This season, the Penn State rushing attack has been a mere shadow of what it was a year ago.

Then tailback Eric McCoo, who nearly doubled his offensive output of the first five games, helped put the running game back in action. He tallied 179 yards on 54 attempts — 3.5 yards-per-carry — prior to Iowa. He waltzed out of Iowa City, Iowa with a 130-yard performance, and a week later blew up for a career-high 211 yards at home against Ohio State.

Translation — the rushing attack is back, or so it seems.

OVERALL GRADE: B

Quarterbacks

Two is better than one, at least according to Penn State coach Joe Paterno. The 72-year-old coach chose to go with a two-pronged attack behind center to start the season, and his scheming has helped lead the Lions to a 7-0 record.

To put things in perspective, of quarterbacks with 70 or more attempts, backup quarterback Rashard Casey would be the Big Ten's leading passer with a 168.15 passer efficiency rating. Purdue Heisman Trophy candidate Drew Brees is more than 30 points below Casey, with a rating of 133.39.

So what does this all lead to? With starting quarterback Kevin Thompson questionable for this weekend's game against Brees and the Boilermakers, the ever-proficient tandem looks to be in jeopardy.

OVERALL GRADE: A-

Wide receivers

After his performance against highly-ranked but unproductive Arizona, Chafie Fields was mentioned in the same breath as the Heisman Trophy.

But with an injury to wide receiver Corey Jones, the opposing defenses were able to double-team Fields. But the Penn State receiving corps had an answer, as young receiver Eddie Drummond stepped into the starting role for Jones, taking pressure off Fields.

A now-healthy Jones returned to the field Saturday against Ohio State, and should see even more playing time this weekend at Purdue. Combined with the potent passing attack and a resurgent rushing game, defenses have more than one weapon to defend against.

OVERALL GRADE: B

Offensive Line

The Penn State offensive line had more kinks in it during the first five games than an old slinky being crushed by boxes in a closet.

After weeks of being asked about what was wrong with the running game and what needed to be done to fix the problems, it seems the Lions' offesnive line has found the answer.

Tailback Eric McCoo has been shown the way to 100-yards games the last two weeks in wins against Iowa and Ohio State. Still, the Lions second-leading rusher is quarterback Rashard Casey, who has rushed for 188 yards.

That is not good.

"I feel like things are back to normal now," McCoo said after rushing for 211 yards against Ohio State. "It's like we're picking up where we left off last year against Michigan State."

OVERALL GRADE: C

Linebackers

Against Ohio State, Linebacker U. was proven to be more than three players deep.

Linebacker Ron Graham led the Lions in tackles in their win against the Buckeyes. And he did it coming off the bench.

Replacing the injuried Mac Morrison, who suffered a concussion in the first half and did not return because of precautionary measures, Graham had two sacks and recorded a career-high nine tackles.

Regular starters LaVar Arrington and Brandon Short each contributed in holding Buckeyes tailback Michael Wiley to just 18 yards rushing and further increased their growing legacy.

"When I am 72 years old all my tackles will be remebered as leaps across the line, all my runs will be touchdowns," Arrington said. "When I am 72, I'll be just an old man, but I'll be a trash-talking old man."

OVERALL GRADE: B

Defensive Line

Through graduation, injuries and dark of night, the Lions defensive line has found a way to be the most consistent unit on its side of the ball.

Without saying a word, defensive end Courtney Brown is in hot prusuit of the Penn State all-time sack mark held by Larry Kubin. Heading into Purdue this weekend, Brown is just a sack and a half off that pace.

On the other end, Justin Kurpeikis is 22 sacks off of Kubin's mark, but has still has filled in nicely for graduate Brad Scioli.

In the middle, Jimmy Kennedy has become a dominant figure along the line in the place of the injuried Jason Wallace. Next to "The Grizzly Bear" Kennedy, the move of Bob Jones back to tackle from defensive end has added to the Lions' depth, especially with usual-starter David Fleischhauer being bothered by nagging injuires recently.

OVERALL GRADE: A-

Secondary

Cornerbacks David Macklin and Anthony King, thought to be one of the better pairs of corners in the country heading into this season, have lived up to that lofty standard.

Against Ohio State, the two seniors locked up Buckeyes wideouts Reggie Germany and Ken-Yon Rambo like they were guilty of accepting more than $400 worth of merchandise for $21.40.

Bwawoh Jue has been excellent providing extra pass coverage, often times playing corner and allowing the coaching staff to maneuver King all over the place.

OVERALL GRADE: A

Special teams

Up-and-down doesn't begin to describe this group's performance through the first seven contests.

Placekicker Travis Forney nailed his first seven field goal attempts and drilled 24 of 24 extra point tries.

But the junior chunked his first miss of the season against Iowa, then had two field goals blocked against Ohio State a week ago.

Aside from the first block of his Penn State career, punter Pat Pidgeon has been as consistent as any Lions player. The senior booter has dropped nine punts inside the 20-yard line to go with his 41.8-yard average, which ranks fifth in the Big Ten.

Kenny Watson has had his moments on kickoff returns, but lost his punt return duties after a fumble flood.

Teammate Bruce Branch took over in his place and promptly carted a boot 90 yards against Indiana for a touchdown. He has held the position since then.

OVERALL GRADE: B-