Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State Nittany Lions Penn State recorded their second double digit win season in the last four years by going 11-2 in 2008. However, Joe Paterno and company are looking for more in 2009, that includes a possible national title berth.

The Nittany Lions were one of the most well-balanced teams in the nation last year as they featured a high-powered offense that could score in bunches as well as a dominant defensive unit that was capable of stonewalling most of its opposition.

As Penn State looks to do great things in 2009, odds makers are calling them one of the favorites to win the Big 10 Conference with about 2.5/1 odds. Vegas is also saying that the odds that the Nittany Lions win a BCS Championship are 35/1.

With two possible Heisman candidates in quarterback Daryll Clark and running back Evan Royster returning
on offense, the 2009 Nittany Lions should be able to put up points at will. While there's a lot to like about this team, PSU lost a lot of talent when Derrick Williams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood moved on to the NFL.

The biggest question for JoePa's group will be whether or not they will be able to stop any one on defense. The Lions will be returning only four starters on the defensive side of the ball. The Penn State defense held opponents to just 14.4 points per game.

Their first conference game will be at State College on September 26th against Iowa. The Hawkeyes were the only Big 10 squad to beat PSU last year, in a 24-23 victory at Iowa City.

The date to circle on this year's Nittany Lions schedule will be November 7th when the Ohio State Buckeyes com to town. If OSU can beat USC in September, this game could easily be a battle of unbeatens.