Paterno, of course, steadfastly holds on to the Penn State coaching position even though numerous critics say that he should fade off into the land of retirement. That issue has been revisited many times and is not the subject of our missive.

Paterno's stubbornness can also work in favor of a player. In the case of Nittany Lions QB Michael Robinson, Paterno has stuck by him despite a string of mediocre performances. In Penn State's 42-24 victory over Cincinnati, both men were finally rewarded.

Robinson started the game in less than stellar fashion, but he had one of the best days of his career in the victory. Robinson completed 11-of-17 passes for 220 yards with three TDs and one interception. Robinson also picked up key yards on the ground run 10 times for 62 yards, including the opening touchdown of the game.

Robinson's heroics really didn't start until he hit freshman WR Justin King with a 59-yard TD pass early in the third quarter. After that he hit speed freshman Derrick Williams with a 41-yarder. Those plays seemed to get a release a huge burden from Robinson's psyche and he played free, easy and aggressive football.

While the Penn State offense finally got untracked, the defense saw its 12-game streak of holding opponents to 21 points or fewer come to an end. For once, that unit had significant points to work with and since the game was safely in hand, they allowed two touchdowns in the final minute of the game.

"It was hot," said MLB Tim Shaw. "We played quite a bit and we got tired."

Paterno still has plenty of confidence in his defense. If the offense can continue to play the way it did against Cincinnati throughout the rest of the season, the venerable coach may once again have a memorable team.

KEEP AN EYE ON: WR Derrick Williams -- He brings game-altering speed to the Penn State attack. He caught four passes for 60 yards and looks as if he is getting ready to become a dominant player.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "The tendency with that is to get discouraged, and I didn't want Mike to get discouraged. Because he's going to be fine." -- Head coach Joe Paterno on QB Michael Robinson, who started poorly but completed 11-of-17 passes for 220 yards with two TD passes and a TD run.

-- CB Alan Zemaitis registered his first interception of the season and also had 5 tackles and 1 forced fumble.

-- SS Calvin Lowry had six tackles, one forced fumble and one interception. Lowry continues to be one of the hardest hitters on a very nasty defense.

STILL NEEDS SOME WORK: The offense finally came through with 42 points and 393 yards, but now the question is consistency. The Nittany Lions will try to work on it this week vs. Central Michigan.

-- QB Anthony Morelli finally got some action and looked good, completing 4-of-5 passes for 25 yards and he also had a 1-yard TD run. He needs more action.

-- The Nittany Lions can't hold on to the ball for any length of time. Despite the one-sided win, Penn State lost the time-of-possession battle 35:08-24:52.

ROSTER REPORT: Penn State made several changes at offensive line, which improved on its performance in the opener. Tyler Reed started in place of Robert Price at right guard. When right tackle John Wilson grew fatigued, he was replaced by Andrew Richardson. Paterno also pulled left guard Charles Rush, after several blown blocks, and replaced him with A.Q. Shipley.