The biggest football tease of the year is here once again with the annual spring college football season. Most teams have already had their spring football games, but the Nittany Lions famed Blue/White Game is still yet to be played as the inter-squad scrimmage will kickoff this afternoon at 3 p.m.

There’s no doubt that Penn State head coach James Franklin is building something special in State College with the Nittany Lions finishing in the top AP top 10 the last two seasons, while also playing in back-to-back New Year’s Six Bowls, and winning a Big Ten Championship in 2016.

Expectations have been set with highly ranked recruiting classes to go along with on the field success. But as is the case for most successful programs, the combination of graduation losses and players leaving early for the NFL draft hasn’t been kind to Penn State.

The Nittany Lions still boast a very talented roster, but there are many key positions that need to be filled, especially with the losses of veterans Saquon Barkley (RB), DaSean Hamilton (WR), Mike Gesicki (TE), Jason Cabinda (LB), Marcus Allen (S), and Brendan Mahon (OL). All six of those players were key leaders and contributors to Penn State’s recent success and if you think the loss of these players won’t be felt, then you have another thing coming.

Simply put, the Nittany Lions need to reload and can very well do so with the talent they have on their roster. The beauty of the spring is the fact that myself and others can guess and analyze who we think will be in those starting positions come the fall. But the reality is, the coaching staff already has a pretty good idea of who they like or who at least has a leg up to fill those voids.

The Blue/White Game is a great opportunity for the coaches, media, and the fans to evaluate the talent on the field and take a look at some of the position battles that could end up defining the 2018-19 season.

So, here comes the fun part. Let’s take a look at some of the more intriguing position battles, heading into this season’s Blue/White Game.

ONE SPOT TO FILL ON THE OFFENSIVE LINE … I’ve been saying for two years now that the Nittany Lions’ offensive line should be improved and I even said they should be good a few times. This season, I believe the third time will be the charm. I actually think Penn State’s offensive line will be one of the best in the Big Ten. The depth and the talent is now there, but there is one spot up for grabs with the graduation of Mahon. Connor McGovern will be the anchor at center, Will Fries proved he was a force at left tackle last season, and I believe Ryan Bates will beat out Chasz Wright at right tackle. Steven Gonzalez is locked in at one of the guard spots and that brings us to the open position. Three players — Michal Menet, Mike Miranda, and C.J. Thorpe — are all battling for the other guard spot. In my opinion, this is the best position battle on the team. All three are ultra athletic and possess the size to get the job done. My pick is for Miranda to win the job, but it’s going to be close.

THE MILES SANDERS SHOW … How do you replace Saquon Barkley? That’s a question that many analysts throughout the country are asking. But behind Barkley the last two seasons was five-star running back Miles Sanders from Woodland Hills High School in western Pennsylvania. Sanders has patiently waited his turn and I think he’ll pick up right where Barkley left off. That’s not to say Sanders is as talented as Barkley, but the junior is no slouch and if the Penn State offensive line gets its act together this season, it could be quite a year for Sanders. The question is, who will back him up? The favorite will be veteran Mark Allen, but Meadville speedster Journey Brown and incoming five-star recruit Ricky Slade will also battle for back-up reps. Also, keep an eye out for graduate senior Jonathan Thomas.

THREE’S COMPANY AT TIGHT END … With the graduation of Mike Gesicki, who is a possible late first round draft pick, the Penn State coaching staff will be looking to three players to help match Gesicki’s production. Nick Bowers, Jonathan Holland, and Danny Dalton will be vying for tight end reps this season. This race is as tight as it gets. Whispers around State College are that Dalton has impressed in winter workouts, but if I had to pick I’m going to go with Bowers as the starter. I think if he stays healthy he can be a factor. Look for all three of these guys to see time throughout the season.

THE MAN IN THE MIDDLE … With the graduation of veteran team leader Jason Cabinda, Penn State will be looking for a new “Mike” linebacker this season, which in State College is a position of royalty. “Linebacker U” has churned out some pretty good middle linebackers throughout the years and there’s a highly-touted freshman, dawning an all too familiar No. 11 that is looking to take the throne. Five-star Harrisburg recruit Micah Parsons has made the move from defensive end to middle linebacker and I think he’ll end up being the starter when everything is said and done. Ellis Brooks, who is a talented redshirt freshman from Virginia will also battle for the spot and veteran Jake Cooper, who has waited his turn and battle through some tough injuries in his career will also be in the mix.

THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE … Safety has been a position that the Nittany Lions’ faithful have not had to worry about for the last three years as the hard-hitting and athletic Marcus Allen locked down the spot. Now, with Allen gone and his counterpart Troy Apke — who made himself some money in the pre-draft combines — the Nittany Lions will be boasting a new set of starters in the middle of the defensive backfield. Captain Nick Scott has played a lot of football for Penn State in his career and he will almost surely occupy one of the safety positions, which means one spot is up for grabs. I believe it will be a three-person battle for strong safety with Clairton High School graduate and former five-star recruit Lamont Wade being the favorite. Wade has switched from cornerback to safety this season and I think he lands the position. Ayron Monroe will be right on his heels as he saw a lot of time at safety a season ago. For the last year now, I’ve heard nothing, but good things about Jonathan Sutherland, who according to his teammates hits like a freight train. Look for Wade and Monroe to see a lot of time at strong safety with Sutherland in a back-up role.