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"I'm hoping we're coming in here with the idea that we can do better than that," Paterno said. "Whether we can do that with the kind of people we have to play against is debatable, but we're sure going to give it a shot." Adding to the challenge, the Nittany Lions must replace their leading rusher (the record-setting Larry Johnson), receiver, tackler and the bulk of their offensive and defensive lines. OFFENSIVE KEYS: The key returnee for Penn State is quarterback Zack Mills, who embarks on his third year as a starter. The crafty Mills was on his way to a record-shattering effort in 2002 before injuring his left (throwing) arm midway through 2002. With Johnson's sudden emergence, State practically stopped throwing the ball.With Johnson and most of the line gone, a reportedly healthy Mills and the passing game will step back into the spotlight. Versatile Michael Robinson is the backup. Strong and fast, he may be the team's most dangerous running threat. Speaking of runners, true freshman Austin Scott rushed for 3,853 yards as a prep senior. Scott will contend with a deep pool of tailback talent at PSU, led by Mike Gasparato and Ricky Upton. The staff is looking for Tony Johnson to emerge as a go-to receiver after serving as a complement to the graduated Bryant Johnson for the past two seasons. The most intriguing prospect in the fight to replace Bryant Johnson is Ernie Terrell, a sprinter on the PSU track team who checks in at a robust 6-foot-3, 205 pounds. Four starters are gone from the offensive line. Paterno admitted that the players who are on hand to replace them have much more talent, but they "have yet to show me that they have the kind of intensity it is going to take," he said. Tackle Chris McKelvy is the lone returning starter up front. DEFENSIVE KEYS: The defensive line was hit hard by graduation, too, with NFL draft picks Jimmy Kennedy, Michael Haynes and Anthony Adams all gone. But State did a nice job of rotating in younger players last fall, so, generally speaking, the new faces are not completely green.One lineman who didn't play in 2002, massive tackle Levi Brown, drew raves for his work on the scout team and figures to start. Penn State is starting to take on the look of "Linebacker U." again, with second-team All-Big Ten pick Gino Capone back in the middle and super-athletic Derek Wake attacking from the outside. With the sack master Haynes gone at end, expect coordinator Tom Bradley to blitz Wake and fellow outside backers LaMar Stewart and Deryck Toles more often. Watch for redshirt freshman Maurice Humphrey to make a real splash at cornerback after sitting out last season as a Prop 48 partial qualifier. He is said to rank among PSU's best athletes. SPECIAL TEAMS: The key loss here is steady punter David Royer. The replacement will be newcomer Jeremy Kapinos, a 233-pounder with a great leg but no game experience. Otherwise, the Lions are in great shape, with a proven kicker (Robbie Gould) and the nation's best kickoff specialist (David Kimball).FINAL ANALYSIS: Penn State sustained heavy graduation losses but has more than enough talent left over to make do at the skill positions and along the defensive line. Developing an effective offensive front is another story, considering that the coaching staff gave the reserves practically no playing time last fall. If the line can't keep Mills off the turf, things could get ugly.• Click here for complete index of 2003 team previews
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