STATE COLLEGE — Joe Paterno named Daryll Clark the starter for No. 22 Penn State's season opener Saturday against Coastal Carolina

Clark, a senior, was the backup the last two years behind Anthony Morelli, who's now in the NFL. Paterno said Clark beat out sophomore Pat Devlin, in part, because of his experience. Clark played sparingly behind Morelli, while Devlin has played even less.

Clark's biggest contributions came in last year's Alamo Bowl win over Texas A&M, when he ran for 50 yards and a touchdown in six carries. He has shown he can run the ball, though Paterno hasn't had to rely on his arm in big spots yet.

"It's working out. You don't have to be a genius to figure out that Clark was the guy who should be the guy who developed to be Number 1," Paterno said.

Paterno broke the news to his QBs Monday night. He noted that Clark, Devlin and little-used third-stringer Paul Cianciolo each had good preseasons.

Devlin, Pennsylvania's career prep passing leader with 8,162 yards at Downingtown East, is known more for his arm, though teammates have said he can carry the ball, too. Paterno wants to get Devlin some playing time Saturday, though he doesn't know if Devlin will get behind center in future games.

"We have a fluid situation, we have a nice situation," Paterno said.