Outside of Happy Valley, the answer to that question seems to be a resounding yes. On the Penn State campus, few have the temerity to echo that sentiment. There may be a lot of whispers to that effect, but Paterno remains resolute that he wants to continue coaching. With four non-bowl seasons in his last five years, Paterno wants to have a winning season before he considers bowing out.

A lot of Big Ten observers believe that Paterno has the team to get the situation turned around in 2005. The Nittany Lions had a dominant defense last season and would have been a winning Big Ten team with even a semblance of competitive offense. That may well be the case this season, as the Nittany Lions have gotten a great dose of speed and talent.

Veteran Zack Mills is finally an ex-Penn Stater, which leaves the QB responsibilities to Michael Robinson and Anthony Morelli. Robinson is a senior who has been a slash-type player throughout his career. He was never able to get over the hump at quarterback with Mills on the scene, but that will no longer be the case. However, he has to show he can do a competent job throwing the ball if he wants to hold off Morelli, who is a fine pocket passer. Robinson did anything but a competent job in 2004 as he completed just 35.9 percent of his passes.

The running game has a chance to be solid, but Paterno appears to lack gamebreakers. Tony Hunt did a nice job last year as he ran for 777 yards and averaged 4.6 yards per carry. However, he is not a speedster. Austin Scott has the kind of talent needed to become an impact player, but injuries and inconsistency have dogged his career at Penn State. Freshman speedster Lydell Sargeant may have a chance at getting a significant number of carries.

Paterno understands that his wide receiver crew never showed the kind of big-play ability that many of his Big Ten rivals have. In order to combat that weakness, Paterno brought in freshman speed burner Derrick Williams to upgrade that crew. He also moved three fast defensive backs -- Jim Kanuch, Ethan Kilmer and Deon Butler -- to the receiver spot. Robinson will also see action at the WR spot if Morelli eclipses him at quarterback.

The offensive line should be improved. The Nittany Lions return all five starters and they should be able to give Hunt, Scott and Sargeant some nice lanes to run through. While center E.Z. Smith and guard Tyler Reed were involved in some off-the-field hijinks that led to disciplinary action in the offseason, both were expected to be back with the team. Smith is quick, while Reed is a nasty warrior who does a good job at playing through the whistle.

The defense needs to pick up where it left off a year ago. The defensive line is talented and angry. It allowed only three rushing touchdowns last year because players like DE Tamba Hali played with fire and aggressiveness. Hali will be joined by Matthew Rice, Scott Paxson and Jay Alford.

The linebacking crew should be up to the standards set at Penn State when Happy Valley was also known as Linebacker U. Paul Posluszny is the best of the group. He had 104 tackles last year and is always around the ball. Dan Connor is not far behind. He had 85 tackles last year and plays with great instincts. Those two will be joined by junior Tim Shaw.

CB Alan Zemaitis is one of the Nittany Lion captains and should take a key leadership role. He is also an outstanding cover man who can blanket Big Ten receivers and make big plays. SS Calvin Lowry is a huge hitter who also came up with four interceptions last year. However, the big news is the addition of freshman Justin King. While he will probably start the season as a backup, he has immense talent and confidence.

KEY EARLY-SEASON GAME: vs. South Florida, Sept. 3 -- Most Big Ten teams usually look at an opener against a Class C opponent as nothing more than an extended scrimmage. Since the Nittany Lions have been below par for four of the last five seasons, they have to be ready for war against the Bulls. Not only do they need to win, they need to do it by a big margin. That might give them the confidence needed to get back to a bowl game this season.

THE NITTANY LIONS WILL GO 8-3 IF: The Nittany Lions need to develop a competent offensive game. If Michael Robinson does not demonstrate significant improvement in his accuracy, Joe Paterno has to go to Anthony Morelli. He can't hem and haw before making the move -- he just has to make it and move forward.

THE NITTANY LIONS WILL GO 5-6 IF: They continue to play moribund offensive football. Penn State has the defense to dominate, but if the offense struggles again it could be another difficult year.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "We're looking at it as this is a brand new team. And we're fortunate enough to lead this team. The No. 1 thing is to just have all the players on the team believe in each other that we can get it done. You look across our depth chart and our roster, we have no weaknesses." -- Co-captain and CB Alan Zemaitis to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette on the confidence and ability level of this year's Nittany Lion team.

HEAD COACH: Joe Paterno, 343-116-3, 40th year.

MOST IMPORTANT PLAYER: QB Michael Robinson or Anthony Morelli -- One of these two men must come through with a big year if the Nittany Lions are to break out of their malaise. Robinson has great athletic talent but has never been more than a mediocre passer -- and that's giving him the benefit of the doubt. Morelli was a great high school passer, but he needs an opportunity to show he can do it consistently.

BREAKOUT STAR: WR Derrick Williams -- The Nittany Lions badly need speed and Joe Paterno brought in Williams to help out. The Greenbelt, Md. native looked like a future star during spring practice and will have an opportunity to show what he can do this season.

NEWCOMER TO WATCH: DB Justin King -- The Penn State secondary is in good shape, so the athletic King may start off as a nickel back this season. However, he should make a major contribution and could be starting by the season's midpoint.

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP: Offense -- QB Michael Robinson, RB Tony Hunt, FB BranDon Snow, WR Mark Rubin, WR Derrick Williams, TE Isaac Smolko, OLT Levi Brown, OLG Charles Rush, C E.Z. Smith, ORG Tyler Reed, ORT John Wilson

Defense - DE Tamba Hali, DT Jay Alford, DT Scott Paxson, DE Matthew Rice, OLB Dan Connor, ILB Tim Shaw, OLB Paul Posluszny, CB Alan Zemaitis, CB Anwar Phillips, SS Calvin Lowry, FS Chris Harrell.

ROSTER REPORT: RB Austin Scott was slowed by a stress fracture in his foot last season and has been a regular visitor to Joe Paterno's doghouse. ... Starting C E.Z. Smith, ORG Tyler Reed DT Scott Paxson and backup OL Andre Richardson were charged with criminal mischief for firing hunting arrows in a campus apartment during the offseason. Reed, Paxson and Richardson were cleared of responsibility while Smith was expected to return to the team in late summer.