Thoughts from a random fan (i.e., my alter ego). . .

Hey, Rice, what the hell were you talking about last week with that "glass" business?

All right, all right, don't start. I said Penn State had a big ol' crack in its proverbial glass, and then the Lions went out and made me look like the pseudo-Swami that I am by pulling out the victory at Northwestern.

So this week you're ready to turn over a new leaf and talk about Paterno and the boys putting a few wins together, right?

Whoa, Nellie. I didn't say that.

Well why not? Penn State's finally figured out a way or two to put some points on the board. If they can come out on top in a shootout with one of the best offensive teams in the country, why not Ohio State?

Look — I was as impressed as the next guy by the Lions' performance last weekend. In addition to executing better than they have all year and eliminating most of their mistakes, they showed heart, resiliency and toughness — things we didn't see during the first four games. But am I ready to hop on the bandwagon and start talking about winning streaks? Not just yet.

Oh, come on. Not only is a win against the Buckeyes conceivable, it's probable. This is not your typical Ohio State team. They've been up and down this season more times than Robert Downey, Jr. If Penn State plays half as well as they did last week, it'll be two in a row, and JoePa will sit at the throne of all coaches.

Ok, ok. The Bucks aren't exactly a national championship-caliber team this season, but expect a very different type of game than what you saw last weekend. Ohio State's defense is playing ferociously of late, forcing five turnovers in last week's win against San Diego State. The Bucks' defensive line is bigger, stronger and more experienced than the Wildcats. They won't make it easy on Senneca or Mills or the Lions' newfound running game. And yes, they've been up and down this season, but it's never hard for that team to get themselves up for Penn State.

Were you born a cynic or have you just recently become one?

All I'm saying is that people shouldn't get too worked up over one win. The players are saying that it is the start of a new season, and maybe it is. But this is not a great football team, and it is playing a great schedule from here on out.

Maybe you're forgetting the fact that Ohio State hasn't won in Happy Valley since 1995? Eh?

But I do seem to recall the Buckeyes waxing the Lions last year, 45-6. If you mean to tell me that the two teams have changed that much since, then you're an even bigger nut than I.

Don't get all defensive just because you were wrong about Penn State last week.

Don't worry, I'm defensive all the time. Speaking of defensive, the last time I checked, the Nits were still allowing 26 points per game. That's not exactly the way to get to Pasadena when you're playing in the grind-it-out Big Ten conference.

You have to admit that the defense is playing better, though.

Sure — I'll readily admit the whole team is playing better. But remember, one game does not cure all ills. Go back to last season, when the Lions pulled off an inspiring upset win against eventual Rose Bowl representative Purdue. A turnaround was imminent, but what happened the next week? Penn State played hard but still fell at Minnesota.

True, very true. But that game was played in the unfriendly confines of the Metrodome. Tomorrow, the Lions will be at home, with a couple of extra motivating factors.

I think I know where this is going. . .

Yup, not only is this Paterno's first opportunity to pass the Bear, but it also marks the one-year anniversary of Adam Taliaferro's injury. If those things aren't enough to swing the momentum in the direction of the Lions, I don't know what is.

It takes more than emotion to defeat a conference rival in late October.

Whatever. Penn State's gonna pull it out tomorrow. Somehow, some way, the Lions will get Paterno his 324th. They'll do it for him, and they'll do it for Adam. The crack in your "glass" has been sealed, Rice.

Fine. Just don't say I didn't warn you.