Penn State Football Preview 1998
Looking ahead to the fall season

• Sept. 3: Golden resurgence
  It did not just happen abruptly. The rise of an athletic program never does. But in its recent history, there was a significant event that provided a spark.
• Sept. 3: Heisman race ready to get underway
  On numerous occasions in the past few years, players dubbed Heisman hopefuls in the preseason have responded by falling flat on their faces.
• Sept. 1: Two quarterbacks to play against Southern Mississippi
  While a starter has not been announced, coach Joe Paterno announced yesterday at his weekly press conference that both Kevin Thompson and Rashard Casey are likely to see playing time against the Golden Eagles.
• Sept. 1: Bull's-eye on the Buckeyes
  Six days before No. 13 Penn State's showdown with No. 21 Southern Mississippi, the season opener for both clubs, Nittany Lion tailback Aaron Harris spoke confidently on his team's chances of successfully beginning its road to the national title, while enjoying its preseason ranking.
• Sept. 1: Experience counts
  Throughout his career Penn State wide receiver Joe Nastasi has displayed a knack for making clutch plays.
• Aug. 31: Scioli moves back to defensive end
  For Brad Scioli, it wouldn’t be a new season if it didn’t involve a new position.
• Aug. 31: Redemption
  The numbers tell the story — 706 yards on the ground and six rushing touchdowns in two games.
• Aug. 31: Experience runs top to bottom within Lions' special teams unit
  One thing, more than any other thing, will make Penn State's special teams unit unique from most of the team's other units this season.
• Aug. 31: Forney living childhood dream as Penn State kicker
  From a psychological standpoint, this season will be a big change for Travis Forney.
• Aug. 28: Short heads class at Linebacker U
  Four touchdowns and more than 440 yards rushing.
• Aug. 28: Believe the hype: Arrington's ready
  The hype destines him for greatness.
• Aug. 28: Lee, Macklin bolster feisty Lion secondary
  Shawn Lee does not cast the most intimidating shadow.
• Aug. 28: Pettigrew makes heroic switch to defense
  Within minutes of the announcement that Titcus Pettigrew would play in the defensive backfield while also playing some offense this season, the comparison was made -- the one with last year's Heisman trophy winner, former Michigan standout Charles Woodson.
• Aug. 27: New Bowl system to declare champion
  Get out the slide rule, college football fans.
• Aug. 27: Who will fill Enis' shoes?
  Penn State running back Chris Eberly calls his position the "heart and soul" of the Nittany Lions
• Aug. 27: Experienced offensive line must provide anchor for Lion offense
  With the return of running back Aaron Harris from injury, coupled with a third starting quarterback in as many years, the fate of Penn State's offense may rest heavily on its offensive line.
• Aug. 27: Floyd's final chance to shine on
  Offensive lineman Floyd Wedderburn has one message to anyone doubting his status heading into this football season -- he's fine and ready to play.
• Aug. 27: Quarterbacks even; Mitchell starting tailback
  The starting quarterback position is still anybody's spot.
• Aug. 27: McQueary cut loose by Raiders
  The cruel side of the football business reared its ugly head in Mike McQueary's direction Tuesday morning.
• Aug. 27: Harris nearing end of ACL recovery
  The anterior cruciate ligament.
• Aug. 26: Cleary jumps ship
  Former Lion fullback Anthony Cleary transfers to D-II Shippensburg
• Aug. 26: Kroell forgotten man in quarterback race
  When No. 13 Penn State opens its season Sept. 5 against Southern Mississippi, though, sophomore quarterback Chad Kroell could go from bystander to the Nittany Lions' No. 1 signal caller.
• Aug. 26: Three Lions battle for starting quarterback spot
  Ultimately, Lion coach Joe Paterno will determine which of these three quarterbacks will win the starting job for No. 13 Penn State's Sept. 5th opener against No. 21 Southern Mississippi, but right now he is not ready to name a favorite.
• Aug. 26: Healthy, hungry Jones ready to go
  Things have not gone according to plan for Penn State wide receiver Corey Jones since his arrival in 1995.
• Aug. 26: Fields, Nastasi head wideout corps
  Chafie Fields, one of the most experienced receivers returning to the No. 13 Nittany Lions, makes no secret about his desire to make big plays after moving from tailback and gaining experience at flanker last year.