Picking apart a Big Ten spring preview

◊ We're nearing the Ides of March, which means spring football is on its way.

Today, CFN released its Big Ten spring preview. As expected, Penn State should be one of the top two favorites to win the Big Ten title, again.

The writer, Pete Fiutak, knows as we do, that Penn State runs in cycles.

"Penn State usually needs a year or two to build up the program for a huge run, and last year was that big season. However, the Big Ten is average and is there for the taking."

This is true, when looking back on Penn State football under Joe Paterno. But Penn State is slowly morphing back into the beast it was in the first three decades of the Paterno administration. Town time between title runs was shorter, usually lasting only one year. A two-season rebuilding cycle was a disappointment.

What does Fiu think could be the biggest difference for Penn State this year?

"Sean Lee is back … soon. Penn State might suffer some major losses on defense, losing Aaron Maybin, Maurice Evans, Josh Gaines, Tyrell Sales, and the entire secondary, but it gets back, arguably, the best linebacker in college football."

...and not a minute too soon. Lee will still sit out this spring, but that's only because he doesn't need the work. The staff would much rather be 100 percent sure his ACL is healed, so he can go all out during the regular season. Last year's linebackers were very good, but this year is lining up to be a killer campaign.

Then there's what we used to think was the apocalypse: Pat Devlin transferred. It's not so scary anymore, with Kevin Newsome already working out with the team. Some have even said he's a better quarterback now than Daryll Clark was in 2007. But there is still worry surrounding the quarterback situation, and it doesn't have anything to do with the players. Rather, that the staff will keep the offense under wraps, to protect Clark from getting hurt, with no proven backup.

"Devlin bailed, transferring to Delaware, meaning that Newsome has to prove he can handle the work this April. If he can’t, the offense might have to be more conservative to keep Clark from getting popped."

As for the schedule, and season goals, there's no reason for Penn State to fall back into mediocrity. In a projected down year in the Big Ten, this could be a great opportunity for Penn State to pad its recent success by feasting on a wounded conference. That's not to say it will be a cake walk. There's always the annual "Slugfest":

"Penn State will be favored in every game until the early November game against Ohio State, which will be a toss up. The fly in the ointment could be the regular season-ender at Michigan State, but if Penn State wants to win a title, that’s a game it needs to come up with."

I'll admit, I'm very much scared by that trip to East Lansing. Mark D'Antonio didn't like how Penn State kept pouring it on in last year's blowout (even though Michigan State should have just tackled better), and you can bet he'll have his team ready to spring a trap. Even worse, if Michigan State doesn't do well next season, and comes into the finale with nothing to lose, Penn State better watch out.

Some other mentions of Penn State in other team capsules:

Iowa's spring attitude going forward is all about... Penn State?

"September 26... Whether or not the Hawkeyes can get to the Rose Bowl might be figured out on September in the Big Ten opener … in Happy Valley... the team needs to get ready for the revenge game against Penn State first. Iowa likely can’t win the title without coming away with the win, so everything about spring ball, and the opening three games... has to be about preparing for the Nittany Lions."

The conference's newest annual headliner... Ohio State vs. Penn State?

"Outside of a road trip to Penn State in early November, Ohio State will be the favorite in every other game, so if it can pull off the win over the Trojans, a 9-0 start is almost a lock before dealing with the Nittany Lions."

Illinois: Home for the holidays, or BCS title game... you're pick.
Indiana: The most optimistic team ever coming off a 3-9 season.
Iowa: Could turn into Penn State, ca. 2003.
Michigan: Could turn into Penn State, ca. 2004.
Michigan State: A transition year, but should remain competitive.
Minnesota: Can't play well for just most of the season.
Northwestern: Could be better long-term than it was under Randy Walker.
Ohio State: Give Terrelle Pryor more time to throw, period.
Purdue: Not yet, Boilers fans. But Hope is building. (pun totally intended)
Wisconsin: Tons of losses from a mediocre team isn't all bad.

CFN: Big Ten spring preview (link)