Mike Mauti injures knee, possible ACL tear

Nothing has been confirmed yet, but it was reported earlier and tweeted today that projected-starting linebacker Mike Mauti injured his knee at practice.

Mauti was expected to start 2009 at outside linebacker, along with MLB Sean Lee and OLB Navorro Bowman.

While it is definitely a blow to Penn State's defense, this is not as catastrophic as it seems. Experienced redshirt sophomore Nate Stupar has played very well, and was a big force on special teams last year. If Stupar doesn't step in, we could see Lee move back to the outside and 2008 starter Josh Hull retain his starting role in the middle.

Stay tuned for more as this situation develops.