Tuesday Linkage is not freaking out about Mauti

Every Penn State fan cringed when news broke of Mike Mauti's ACL tear. But would I call it a "severe" hit to Penn State's linebacker situation just 19 days from the opener? Not at all.

The Nittany Lions have two legitimate first team All-America candidates returning. Most of the second string guys would start for 90 percent of all other FBS teams. One of the backups started all 13 games in 2008, and another has starting experience.

Bob Flounders headlined his article on Mauti as "Mike Mauti's knee injury severe hit to Penn State's linebacker depth." But is it really?

This puts Penn State in a frustrating situation, having to find another starter three weeks from the season. But this problem doesn't even compare to Sean Lee's ACL tear last summer.

Mauti has a redshirt year to use. The backups are better than most teams' starters. And Lee and Navorro Bowman are the other two starters. So, it's time to just chill out.

• David Jones is worried about "lookout blocks" this season. I hate to admit that I'm fearing the same. Walt Moody, too.

• Vinny Pezzimenti reminds us (not that we needed it) that Evan Royster is good. So are the linebackers.

• More on ESPN's top villains list.

• Syracuse QB Greg Paulus was named starter for 2009. While it won't make a bit of difference whether or not Penn State wins, it could make things more interesting.

• Syracuse announced it will play Notre Dame and USC at the new Meadowlands stadium.

• Akron held their first scrimmage last weekend.

• Dave Curtis still doesn't know what he's talking about.