Some may consider it a stretch, but the feeling here is that there are some interesting similarities between the 2007 Nittany Lions and another recent Penn State squad.

The last time PSU had this many reliable starters returning and was still largely ignored in the preseason by the rest of the conference came in 2005. The Lions responded by going 11-1 and coming within one play of notching the sixth undefeated campaign of the Paterno Era.

At the Big Ten preseason get-together in Chicago earlier this month, the Lions were not picked to finish in the top-3 in a vote by the attending members of the media. The general consensus is that Penn State will finish in the 4th-5th place range.

“In 2005, we were picked seventh in the Big Ten,” recalled PSU wideout Derrick Williams. “(Predictions) really don’t matter. When the first game comes, we have to show everybody in the country what Penn State is all about.”

Despite similar dismissals from other players this summer, keep in mind that the ’05 squad used the Chicago diss as motivation, especially quarterback Michael Robinson, who went on to have, perhaps, the greatest single season of any PSU quarterback.

Can it happen again? Well, Robinson was a one of a kind talent and fiery leader, and there isn’t that type of figure on this year’s roster. However, look for the Lions to quietly and effectively refer back to the lack of respect issue just prior to playing the anointed three. It may not make a big difference when Penn State travels to Michigan, but it will when Wisconsin and Ohio State visit Beaver Stadium. – Neil Geoghegan.