Happy college football season!

Drew Balis

(7-5, 4-4 Big Ten)

Penn State 24 Ohio 13

When you head into a season, you want as many sure things and as few question marks as possible. There are not many guarantees on this roster right now. The defensive front seven should be strong , but there’s some red flags with a thin secondary and four new starters on the offensive line. I think Penn State could win anywhere between four and ten games. I’ve settled on seven.

Having no idea what to expect tomorrow should help the Nittany Lions. Just like everyone else, Ohio head coach Frank Solich and defensive coordinator Jimmy Burrow have no game film on Bill O’Brien’s Penn State offense. The Bobcats will get off to a decent start and may have a lead early on, but a few big plays on offense combined with a turnover forced by one of Penn State’s linebackers will help the Nittany Lions seal the game midway through the fourth quarter. Look out for Allen Robinson. Matt McGloin will want to get his number one receiver involved early on.

Matt Westlake

(8-4, 4-4 Big Ten)

Penn State 35 Ohio 28

Coming off possibly the worst off-season in college football history, Penn State will be nothing short of ferocious. Being the first game of the year, there will be some mistakes, but they will ultimately pull it out. Be sure to look out for Paul Jones (who?) Paul Jones to make some moves this year.

Kyle Lucas

(9-3, 5-3 Big Ten)

Penn State 31 Ohio 14

Penn State is coming off an offseason that seemed like it may never end. Tired of hitting each other and with emotions running high, the Ohio Bobcats will be the Lions’ first victim of the season. Playing against potentially one of the best defenses in the Big Ten will prove too much for Tyler Tettleton and the Bobcat offense. A player to look out for is redshirt senior receiver Evan Lewis. Lewis is listed as a co-starter at the slot receiver with redshirt sophomore Alex Kenney. Also, watch for Gerald Hodges to line up in some disguised packages and make big plays.

Sam Cooper

Penn State 24 Ohio 20

(7-5, 4-4 Big Ten)

Emotions will be running high in Happy Valley on Saturday– both in the stands and on the field. It will take a quarter or so for the Lions to settle into the game, and I think the Bobcats will take advantage of that and take an early lead. The Lions will battle back in the second half and ultimately put up the winning score midway through the 4th quarter. The defense will hold from there and the Lions will hold the lead, winning 24-20.

A player to watch: Adrian Amos. Amos is sure to be all over the field for the Nittany Lions– both returning kicks and making plays in the secondary.

 Mike Misciagno

(8-4, 4-4 Big Ten)

Penn State 31 Ohio 17

We all know what this team and university have been through these past 10 months. They are out show that this is still a team to be reckoned with and will not be dragged through the mud anymore. Being that the last “real” game O’Brien coached was the Super Bowl, there will definitely be some miscues in the first and second quarters, but they will end the half on a good note and have the lead. The defense will be the story of the first half and cause a few turnovers off Bobcat quarterback Tyler Tettleton. The offense will hit their strides in the second half and will put a charge through this campus like no other.

Player to watch- Garry Gilliam. Who did Tom Brady love….his tight ends. McGloin will do the same with Garry Gilliam who will pull in at least one touchdown.

Kevin Horne

(6-6, 3-5 Big Ten)

Penn State 27 Ohio 17

This year’s team should be reminiscent of last year’s in many ways — a stagnant offense with a nationally ranked defense. Although, the disparity is probably a little greater, adding Bill O’Brien as a competent playcaller should offset some of the scoring production loss from Silas Redd’s departure and an inexperienced receiving core. Look for Bill Belton to get a lot of carries and make plays as McGloin struggles to hit his inexperienced receivers. In many ways, this season is hard to predict, because it’s not yet known what the new coaching staff has up their sleeves. I could see Penn State losing as many as 8 games, and as few as 3, but 6 is a reasonable estimate for what is sure to be an emotionally charged season.

Eric Greene

(9-3, 5-3 Big Ten)

Penn State 28 Ohio 17

This isn’t the typical opening day for Penn State. On the field, we have a whole new training philosophy and redesigned offense. Off the field, we all know that story, but it’s different for these players. They’re fired up and ready to go more than ever. They are being punished for something they didn’t do and have to show the world who they are and why they stayed. That intensity will carry them through the first three games, and by then the players will be used to the new scheme which, combined with the high level of athleticism, will win them a few key games and keep us competitive against our toughest opponents.

Expect some key mistakes this week as the offense gets used to not running a belly on third and long, but the defense will remain solid and prevent Tettleton from having a big day.

Keep your eyes on Donovan Smith. He’s learned from the older guys and will be key to keeping QB’s healthy for the tough schedule near the end of the season. He will also be essential to give M&M time to say “FUCK IT! GOING DEEP.”

Ryan Beckler

(8-4, 4-4 Big Ten)

Penn State 27 Ohio 17

This team might be one of the most unified squads in recent sports history, but will that translate into victories? Well, that’s hard to tell. Penn State can win anywhere from 5 to 10 games and the win total will certainly be dictated by the offense. There will be growing pains, particularly at WR, but it will be key for Bill O’Brien to have his offense rolling into October. If not, Penn State may self-destruct and finish under .500. With that said, expect O’Brien to get the most out of the talent he has on the roster. If McGloin and Belton get on an early roll, watch out, the Nittany Lions could become America’s darling this fall.

Both teams will score on their opening drives, but then look for Mike Mauti and co. to settle into the game. McGloin throws for 200 yards and 2 TDs. Keep your eyes on Senior DE Sean Stanley. He made some plays towards the end of last year and is a solid rusher off the edge. Don’t be surprised if Stanley’s in the backfield often tomorrow.

There’s only one thing left to say: #buckleup, folks. It’s going to be a wild ride.