Paterno had the same remarks for Southern California, which defeated Penn State 29-5 Sunday in the Kickoff Classic. Although the loss dropped Penn State in both The Associated Press and the Coaches' polls, Penn State might have garnered some experience for its young squad while Toledo opens its season against the Lions.
"I don't think we lost our confidence," Penn State cornerback Bruce Branch said.
Six days a week
The Lions had an extra day to prepare for the Trojans, but the Sunday game leaves Paterno in a precarious situation: The 73-year-old coach has six days to prepare for the home opener.
"We don't have a lot of time this week," Paterno said.
"I am not sure it is going to be a big difference," Penn State tight end John Gilmore said. "We did so much conditioning in the preseason."
Penn State players will not practice Friday, but still had a light practice Monday. The Lions began watching Toledo film yesterday.
Drummond out
Paterno said yesterday wide receiver Eddie Drummond, Penn State's most experienced wide receiver, will be out for at least two weeks. Drummond suffered a sprained right knee last week after he rushed for a one-yard loss and did not catch the one pass thrown his way.
"That kind of got us off on the wrong foot," Paterno said.
Rod Perry will move up on the depth chart in Drummond's absence and will be backed up by true freshman Tony Johnson. Paterno said Drummond was the lone injury from the game.
Ransom to redshirt
Although the Lions need help on the offensive line, it will not come from guard Greg Ransom.
Ransom, a true senior, will redshirt this year after Paterno said he has not been in shape and did not fare well last spring in the classroom.
"It will be good for him," Paterno said. "It's a balancing act. I think he will bring more to the program next year. He will have a chance to be more mature about the whole college experience and has a little better concept of what he is physically capable of doing. There is no question in my mind that it is better for him."
Ransom made four starts last season, but suffered from a shoulder injury which sidelined him for last season's Arizona and Ohio State contests. He played in every game his sophomore season and seven games as a freshman.
Reinforcements returning?
Help could be on the way for the offensive line, though.
Penn State offensive linemen Jordan Caruso and Joe Iorio could return to practice this week. But Paterno is not certain Iorio is ready for contact yet until he gets a report from team doctors.
Iorio's return could help the kicking game as well. He was the starting long snapper before mononucleosis kept him out of preseason practice. Caruso, who wore his No. 74 jersey and khakis at Giants Stadium, has not practiced since he fainted in practice.
Solid Senneca
While Paterno did not indicate who is the third-string signal caller, redshirt sophomore Matt Senneca has solidified himself as the backup quarterback and could run the offense for as much as a quarter Saturday.
Senneca came into this season with a perfect completion percentage from last season: One pass caught for four yards, the other intercepted. And when Senneca came into the game Sunday, he kept that percentage intact, completing his first three passes for 30 yards. That ended soon afterward, though, with Senneca unable to connect on his remaining three attempts.
"We are comfortable Matt can do a good job," Paterno said.
