2009 Preseason College Football Countdown: #5 Penn State

The Penn State Nittany Lions have just 9 returning starters heading into the 2009 season. But the schedule is remarkably soft for a BCS conference team.

The two big challenges will be played in Happy Valley as Ohio State and Iowa come to town. Look for the Ohio State match-up to be for the Big Ten crown. Running back Evan Royster is one of the better backs in the Big Ten conference and should lead Penn State offensively. The Nittany Lions look to once again be headed to a BCS bowl and they are a possible national championship team.

(Photo: Getty Images)

Unless otherwise stated, no particular sexual orientation of anyone depicted is implied or should be presumed.