Who's starting at QB?

That's the question on Penn football fans' minds as the Quakers gear up for the season opener on Saturday against Villanova. With the emergence of junior college transfer Kyle Olson and the return of senior Robert Irvin -- who was sidelined with an injury for almost all of last season -- it's hard to predict what the quarterback situation will be.

Here's what I know.

At practice yesterday, I spoke to Irvin, who seemed very upbeat about the opportunity to get a final crack at the Wildcats, who intercepted him five times last year in what would be his last game of the season. He particularly emphasized how excited he is to start playing. Health-wise, he said he feels "good," and that he has been "rehabbing very well and doing everything right."

When I asked him point-blank if he knew who was starting on Saturday, he smiled and told me that he was under orders from Bagnoli not to tell me.

So then I talked to Bagnoli, who revealed to me over the course of our conversation that "the quarterback situation has resolved itself." When I asked him to clarify that, he also smiled and indicated that we would all find out on game day.

From what I can tell, then, it's clear that Bagnoli has made up his mind about what he wants to do at quarterback. And I have a hunch that Irvin's going to get the nod. Olson is still very new to the system, whereas Irvin has been with the program for over three years now. Judging from his confidence level and enthusiasm yesterday, I would guess it's his team for now.

That said, I certainly would not be surprised to see Olson get a fair share of snaps on Saturday, and throughout the season. He definitely brings a different look to the offense and gives Bagnoli more options.

But at least for the time being, if I had to guess which quarterback is starting, I'd guess Irvin.