They're still 2-4, not 2-0.

But you wouldn't know that from talking to the Penn State Nittany Lions, who are in high spirits after their second win in as many weeks.

"We could have easily packed it in after an 0-4 start, but we didn't," said offensive guard Tyler Lenda. "We've beaten two great teams the last two weeks. Our confidence is growing every day."

Penn State has been able to pull off back-to-back upsets of Northwestern and Ohio State due to a huge jump in point production (67 combined points in the last two games, compared to 31 the first four), timely defense and improved special teams. More importantly, the Lions have head coach Joe Paterno's record behind them.

"I was amazed with the emotion the squad showed, so I am glad it's over," Paterno said. "I just want get on now and see what we can do with the next five games."

Shunned Senneca

Lions starting quarterback Matt Senneca knew he would be sharing playing time with his understudy, Zack Mills, against Ohio State.

He just didn't realize just how much time that would be.

Senneca was pulled after only one series, giving way to Mills, who went on to have a career game.

"I probably could've made a better play or a more catchable pass or something," said a beleaguered Senneca after the game. "But I didn't and I got pulled."

The redshirt senior from Allentown's frustration was evident after the game, and it appears as though his days as a starter may be numbered.

"Matt's been doing well, I hated to do that (pull him)," Paterno said.

"Matt had a chance to make a couple plays and didn't make them, so I said let's see what Zack can do and sit Matt down for awhile."

The way Mills has been playing, "awhile" could be a lot longer than Senneca had anticipated.

Drummond's drop-itis

Receiver Eddie Drummond came very close to being Saturday's goat, when a third-quarter pass from Mills slipped through his hands, up into the air and into the arms of Ohio State's Derek Ross, who returned it 45 yards for a touchdown that put the Buckeyes up 18.

It was the second drop of the day for Drummond, who has struggled to regain his 1999 form throughout this season.

"We told him to forget about them," said wideout Bryant Johnson. "Eddie is going to come through. I'm not worried about him."

It's a bird. . .it's a plane. . . it's Jimmy Kennedy!

Well, it happened again. Another field-goal block by the Lions, and Jimmy Kennedy denied the ensuing glory once more.

Penn State's block of Mike Nugent's 34-yard field-goal attempt was credited to defensive back Bryan Scott, but it was actually Kennedy's meaty paw that swatted Ohio State's comeback chance aside.

Kennedy is miffed that the credit continues to go to his smaller teammates.

"Believe it or not, they've all been mine," he said.