When Penn State has the ball
Offensive line vs. Defensive line
No position seems more uncertain than the offensive line, which very well could start two converted defensive linemen at guard. The only familiar face is left tackle Donovan Smith, who seems primed for his biggest season. The Central Florida defensive front is solid, though not overwhelming. DE Thomas Niles had four sacks a season ago to lead the team, and Demetris Andersin and Jaryl Mamea are solid in the middle. EDGE: UCF
Quarterback/receivers vs. Secondary
Much will be made about Central Florida’s experience in the secondary, where free safety Brandon Alexander returns after a team-leading three interceptions in 2013, and both starting cornerbacks — Jacoby Glenn and Jordan Ozerities — are back. But this was a group that struggled to slow Christian Hackenberg last season. And that was just Hackenberg’s third collegiate game. Receiver Eugene Lewis leads the charge among wideouts to replace Allen Robinson, but the real focus at Penn State is on a terrific group of tight ends led by Jesse James and Kyle Carter. EDGE: Penn State
Running backs vs. Linebackers
Linebacker Terrance Plummer was the player who most hurt Penn State’s offense last season for the Golden Knights, and he returns looking to build on last season’s 11-tackle, one forced fumble performance. This is an active group, but against big-time opponents, they struggled in pass coverage. Penn State’s backs, if they can hold onto the football, are among the nation’s best as a threesome. Bill Belton should get the start because of what he can provide in the passing game, but Zach Zwinak is a proven bruiser who can move the chains. Fumbles will always be an issue with these Nittany Lions running backs, but a new season and a new staff might bring a fresh perspective. EDGE: Penn State
When UCF has the ball
Offensive line vs. Defensive line
Outside of the stars, center Joey Grant and left tackle Torrian Wilson, there are some question marks up front. RT Michael Campbell has some experience as a backup, but the guards, Tarik Cook and Colby Watson, haven’t played much. That can be a problem against a hard-charging Penn State front four that developed as 2013 moved on. They’re especially strong inside, where end Anthony Zettel has moved and where Austin Johnson has become an ever-increasing force. EDGE: Penn State
Quarterback/receivers vs. Secondary
Here’s the big question mark for Central Florida: Can Pete DiNovo be even close to what Bortles was? If the redshirt freshman is, UCF might have a pretty big-time team again. But he hasn’t played a snap, and the Penn State secondary is one that can flummox a youngster not completely confident in himself. That said, Central Florida’s receivers — Rannell Hall, J.J. Worton and Breshad Perriman — are an accomplished trio and were open all day against Penn State’s secondary last season. Penn State has Adrian Amos back at safety, and Jordan Lucas is a potential shutdown corner, but if DiNovo can complete the short passes and get in a rhythm, he can make it a long day. EDGE: UCF
Running backs vs. Linebackers
Storm Johnson had the biggest game against Penn State last season, but William Stanback is just as effective a runner. But the Knights don’t have much depth, and Penn State has plenty of athleticism in the linebacking corps. Nyeem Wartman and Brandon Bell should be much better on the outside, and with Mike Hull in the middle, this could be the best group of linebackers in a few years for the Nittany Lions. EDGE: Penn State
Special teams
Kicking
Shawn Moffitt is one of the best kickers in the nation, and he missed just two field goals — and only one from less than 50 yards — for Central Florida last season. So he’s as steady as it gets. So is punter Caleb Houston, who averaged 42.2 yards per punt last season. Penn State will counter with Sam Ficken, a senior who battled a groin injury during an inconsistent 2013. The Nittany Lions aren’t saying who the punter will be, though the safe bet appears to be redshirt freshman Chris Gulla. EDGE: UCF
Returns
Impossible to tell quite what to expect from Penn State because so much different has been done with the special teams units. New coordinator Charles Huff is going with return men who give his team a chance to break big plays, which means more returns for Akeel Lynch, Eugene Lewis and Jordan Lucas. There’s potential here, though. There’s also plenty of potential with J.J. Worton on punts and Rannell Hall bringing back kicks for UCF. They’re experienced and dangerous with the ball and open space. EDGE: UCF
Prediction
The Golden Knights are more of a sure bet, but Penn State has plenty of potential. There are so many unknowns surrounding this game — namely, how will these teams respond to the travel situation with the game being overseas? How will the Penn State offensive line respond? What can we expect from DiNovo? If Penn State can rattle the opposing quarterback, it can win. If Central Florida can find a way to get those receivers the ball often, it can win. What should be kept in mind is that, in its most glorious season ever, Central Florida beat Penn State by just three points, and it was the Nittany Lions who made the biggest share of the game’s mistakes. Hackenberg’s experience and natural ability should be enough to overcome them this time. Penn State 27, Central Florida 21