After back-to-back losing seasons, Penn State's 2-0 start is a huge psychological boost for Joe Paterno's team.

Penn State figured to be better than both South Florida and Cincinnati, but actually coming on the field and dominating could go a long way to exorcizing the demons that have dogged the program in four of the last five years.

The Nittany Lions knew they had a defense that was capable of dominating before the start of the season. However, there were huge questions about the offense -- and particularly QB Michael Robinson.

Those questions still exist, but Robinson is coming off a respectable game against the Bearcats. He completed 11-of-17 passes for 220 yards and threw three TD passes. That performance has given Robinson a reason to feel good about himself after being dogged by inconsistency whenever he had had opportunities before.

Now that Penn State is coming off a solid offensive performance against the Bearcats, Paterno and Robinson can legitimately look at the upcoming season and map out a plan for a winning season. Penn State should have an easy time of it again this week against Central Michigan before starting the Big Ten season at Northwestern the following week.

While they will face tough home games against Minnesota and Ohio State right off the bat, their superb defense always gives them a chance to hang in and compete for 60 minutes. Now that Robinson has a go-to weapon in speed Derrick Williams and a fresh dose of confidence, the Nittany Lions may have a chance to compete in both of those games.

Look for another promising game from Robinson this week before the competition begins in earnest the following week.

SCOUTING THE OFFENSE: There is a degree of explosiveness to the Penn State offense. In the 42-24 win over Cincinnati, QB Michael Robinson threw a 59-yard TD pass to Justin King and 45-yarder to Deon Butler. He also hit freshman Derrick Williams four times for 60 yards. If Robinson could put two good performances together, the Nittany Lions have a chance to be much better than the last two years. They also have a decent RB duo with Tony Hunt and Austin Scott.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: Lost amid the hoopla of the 42-point performance by the offense was the defense's late collapse. The Nittany Lions gave up two TDs in the final 39 seconds and that marked the first time Penn State had given up more than 21 points in 12 games. Look for the Nittany Lions to take out their anger on Central Michigan.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Based on Connor letting it be known that he expedited the community service (requirement) and got his letter of apology written, the vice president said, as far as the university is concerned, that he can return to practice." -- Penn State spokesman Bill Mahon allowing LB Dan Connor to return to the team following a series of prank phone calls to a former Penn State assistant coach. Joe Paterno will ultimately decide if Connor is allowed to play again.

THIS WEEK'S GAME: vs. Central Michigan, Sept. 17 -- The offense turned the corner in the 42-24 win over Cincinnati. Now, consistency is the goal for this unit. Another big-play performance vs. the Chips will help Joe Paterno feel good about his offense going into the Big Ten season.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Michael Robinson -- He finally had the game he was looking for against the Bearcats, throwing for 220 yards and three TDs. If Robinson can do it again vs. Central Michigan he will bring some serious momentum with him into the Big Ten opener at Northwestern.

LB Tim Shaw -- He backed up the 10 tackles in the opener with another 10-tackle effort against Cincinnati. He also broke up two passes.

RB Tony Hunt -- A fine runner between the tackles who bulled his way for 140 yards in the opener. He should be a big part of the game plan against Cincinnati.

WR Justin King -- The speedy freshman started delivering on his enormous potential when he scored on a 59-yard TD pass from Robinson early in the third quarter vs. Cincinnati. Once King and fellow freshman Derrick Williams get comfortable, the Nittany Lions could become a very dangerous offensive team.

ROSTER REPORT: Defensive lineman Jim Shaw (knee) and offensive lineman E.Z. Smith (disciplinary) are questionable against Central Michigan. The university has reinstated defensive lineman Dan Connor after making a series of prank calls to a former Penn State assistant coach. However, Paterno must still decide if he will allow Connor to play.