Penn State Season Preview--Wide Receivers

Here I am, all ready to heap praise on the receiving corps (to include the stud tight end) and Quarless decides to get cited for underage drinking. In his presser today, Joe Pa mentioned that he (Quarless) is likely out at least 3 weeks. Would have been longer had the team captains not intervened...in fact, Joe probably would have kicked him off the team. Bravo to Morelli, Golden, and Connor for speaking up for their teammate...shame on them for letting this kind of thing happen. After the apartment fight in the Spring, you would have thought that the team leadership would have laid down the law, promising a blanket party to anyone that stepped out of line. Guess the message didn't get out to everyone.

Anyway, the receiving unit for the Lions should be pretty darned good. Butler, Norwood, and Williams all had more than 30 catches last year. Butler set the record for receptions in a game (vs Northwestern), and seems to be a consistent performer. Norwood is unreal. His toughness and hands more than make up for his lack of size. As I mentioned earlier, DWill showed up this year about 10 pounds lighter than last season. Last year he looked as if he had lost a step. Hopefully he got it back over the summer.

Terrell Golden is a decent slot option, but not one that will scare defenses. Chris Bell has the makings of a Randy Moss type receiver. Outstanding size and speed will make him Morelli's favorite target inside the red zone.

I'm not worried about this unit. If Morelli has time to throw, they will put up some big numbers.

Next Up--O Line and Defense

Oh, and the line for FIU is -38. Still, Joe says he is as nervous for this game as any opener he can remember. Sounds like a little bit of the Lou Holtz act. You know..."William and Mary? We can't beat them! Jeez...we're talking about William and Mary!!! There's no way we beat these guys."