2006 Penn State Nittany Lions Football Preview

2006 Penn State Nittany Lions season preview from Maddux Sports. Features an indepth look at the team, some info about the university, and the 2006 Penn State Nittany Lions Football Schedule. When you go to handicap NCAA football in 2006 consider using Maddux's College football spread picks for the added edge over your bookie this year. In addition don't forget to bookmark our free live College odds feed for the upcoming season.

Coach: Joe Paterno (41st year at Penn State)
Team Name: Nittany Lions
2005 Overall Record: 11-1
2005 Big 10 Conference Record 7-1
Returning Starters: 9

Last season marked the return to prominence of both Penn State and their longtime coach Joe Paterno. The team was 11 and 1 and beat Florida State in the third overtime of the Orange Bowl. Now that’s a season.

This year may be a bit tougher with junior Anthony Morelli starting for the first time at quarterback. Morelli cannot scamper, so the Lions will have to rely on his powerful arm to do the trick.

Tailback Tony Hunt gained 1,000-plus yards last season. He’s also adept at catching passes, while wideouts Derrick Williams and Deon Butler are first rate.

The offense line lacks experience and that could be a problem for Morelli and Hunt.

Linebacker Paul Posluszny (116 tackles) is back for what should be his final stellar year. He teams with backers Tim Shaw and Dan Connor. All have a mountain of experience and talent.

However, behind and in front of the linebackers, there’s a wealth of new players with a lot to learn. Things may get dicey for this “D” that allowed only 17 PPG last season.

This year will involve rebuilding with a look towards next season. In 2007 this team should be ready for another prominent bowl appearance. If they can beat Purdue and Wisconsin on the road and Michigan State at home, the Nittany Lions could be 9 -3 in 2006.

Penn State Football Schedule

Date	Opponent	Home/Road
Sep 2	Akron	Home
Sep 9	Notre Dame	Road
Sep 16	Youngstown State	Home
Sep 23	Ohio State	Road
Sep 30	Northwestern	Home
Oct 7	Minnesota	Road
Oct 14	Michigan	Home
Oct 21	Illinois	Home
Oct 28	Purdue	Road
Nov 4	Wisconsin	Road
Nov 11	Temple	Home
Nov 18	Michigan State	Home

 

For more info on this years 06 Penn State football team visit the Nittany Lions official athletic site, or read up on their competition via all of the big 10 team previews below.