to throw the ball all over the lot because of their youth at quarterback, nor would the opposition. So the line will be called upon to open up the holes for Evan Royster and the rest of the running backs.

It may not be an easy task, but it's all Penn State might have in the early going.

Here is a quick look at the Nittany Lions' schedule for 2010.

Sept. 4 – Youngstown State (Big Ten Network), noon.

The FCS wheel lands on Jim Tressel's former team.

Sept. 11 – at Alabama (ESPN), 7 p.m.

If neither sophomore quarterback is ready, blindfolds may be in order.

Sept. 18 – Kent State (ESPN or ESPN2), noon.

What would a non-conference season be without a MAC opponent?

Sept. 25 – Temple (TBA), TBA.

No White House here, given Temple's three wins in 39 previous games vs. Lions.

Oct. 2 – at Iowa (6ABC, ESPN or ESPN2), 8 p.m.

Tough place to try to extract revenge for last year.

Oct. 9 – Illinois (BTN, 6ABC, ESPN or ESPN2), noon.

Game features the Big Ten's two most inexperienced QBs.

Oct. 23 – at Minnesota (TBA), TBA.

Gophers want to establish their relatively new stadium as a tough place to play.

Oct. 30 – Michigan (6ABC, ESPN or ESPN2), 8 p.m.

Nothing would get fans off Rich Rodriguez's back quicker than a win in Happy Valley.

Nov. 6 – Northwestern (TBA), TBA.

Wildcats QB Dan Persa, from Bethlehem, attempts to impress friends and family.

Nov. 13 – at Ohio State (TBA), TBA.

Terrelle Pryor can enhance his Heisman resume.

Nov. 20 – Indiana at Landover, Md. (TBA), TBA.

Nittany Nation will put Redskins fans to shame.

Nov. 27 – Michigan State (TBA), TBA.

Ridiculously early projection: Winner goes to Gator Bowl.

-Joe Juliano
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