Predictably, since it's the first week of the season, there aren't too many players who've managed to get banged up. With only a few hours left in this Penn State offseason, it seems we've somehow avoided the vengeful linebacker ACL curse (knocks wood, frantically), and it appears that those who are dealing with minor ailments should be able to go in the opener, even if they're limited. On the other hand, Ohio will be playing without its best defensive player, who's going to miss the entire season.
Penn State:
S Jacob Fagnano has been held out for most of the spring and summer with a hamstring injury, but he's got a clean bill of health and a possible starting job--it's him or Stephen Obeng-Agyapong alongside...
S Malcolm Willis, who's been dealing with a leg injury, but ought to be able to go in the season opener.
DE Pete Massaro had a minor setback in his surgically repaired knee, which forced him to miss all of last season. But all indications are that he should ready to menace Tyler Tettleton from his blind side on Saturday.
WR Shawney Kersey has been dealing with a bad ankle in recent days but, by all indications, is back at 100%.
Ohio:
CB Travis Carrie's absence could prove devastating to a solid defensive unit. The preseason all-conference selection was on the Thorpe Award watchlist before shoulder surgery ended his senior season before it began.
Depth Chartery
We just took a look at the Penn State depth chart when it was released a few days back, but as a refresher: There's a whole lot of "OR"s.
Looking for a position battle? Take your pick. At right tackle, you've got Adam Gress OR Mike Farrell, at defensive end, it's Deion Barnes OR Massaro, and there are about 8 guys vying for 3 starting spots amongst the receivers.
Most of the freshmen are listed, too--it doesn't seem like redshirting is going to be a common theme with the incoming Class of 2016. This could be in part for pragmatic reasons--if they don't play this year, current Nittany Lions would be able to transfer without penalty for the 2013 season.
A look at Ohio's two-deep can be found here. Interesting notes: the Bobcats boast three starters from Altoona, and a decent mix of youth and experience throughout the roster.
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