ESPN seems to have a more realistic expectation of the 2010 Penn State Nittany Lions than the USA Today Coaches Poll. The pre-season power rankings by the sports entertainment giant have ranked Penn State 21st.
As seems to be routine at this point in time ESPN suggests that an early-season trip to Alabama will be a big test for whoever is behind center for the Nittany Lions.
“A Sept. 11 visit to Alabama looms large for Penn State as it decides which untested sophomore passer — Kevin Newsome or Matt McGloin — will be its starter. One thing is certain: Tuscaloosa is no place for an inexperienced quarterback.”
Alabama will start the season at the top of the ESPN power rankings. Similar to the coaches poll released last week, Penn State will play three of the top ten teams on the road this season. Penn State plays games at Alabama, Ohio State (2nd in ESPN power rankings) and Iowa (9th).
Big Ten teams in the ESPN Power Rankings: Ohio State (2), Iowa (9), Wisconsin (13), Penn State (21)