Sorting through the Penn State mailbag while wondering if Central Florida will be caught looking ahead to Arizona State...

Neil:

Is Yisrael's injury a crushing blow?

What happened to all the great RB depth we used to have? What has happened to recruiting? I mean, I'm glad we're back in the Top 25, but we don't seem to have anybody ready to play in case there are injuries at RB, QB, TE.

When will we have an O-lineman who's drafted? I mean, that used to be our strength. Every year, it was Hartings or Munchak or Wisniewski.

Rick Weber

Houston, Texas

Rick:

Yisrael's absence means two starters in the secondary, cornerback Richard Gardner and probably Chris Harrell, have never started.

The depth at tailback looks thin, in part because three seniors graduated. Let's at least see the freshmen before panicking.

Experience can sometimes be overrated, too. After all, Rashard Casey and Matt Senneca had much more experience than either Michael Robinson or Chris Ganter. But did that make the position stronger?

A good year gets Felder drafted.

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Neil:

I'm concerned about the tight end situation.

Simon Ziff

New York City

Simon:

It could be a problem spot, no question. Isaac Smolko had a good camp, but Mike Lukac appears to be the starter if Casey Williams (concussion) can't go.

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Neil:

I still feel PSU's 2002 success will depend on the offensive line, and this year's starting unit offers some hope for a winning season.

PSU's defensive problems for the better part of a decade, following the Kerry Collins days, relate to time of possession. Even the best defense can't win games in situations where they're on the field for more time than they're on the bench, week after week.

Even in games where the time of possession is evenly split, if the offense is three downs and a punt the D doesn't get the needed rest and time to recoup.

Marty Harris

Houston, Texas

Marty:

It was the biggest problem in the unraveling of the 1999 season.

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Neil:

Last year at about this time there appeared to be a black cloud hanging over Penn State.

It was as if something not good was going to happen. Surely enough it was not to pleasant of a season. What is the mood like now? Does it appear to be better than last year?

Richard Goldfarb

New Holland, PA

Richard:

Nobody's been arrested in five months.

That has done wonders for the mood, but not as much as the confidence the entire team has in Zack Mills.

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Neil:

McCoo's comments are absolutely on track. I understand why Joe does this. He wants his players to focus on graduating, which is a tangible asset, rather than fantasize about an NFL career. But there has to be a balance.

And his waste of McCoo's talents is one his outstanding blunders.

Rob Crouthamel

Milwaukee

Rob:

McCoo hasn't graduated, but that's not unusual for somebody who was in the program only four years.

Neither he nor Omar Easy seemed to get a fair shake as the staff's indecision hurt all the tailbacks, including Larry Johnson, who gets a chance to have the position to himself. With it will be his chance to prove he's as good as McCoo, who at last check was still with the Bears.

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Neil:

I am looking forward to a great season, though I am a bit concerned about the depth in the secondary.

Steve Abrams

Los Angeles

Steve:

You aren't alone. Keep an eye on freshman Cal Lowry, a safety candidate. Joe actually mentioned him by name, a virtual first.

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Neil:

I know it is natural for some PSU fans to be looking ahead to Nebraska but it would be a mistake to overlook UCF. UCF has eight starters returning on offense and they have some good ones at the skill positions. I think this is going to be a good test for the PSU defense.

Dave Grager

Pickerington, Ohio

Dave:

Joe's move of preseason practice to evenings should have a carryover effect. The team has come out of the last two preseasons spent.

If they don't have their legs this year, your prognosis could be right -- a visiting underdog with some offensive firepower.

I tend to think the Nits will have some bounce, in part because they need a comfortable victory to get some younger players some pre-Nebraska experience.