Preview, Game 1: No. 22 Penn State vs. Coastal Carolina

Before I start, you should know that I've tried harder this season to boil down my previews to real meat-and-potatoes football analysis. I felt last season's previews were too long-winded. This year, I'm going for bing-bang-boom insight, which I hope makes things more enjoyable for everyone. With that, I give you the first game preview of the 2008 Penn State football season... Let's Go, State!

Kickoff: Sat., Sept. 30. 12 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network

Weather Forecast: Chance of AM Rain; Warm.

Host: No. 22 Penn State Nittany Lions
Record: (2007) 9-4 (4-4, Big Ten)
Last Game: Won Alamo Bowl 24-17 vs. Texas A&M

Injuries: LB Sean Lee (ACL - out season), DE Devon Still (ankle - out season), S Nick Sukay (foot - out season)
Key Players: (offense) RB Evan Royster, QBs Daryll Clark/Pat Devlin; (defense) S Anthony Scirrotto, DE Maurice Evans
Head Coach: Joe Paterno, 43rd season, 372-125-3
Season Statistics: (2007)
Offense - 193.8 rush/206.3 pass/30.3 points per game
Defense - 93.8 rush/214.5 pass/17.5 points per game
TO Margin - +0.15

Why PSU will win -- The rushing game: Penn State is in better shape here than most think. And the funny thing is, it's not even because the backs are fantastic. The Penn State offensive line will completely dominate the Coastal Carolina defensive front, opening big holes the whole game. On top of that, PSU's conversion back to the 2005 spread-style offense should make up for any cohesion the offense may need to build during the first few games. PSU has few faults on offense, but those few will be covered up nicely by the spread attack. Passing efficiency: The PSU quarterbacks won't light up the board, and none of us expect them to. What the PSU coaches, fans and media expect to see are signal callers managing the game, reducing turnovers, and occasionally launching a long bomb, but only when it's sure to work. Watch for a lot of catch-and-run against CCU. This PSU offense will control the ball, keeping it away from CCU, making the defense look really good.

Visitor: Coastal Carolina Chanticleers (I-AA/FCS)
Record: (2007) 5-6 (3-1, Big South)
Last Game: Won @ Charleston Southern, 41-2
Injuries: Tyler Campbell (ankle - questionable), Jamie Childers (illness - doubtful), Leon Goodwin (shoulder - doubtful) and D.J. McNeill (ankle - doubtful), Marlon Campbell (knee - out), Andre Ford (knee - out) Tommy Fraser (hamstring - out), Myron Rogers (knee - out, Dominique Whiteside (foot - out)
Key Players: (offense) QBs Willy Richardson/Zach MacDowall, K Justin Durham; (defense) DE Phillip Oboh, S Dominique Davenport
Head Coach: David Bennett, 6th season @ CCU, 39-17 (13th season coaching, 102-34 overall)
Season Statistics: (2007)
Offense - 207.0 rush/156.3 pass/28.7 points per game
Defense - 218.9 rush/141.4 pass/26.1 points per game
TO Margin - +1.36

Why CCU will win -- Turnovers: Penn State won't lose this game, but CCU could keep it scary for at least a half. Forcing either of the PSU quarterbacks to throw a pick or two could thrust a wrench into the game plan in a hurry. Penn State wants to sub-out its starters by halftime, and if CCU can keep things in doubt as the teams are heading into the locker rooms, it should be considered an accomplishment. Converting 3rd downs: Coastal Carolina has to keep the clock moving, and PSU's offense off the field. CCU won't be able to hang with PSU in a shootout, but the longer CCU has the ball, the better. And if CCU can move the ball, it will take out an already apathetic PSU crowd.

What will happen: Coastal Carolina isn't Appalachian State, and Penn State isn't an overrated Michigan team. PSU will roll early, and the stadium will empty by mid-third quarter. The rain will dampen any festive mood in the crowd, but the Lion faithful will leave happy.

Prediction: No. 22 Penn State, 45 - Coastal Carolina, 3