The Nittany Lions finished with a two-game winning streak and there is a genuine optimism about the future. They played with authority on defense all season, but were almost always searching for a winning formula on offense. But late-season victories over Indiana and Michigan State left Paterno with the feeling that his team might climb the ladder of respectability next year.

QB coach Jay Paterno explained that feeling.

"We felt the whole year ... if we can just get one win, we might not lose for two years," he said. "(Against Indiana), we got behind and came back. Then we got the lead and the defense held on.

"Twenty years from now, we might look at that goal line stand and say those were the four most important plays in the history of Penn State football. Who knows, but we're going to try to make it that way."

That goal line stand came in the final two minutes against Indiana and secured Penn State's first Big Ten win. Indiana had a first-and-goal from the 1, but couldn't get into the end zone.

The key for the future will be the development of young QB Anthony Morelli. While he came into Happy Valley with outstanding high school credentials, he did not have much of an on-field chance as a freshman. He will have a chance to establish himself as the No. 1 quarterback this spring, and he has the kind of arm strength that senior Zack Mills lacked.

If Morelli can adapt to the college game and RBs Austin Scott and Tony Hunt can make a contribution, Paterno has a chance at a turnaround season in 2005.

GAME OF THE YEAR: Penn State 37, Michigan State 13 -- The Nittany Lions closed the season on a great note by taking apart the Spartans. Michigan State had defeated unbeaten Wisconsin in its previous game and needed the win to become bowl eligible. Penn State's defense shut down Michigan State's powerful ground attack, and the Nittany Lions put a 28-0 spanking on the Spartans in the third quarter. The win in the finale gave the team a much-needed dose of confidence headed into the finale.

PLAYER OF THE YEAR: LB Paul Posluszny -- He was named a second-team All-Big Ten performer by both the media and the coaches. Posluszny had great range and exemplified the never-quit attitude displayed by the defense. He had 104 tackles, including 12 for loss and three sacks.

RAPID REVIEW: This was a painful season for the Nittany Lions. The defense was solid all year, but the offense was nearly non-existent for the first nine games of the season. Penn State is a prisoner of its spectacular past. Joe Paterno had one losing season in his first 34 years -- but has now had four in the past five years. Has the game passed him by? That's a question he can't shake. On the plus side, Penn State did not allow more than 21 points in a game this season. Only Auburn, which still had two games to play, could make that same claim.

FAST FORWARD: Things should be much better than in 2004. The Nittany Lions should once again have an overpowering defense -- Posluszny, DL Tamba Hali and CB Alan Zemaitis all should return -- and the offense should be better. The Nittany Lions could be a .500 team or better in 2005.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "I think we have a good football team. I really do." -- Joe Paterno, on the team he will bring back next season.

DL Tamba Hali -- A second-team All-Big Ten selection, Hali had 12 tackles for loss and two sacks among his 51 total tackles. Look for Hali to add strength and quickness in the offseason and become an even better player.

ROSTER REPORT: Penn State returns 19 of 24 starters from the Michigan State game (nine offense, nine defense, one specialist). ... The Nittany Lions should be relatively healthy when they start offseason workouts.