Blue White Illustrated

turnover margin and red zone offense in 2013), they figure to do a lot more scoring next fall. ROOM FOR IMPROVEMENT Whenever a team suffers five losses in a season, weaknesses are going to be exposed. But perhaps the area that needs an upgrade most is the kicking game. Sure, most of the units – kickoff, kick return, punt and punt return, specifically – were comprised of walk-ons and first- and second-year players. But some specialteamers regressed as the season went on. One example: After converting a school-record 15 consecutive field goals dating back to the 2012 season, Sam Ficken missed eight of his next 18 attempts, including a potential winner (and an extra point) vs. Nebraska. BIGGEST QUESTION MARK The Nittany Lions have to get fully staffed up now that Vanderlinden and quarterbacks coach Charlie Fisher are gone. And they have to finish work on the Class of 2014. But the question that will linger even after those matters have been addressed is whether Penn State will be able to plug the holes that opened up in its defense this past season. Having allowed the most points in a single game in the school's modern history, the Lions must find some solutions in order to be competitive with the conference's big guns. They'll need more than just a new linebackers coach; they also must find replacements for the defense's two biggest leaders: Jones and Carson. MOST ENCOURAGING SIGN Throughout the season, Penn State's biggest problems on offense were its penchant for turnovers and its struggles in the red zone. Those issues cost the team dearly in losses to Minnesota and Nebraska. But against Wisconsin, the Lions were better in both areas. They capitalized on three of their five red zone opportunities, scoring two touchdowns and a field goal. And they won the turnover battle handily, collecting three interceptions while not tossing any of their own or losing any fumbles. Throw in Hackenberg's stellar performance and it's no wonder the Lions are feeling pretty good I heading into the off-season. WE B SU RV E Y WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE MOMENT FROM THE NITTANY LIONS' 2013 SEASON? My favorite moment of Penn State's 2013 season was when Bill Belton scored the winning TD in the fourth overtime to beat Michigan. That was my favorite moment because it was an epic four-OT game in front of an electric home crowd and against Michigan – a team second on my list of most despised teams (after only Ohio State). dswartz The players' and coaches' actions and reactions after the four-OT win vs. Michigan. Such elation and a sense of "We can do this despite all the hurdles placed in front of us and all the BS we have been through." GBlion The Michigan game as a whole. I don't know that I could pick one particular moment from the game to call my favorite, but the energy in the Beav that night and the emotional ups and downs made it the most incredible game I've ever been to. NittanyLogan'11 I'll give you three: 1. Allen Robinson's catch and the whole drive at the end of regulation to send the Michigan game into overtime. A White Out never looked so good! I was thinking it was payback for the Michigan drive that ruined our undefeated season when Michael Robinson was our quarterback in 2005. 2. Bill Belton's 201-yard game. After weeks of people questioning why he was playing, he showed it. He was a different runner in that game. I love it when a player who takes crap works hard and shuts up the critics. And it was against Illinois. 3. The opening drive of the second half vs. Syracuse. It was the opening game and the first half was flat. It was Christian Hackenberg's first game and ARob was benched. I was immediately concerned about the season ahead. We looked listless and uninspired. ARob came in for the second half and had a couple of sick plays that seemingly woke up the team and ignited the season. We'll miss him when he's gone. thade1 For me, it was Christian Hackenberg's coming out party against Wisconsin. Phenomenal game by a true freshman quarterback against that team in that environment. Second would be the Michigan overtime win and Bill Belton's winning score. Loved the block by Pat Zerbe to spring him. Howie'81 Getting a chance to cheer for a senior class that stayed true Penn Staters despite the sanctions. ga.lion I loved watching the team "jump around" at Wisconsin. To me, this typified the confidence that allowed the team to come into Camp Randall and smack the Badgers across the face and surprise most everyone. Cmjumper The last 54 seconds of regulation of the UM game. Mhentz My vote goes to the Wisconsin game. It was a classic PSU victory and one I will put up there as one my favorite games since 1982. BT802 At first, it was Michigan, but the Wolverines turned out to be just OK. I think the win vs. Wisconsin was much better. A good team just handled. A culmination of the progression that Hackenberg, Zwinak, Robinson, the offensive line, tight ends and defense made throughout the year. Best team we have beaten since LSU in 2010 in the Capital One Bowl. Razpsu The Wisconsin game: Breneman's 60-yard catch-and-run for a TD to get the ball rolling (excitement – we can do this!), then Keiser's interception in the end zone to end the game (relief – we did it!!). HISTORIC! Grove Lion The Michigan finish was unbelievable. Hack, ARob, Belton were remarkable. But for me, one moment was Zach Zwinak's draw play against Wisky. Third down and we're in trouble and Zach goes 60 yards and helps seal the win. Visions of JVP on that call. Doublehaul

• Cover