B1G schedule analysis: Penn State

Games in which Penn State will be heavily favored:
Indiana State
@Temple
Eastern Michigan
@Indiana
Purdue
Illinois

Games in which Penn State will be a heavy underdog:
Alabama

Favorable match-up games:
Iowa
@Northwestern
Nebraska

Unfavorable match-up games:
@Ohio State
@Wisconsin

Summary:
PSU has had a recent history of following up a disappointing season with a good one.  I expect that trend to continue this year.  Look for Rob Boldon or Matt McGloin to become a leader at the quarterback position and quietly put up a solid year for the Nittany Lions.  Silas Redd will become one of the best running backs in the B1G if not the country and the Nitts defense will be staunch. 

The Nitts have a favorable schedule, getting Alabama at home this year and facing what look to be re-building Ohio State and Wisconsin teams on the road.  With those three games being the most difficult on their schedule, I look for Penn State to be the surprise winner of the Leaders Division and win 10 games in route to the inaugural B1G conference championship game in Indianapolis.