The State College faithful can come out of hibernation now. Penn State football returns this Saturday after a well deserved and needed off-week.

After the Lions' 51-6 victory over West Virginia two weeks ago, the team had the luxury of a bye in its schedule. This has given players time to heal and to work out the little things during practice.

Many coaches believe that a week off can be detrimental to their team's momentum after a win, but Coach Joe Paterno said that the bye provided nothing but positives.

"It's just a question of getting rid of the bumps and bruises. It gives us a chance to get our kids healthy," he said.

After getting last Sunday, Monday and Tuesday off, Paterno was very pleased at the level of practice the following four days. The team also got this Sunday off as well.

Besides resting their injuries, the Lions also were able to give certain players more time to get accustomed to their new positions.

Due to the season-ending injury to Mark D'Onofrio, redshirt freshman Brian Gelzheiser and redshirt junior Brett Wright will be playing at linebacker and Paterno believes that there will be no room for error.

"Whether (Gelzheiser's) ready or not he's it. He and Brett Wright have got to do it," Paterno said.

Wright will get the starting nod because of his experience, but both linebackers will play extensively.

Another minor change involves offensive guard Tony Matesic. He suffered a bruised thigh in practice and will not be able to play. Little used Mike Bass will move up the depth chart and see some time at the tackle position while redshirt sophomore Mike Malinoski will move from tackle to guard.

"I think we made some real progress with some people and we worked awfully hard on fundamentals right on through and we're trying to get some people caught up," Paterno said. "Overall, I thought it was productive."

Tailback Richie Anderson was also happy about the mini-vacation because the team practices were still as intense as a regular week.

"The week off was good. I feel good about the last week because we just didn't go out and relax," he said. "But we had a few days off and it helped us."

Paterno said that the week off could give Penn State the practice it needs to become the team that everyone thought the Lions would be.

"We're getting closer to where this football team can be but we're not there yet," the coach said.

Actually, Paterno admitted that there was one negative coming out of the off- week and it had to do with Mrs. Paterno.

"My wife had to put up with me for dinner every night."