The Nittany Lions didn't waste any time letting everybody know what their Outback Bowl win meant.
Just 15 minutes after Penn State upset then-No.17 Tennessee 20-10 on New Year's Day, quarterback Anthony Morelli walked into the interview room and uttered two words that especially stuck out -- national championship.
"This is a big momentum booster," he said. "Now we got a legit chance to go in there and get that run for the national championship."
The win was a defining moment in a season that had sorely lacked one. In four tries before Tennessee, the Lions failed to beat a ranked team -- losing to Ohio State, Notre Dame, Michigan and Wisconsin.
But Morelli wasn't the only one spewing confidence. Teammate and wideout Derrick Williams also chimed in with talk about climbing to No. 1.
But, in reality, does next year's squad really have a shot at the national title? Here's three reasons why the Lions could be partying on Bourbon Street in New Orleans and three reasons that might keep them watching the BCS National Championship game from their home TVs.
Why they will
No. 1: Dan Connor, along with most of the defense, returns. Six starters from a Penn State defense that was one of just four units that ranked in the top 15 nationally in five primary statistical categories (rushing, pass efficiency, total defense, scoring defense and sacks) are back. Six may not sound like many, but the big-name returnees include Justin King,
Anthony Scirrotto and Sean Lee. Paul Posluszny's leadership and character can never be replaced, but the team shouldn't have a hard time filling his position, especially with a slew of talented linebackers such as Dontey Brown, Jerome Hayes and Tyrell Sales.
No. 2: Extra year of experience. Morelli didn't impress until the Outback Bowl, but if he can keep up that pace, the Lions will be in good shape. Other than Morelli, the "inexperienced" secondary is now a strong point, and Williams, Jordan Norwood and Deon Butler should all improve.
No. 3: The secondary. King solidified himself as a shutdown corner, getting the best of Ohio State's Ted Ginn Jr. and even Tennessee's All-American Robert Meachem. He was so good, in fact, that he even said he'd consider jumping to the NFL after next year. Opposite King, Tony Davis and A.J. Wallace should provide insurance as the No. 2 and No. 3 cornerbacks. Scirrotto picked off six passes this year -- earning himself a car from his father -- and should be one of the better safeties in the Big Ten. And he's just a sophomore now. The Lions lose the hard-hitting Donnie Johnson at the safety spot, but one of the speedier backup corners could emerge as a contender for the spot.
Why they won't
No. 1: Michigan. Turns out that the Lions' biggest challenge next year won't be internal. Penn State has a relatively easy schedule featuring perennial ESPN Bottom Five (five worst teams in college football) candidates at home in Florida International, Buffalo and Temple. But, there are no gimmes on Sept. 22, when the Lions open Big Ten play in Ann Arbor. Ohio State will be without its Troy Smith, Notre Dame won't have its Brady Quinn, but the Wolverines will still have Chad Henne. Joe Paterno's track record against Michigan is far from ideal, and Michigan -- as much as it pains the Nittany Nation to hear -- may just prevent Penn State from hoisting the national championship trophy. Again.
No. 2: The trenches. The offensive line will have more than enough questions swirling around it next season. Gone are the Lions' starting tackles after Chris Auletta's early graduation; gone is guard Greg Harrison after a surprise departure halfway through the season; and returning are two starting guards who are far from extraordinary. A lot will weigh on the shoulders of center A.Q. Shipley, and he won't be able to carry the load by himself. Next year's line may be in worse shape than this season's -- and that's a scary thought. On the flip side, on the defensive line, three of Penn State's four starters are gone: defensive tackles Jay Alford and Ed Johnson, along with defensive end Tim Shaw. The tackle positions seem like they could be a weak point, and the Lions will have to depend on inexperienced players early on to be a force. Maybe Phillip Taylor?
No. 3: No Tony Hunt. He doesn't get a lot of recognition, and redshirt senior Austin Scott and Rodney Kinlaw aren't bad backs -- but no one can replace Hunt, who may just be one of the better tailbacks to come through Penn State. And it's not just Hunt's downhill running that Penn State will miss, it's his receiving skills and especially his blocking. Scott isn't exactly renowned as a great blocker, and Kinlaw hasn't had many touches outside of garbage time. Hunt was the one certainty on offense -- and, without that, the offense will have to find consistency fast.
