Preview: Akron at No. 8 Penn State

Kickoff/TV: Sat., Sept. 5, 12 p.m. ET/Big Ten Network
Weather Forecast: Warm, Sunny.

Host: Penn State Nittany Lions
Record: 0-0 (0-0 Big Ten)
Last Game: Lost 2009 Rose Bowl vs. USC, 38-24
Injuries: LB Mike Mauti (ACL - Out Ssn), CB AJ Wallace (Susp - Probable), DT Brandon Ware (Ankle - Out), DB Jacob Fagnano (Ankle - Out), DE Pete Massaro (ACL - Out Ssn)
Key Players: (offense) QB Daryll Clark, RB Evan Royster; (defense) DL Jared Odrick, LB Sean Lee, LB Navorro Bowman
Head Coach: Joe Paterno, 44th season at Penn State, 383-127-3; 23-11 bowl record
Season Statistics: (2008)
Offense - 205.8 rush/243.1 pass/38.9 points per game
Defense - 93.2 rush/186.8 pass/14.4 points per game
TO Margin - (+7)

Penn State, on paper -- No team in the Big Ten has more star power returning, or more star power gone from 2008 than Penn State. The core of the offense will be the backfield, with Daryll Clark and Evan Royster one of the best sets of skill players in the nation. On defense, Linebacker U will live up to its reputation once again, with All-America candidates Sean Lee and Navorro Bowman leading the defense. Up front, Penn State also boasts the best defensive tackle duos in the conference, while Jared Odrick might be a first-round NFL pick next year.

But with all the stars returning, plenty were lost. All three four-year starting wide receivers are gone, along with three All-Big Ten offensive linemen. On the positive side, two of the best hogs do return, in center Stefen Wisniewski and left tackle Dennis Landolt. Like the receiving corps, all of last year's starters in the secondary have moved on, and only AJ Wallace has considerable starting experience. The Penn State pass defense could also suffer without star defensive ends Aaron Maybin, Maurice Evans (both left early for the NFL) and starter/team captain Josh Gaines. Success in 2008 will depend largely on how well the veterans can lead, and how quickly the younger players step into their new roles.

Visitor: Akron Zips
Record: 0-0 (0-0, MAC)
Last Game: Lost 2008 Finale (no bowl) vs. Temple, 6-27
Injuries: DT Ryan Bain (Back - Questionable), RB Dale Martin (Achilles - Questionable), RB Alex Allen ('08 Hip - Probable)
Key Players: (offense) QB Chris Jacquemain, RB Alex Allen; (defense) DL Almondo Sewell, LB Mike Thomas
Head Coach: JD Brookhart, 6th season at Akron, 27-33; 0-1 bowl record
Season Statistics:
Offense - 165.2 rush/231.4 pass/30 points per game
Defense - 187.2 rush/210.5 pass/31.2 points per game
TO Margin - (+6)

Akron, on paper -- Akron, like most other MAC schools, is one of those programs that doesn't shy away from tough competition. The last few seasons, the Zips have faced Penn State, North Carolina State, Cincinnati, Ohio State, Indiana, UConn, Wisconsin and Syracuse, all on the road. Akron won the MAC title in 2005, and has produced its fair share of NFL talent. But the schedule eases up a bit this season, and enough talent returns on both sides of the ball to build expectations for this team. Anything less than a bowl bid could be a big disappointment.

Senior quarterback Chris Jacquemain is the unquestioned leader of the Zips offense. After throwing for 2,748 yards in 2008, he is primed for bigger things this season. The running back situation might be up in the air, but there is no doubt in terms of talent. Returning all three starting receivers, four of five linemen, and the kicker, this offense could really pop. However, on defense things aren't looking as sharp. Although the Zips return six starters on that side of the ball, some shakeups in the depth chart could take time to work out. If the back eight can come together, and a star or two are born, the defense should be good enough to let the offense win games.

On the field -- Penn State and Akron have met three times. The Lions have outscored the Zips 152-50, outgaining Akron by 250+ yards twice. However, none of those Penn State teams were nearly as talented as this year's squad. And although Akron has playmakers of its own, this game won't offer many surprises. Even with a retooled offensive line and all new receivers, Daryll Clark and Evan Royster should have no problem chewing up yardage and clock. I wouldn't be shocked to see the Nittany Lions come out slow, as they usually do with an early-season kickoff at noon. But this game should not be in doubt for long, if at all. Akron's Chris Jacquemain should give the Lions' defense a run for their money, but it just won't be enough in the end. Penn State might give up some decent yardage, but it won't be reflected in points scored.

Extra points -- Daryll Clark with throw one TD, and run for another... Kevin Newsome will complete his first career pass attempt... Evan Royster and Stephfon Green will combine for 200 rush yards... Sean Lee or Navorro Bowman will intercept a pass... the student section won't fill out by the second quarter... Chris Jacquemain will pass for two touchdowns, but throw two INTs... the Akron offense will gain more than 350 yards... the Akron defense will have its moments, but not enough... attendance: 107,180.

Prediction: No. 8 Penn State, 42 - Akron, 17