WISCONSIN - THE MORNING AFTER

It's hard to point out criticisms in Penn State's effort on Saturday night against Wisconsin, but not everything went perfectly in the 48-7 victory. The Badgers did a good job limiting Penn State's rushing attack, holding Evan Royster and company to just 106 yards on the ground, the fewest this season for Penn State. Keeping in mind that the Lions' 35 rushing attempts on Saturday was the lowest total in a game this year for them, the team's total rushing yards have decreased for three consecutive weeks after 308 yards against Temple.

Another slow start didn't hurt Penn State against Wisconsin, but the Lions have scored just 17 points in the first quarters of its last four games after totaling 49 points in the first quarters of its first three games. Penn State ran 14 plays in the first quarter on Saturday night gaining only 55 yards. The team converted none of its three third downs and only scored three points despite starting its drives, on average, from its own 42-yard line.

Overall, the Lions had a good game-plan against Wisconsin and it was refreshing to see them not afraid to throw the football in a Big Ten road game. The Penn State defense was outstanding, quieting the Badger crowd and holding Wisconsin below its season averages for both passing and rushing yards.

Saturday's game was a major hurdle for the Lions and they cleared it easily. Penn State still has five games left to play, including the eternal bugaboo of Michigan this week followed by the dreaded trip to the Horseshoe, but this team is definitely worthy of its lofty ranking, which is sure to go up today considering the rash of upsets over the weekend. The Lions could be as high as #3 when the polls come out, which would be its highest ranking since 2005.