However, this is clearly a much different Nittany Lions team than Joe Paterno has had in recent years.

That much is apparent just from Paterno's attitude and demeanor with the media. Instead of surliness and short non-answers to thoughtful questions, Paterno is answering with a sense of humor and a sense of optimism as he ponders the rest of the 2005 season.

That optimism does not appear to be misplaced. The Nittany Lions knew they were bringing back one of the better defensive teams in the Big Ten, but the offense was the question mark.

That unit probably will still have some rough moments, but QB Michael Robinson has looked like a new player in back-to-back wins over Cincinnati and Central Michigan. Robinson has completed 34-of-55 passes for 584 yards with six TDs and three interceptions this year. His 176.1 passer rating is second in the Big Ten behind Michigan State's Drew Stanton.

Robinson should have a good chance to put good numbers on the board this week in the Big Ten opener at Northwestern. The Wildcats are quite porous on the defensive side, having allowed 1,312 yards the past two weeks vs. Northern Illinois and Arizona State. Since Robinson can throw to two speedsters in Derrick Williams and Deon Butler, the Wildcats will likely be tormented once again.

But the level of competition is going way up. Northwestern has won two of its first three games and the Wildcats were 4-0 at home vs. Big Ten opponents last year. In order to come away with the road win, the Penn State offense will have to continue to make progress and the defense needs to play to its normal high standards.

SCOUTING THE DEFENSE: The Nittany Lions are playing solid defense, giving up just 276.3 total yards per game -- a figure that ranks second in the Big Ten. The Nittany Lions are particularly tough on the ground as they allow 47.3 rushing yards per game.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "First of all, we came into the season like people were expecting us to lose. I don't know who was expecting us to win. And we just wanted to make a statement. Me and the guys -- Mike Rob (quarterback Michael Robinson) and (defensive end) Matt Rice -- every day we were talking in the offseason and our dream was for every week to take it like it's our last week." -- Penn State CB Alan Zemaitis on the Nittany Lions' state of mind as the team enters Big Ten play.

PLAYERS TO WATCH: QB Michael Robinson -- He ranks second in the Big Ten in passer efficiency. Robinson is a great athlete who is taking advantage of a speedy group of wideouts to help Penn State break free from a long offensive slump.

WR Deon Butler -- He can stretch the defense and Robinson found him five times for 108 yards in the win over Central Michigan. He should be able to attack the Northwestern pass defense which was torn up by Arizona State's high-powered attack last week.

WR Derrick Williams -- He may be the fastest player in the Big Ten, although Ted Ginn of Ohio State would probably give him a good race. Williams has caught nine passes for 145 yards so far to lead the team, but he has not gotten into the end zone yet.

LB Tim Shaw -- He is the leading tackler on the team with 30 stops, 4.5 TFL and three sacks this year. He is smart, active and a solid hitter.

ROSTER REPORT: Defensive lineman Dan Connor (suspension) is sidelined indefinitely. Defensive lineman Lavon Chisley (academics) and wide receiver Mark Rubin (ankle) are expected to miss the entire season.