But the Lions results from this weekend's 3-1 wins against Iowa and Illinois will only make Penn State's rankings higher.

And with only six regular season games left, three of which are against Big Ten teams, the Nittany Lions' find themselves far ahead of their Big Ten opponents.

Michigan, who is currently ranked second in the Big Ten, falls behind the Lions with a 6-2 Big Ten record (8-5 overall). Its only losses this season came from its 2-1 loss to Illinois and 6-2 loss to Penn State.

"I think we put ourselves in a pretty good position," Penn State women's soccer coach Paula Wilkins said. "We are in control of our own destiny."

The Lions are scheduled to take on two of those final three Big Ten teams this weekend when they play Wisconsin (4-7-2, 1-5-1 Big Ten) on Friday and Northwestern (4-7-1, 2-4-1 Big Ten) on Sunday.

Although the two games should not create any problems for the team, Wisconsin is ranked 11th and Northwestern is ranked 10th in the Big Ten, Wilkins isn't counting anyone out.

"I think they are going to be very tough games," Wilkins said. "We're trying to win the league and they are fighting to get into the Big Ten Tournament. And in that situation teams play with a different type of emotion."

But Penn State is playing with an emotion all of its own as it charges towards the Big Ten Championship as well as a chance in the NCAA Tournament at the end of November.

At this time last year Penn State had one more game to compete in to finish off its regular season. The Lions beat each of those seven opponents with a combined score of 12-2, for a final regular season record of 17-2-1.

This year's team will look to match that record as close as it can by winning its last six contests.

Wilkins noted that for the team to continue its postseason as long as possible the Lions will have to work on their defensive skills as individuals and as a team. Offensively, Wilkins believes the team will have to continue to capitalize on its scoring opportunities and keep the energy up after goals.

But if Penn State can keep up the domination it has had on the field, the Lions shouldn't have to worry about extending its season further than it did last year.

"I hope that going into the Big Ten tournament that we are reaching our peak and getting better every game and that we're at our highest point for the NCAA Tournament," Wilkins said.