Penn State football players Evan Royster, right, and Cedric Jeffries sit together during media day in State College, Pa., Friday, Aug. 8, 2008. A year ago at this time, Royster wasn't sure if he would even see the field. As this season approaches, Penn State's sophomore tailback expects--and welcomes--more responsibility. (AP File Photo)

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There is one thing that could pull this Penn State football team together, that could keep it from wavering between a Big Ten title contender and a dysfunctional disappointment.

The offensive line.

And that is a novel situation in State College.

The Nittany Lions' blockers have been mediocre to good, at best, over the past 13 years. Not since the group that anchored the undefeated 1994 team - center Bucky Greeley, guards Jeff Hartings and Marco Rivera and tackles Andre Johnson and Keith Conlin - has a Penn State boasted a truly dominating offensive line.

This season could change that.

"They did it in a nasty sort of way," center A.Q. Shipley said of those '94 linemen. "Marco was the dirtiest player in the NFL or the nastiest player in the NFL. That's the way you've got to do it, especially in the Big Ten. You've got to play mean, you've got to play nasty."

So who is the nastiest on this line?

"I'd have to say myself," said Shipley, who also happens to be the most accomplished lineman, with first-team All-Big Ten honors.

"You can't really punch a guy, but you have to get him on the ground and make sure you finish him off. You don't stop until the whistle blows. You just constantly pester him."

The question is whether nasty translates into good with these linemen.

And whether, for once in a long time, good can lead to great.

Now, here is a position-by-position look at the 2008 Nittany Lions:

Quarterback

The Lions appear to have strong leadership prospects from junior Daryll Clark and sophomore Pat Devlin. But this seems to be Clark's starting spot to lose. He would give the Lions a strong running option, reminiscent of Michael Robinson in 2005. We love Clark's upbeat, calm, confident personality -- we just don't know if we love his throwing yet. The jury will be out for a while.

Running back

Evan Royster and Stephfon Green could form the most underrated running combo in the Big Ten. Royster, a sophomore, possessed great instincts and patience and has a nice burst up the middle. But can he stay healthy? And Green might be the team's most explosive back since Ki-Jana Carter. But can he hold onto the football?

Brent Carter and Brandon Beachum are decent backup options.

Wide receiver

It's quite stunning to think that seniors Derrick Williams, Deon Butler and Jordan Norwood all have the possibility of breaking Bobby Engram's career reception record.

Williams needs to show more consistent game-breaking abilities, especially on runs-after-catches and during his cameo appearances in the backfield.

And the Lions need to find a dependable fourth receiver. Redshirt freshman Derek Moye -- a tall, lanky option -- has the early lead there.

It will be interesting to see if Susquehannock High's Chaz Powell, a redshirt freshman, sees meaningful minutes at Williams' slot position. He was moved from safety in early August.

Tight end

Does it just feel like super-talent Andrew Quarless will never live up to expectations? Even if he doesn't, the combo of Mickey Shuler and Andrew Szczerba should feature enough production. Especially watch for Szczerba, who has the height, long arms and enough speed to destroy sleepy defenses down the middle.

Offensive line

Three of these five could easily be playing on Sundays next year. The problem is what waits behind Shipley, tackle Gerald Cadogan and guard Rich Ohrnberger. Tackle depth is particularly vulnerable.

Defensive line

This arguably was the deepest unit in the nation a month ago.

Then starters Chris Baker and Phil Taylor were thrown off the team and jumbo backup Devon Still broke his ankle.

Now, things are suddenly shaky.

It is imperative that stud junior tackle Jared Odrick is 100 percent after suffering a dislocated ankle last fall. The rest of the league doesn't really know much about tackles Ollie Ogbu and Abe Koroma, but they're good enough to start most anywhere. A key could be whether end Maurice Evans can elevate his game again and whether end Josh Gaines can develop into a consistent outside threat as a senior.

Linebacker

The loss of injured All-American Sean Lee is huge, no doubt. That's because the rest of the unit is so young except for senior Tyrell Sales, who has not distinguished himself yet. Watch for freshman Mike Mauti, a Paul Posluszny and Dan Connor clone.

The wild card is Jerome Hayes, the linebacker who moved to standup defensive end last fall before sitting out with a knee injury.

Is he 100 percent? Will he even play linebacker?

Defensive back

The names are there, but we're uncertain if the talent can produce collectively.

A step-up, breakout season is required from corner A.J. Wallace, who suddenly has been nagged by minor injuries. Also critical is a return to form of All-Big Ten safety Anthony Scirrotto, who lacked impact last fall. We're not convinced that senior Mark Rubin is a legitimate Big Ten safety, and we're skeptical of rumors that gutsy freshman Drew Astorino is the best defensive back on the roster. Watch for William Penn graduate Knowledge Timmons, who recently moved from corner to safety.

Special teams

Kicking and punting are both strengths, though kicker Kevin Kelly needs to be more consistent from long-range. Punter Jeremy Boone is arguably the league's best.

The real thorn has been the coverage units, where Timmons' return from off-field problems should help. As far as returns, the Lions could be the strongest in the league as long as Wallace's hamstring holds up and Williams shows a bit more elusiveness.

Coaching

Joe Paterno should already know he will have to rely more heavily on his offense than he likes. The key question is whether he will ever let this unit loose?

Maybe, with his coaching back against the wall, he will comply early enough.

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