Spilling some Steele beans

Phil Steele's College Football Preview won't be on newsstands until Jun 9 (officially), but we have some fantastic information for Nittany Lions fans. Apparently, Steele likes Penn State this year. In fact, he really likes the Lions. Here's a few tidbits to get your blood pumping:

• Of his top Surprise Teams for 2009, Penn State is No. 1!

• Phil's Top 25 has Penn State starting the year at No. 5!

• Ohio State is the next Big Ten team in the Top 25, at No. 10.

• Illinois is also on the Surprise Teams list, at No. 5.

As you could have guessed, Penn State's easy schedule is the main reasoning for such high expectations. Also, the return of Daryll Clark and Evan Royster play a big role.

If any of you out there have more information, please share it with us by posting a comment! Have a great weekend.