No one expected the Penn State men's soccer team to be hovering around the .500 mark halfway through the season.

Since they've already equaled last year's loss total, the Nittany Lions' playoff hopes are in jeopardy as they head to South Orange, N.J. to take on Seton Hall today at 3 p.m.

With playoff hopes now riding on each game, players know it's a must-win situation.

"If we want to be in the Big Ten Tournament, we can't lose any more games," freshman midfielder David Walters said.

Though Penn State sits at 7-5 now (2-2 Big Ten), it is ranked No. 21 in the nation. No other team in the Top 25 has as many losses.

But really how good are this year's Lions? Let's break it down.

Offense

Led by sophomore forward Chad Severs, Penn State is averaging 1.79 goals a game, down from last year's 1.95. Since Severs started out on a tear -- seven goals in as many games -- the Lions have struggled to find another scorer.

"Early on, we placed on lot of importance on Chad, and that was okay then, but there comes a point where we can't rely on one guy," said Bernstein, who scored his first two goals of the season this past weekend.

Since Penn State entered its conference matches, teams have been all over Severs, barely allowing him to get in position to score. In four Big Ten games, Severs has no goals and just 12 shots. He has had almost three times as many shots in non-conference play.

The next two leading scorers on the team, sophomores Pasi Karpinnen and Joe Zewe, aren't too far behind with four and three goals, respectively. However, despite 10 shots taken between them, Karpinnen and Zewe haven't scored in conference play.

Grade: B

With all three captains playing in the backfield, one would think that defense would be the least of Penn State's concerns. While last year's defense strung together 12 shutouts, this year's team has thus far put together only one, vs. Michigan.

Brent Jacquette's move from his natural position at midfield to the backfield has vastly improved Penn State's defense since a 1-2 start in which the Lions allowed six goals.

"[Jacquette]'s showed his willingness to do whatever [it takes] to win," Bernstein said.

Jacquette and fellow captains Ben Dawson and Jorma Makipaa have stepped into leadership roles, Walters said.

"On and off the field, the captains have really stepped up their leadership," he said. "I think the upperclassmen have to step up and play 110 percent not only for ourselves, but also for the seniors."

Grade: B-

Controversy has swirled all season around who would be starting in goal. Coming into the season, senior Ryan Sickman was slated to be the Lions' No. 1 goalie, while junior Eric Earnhardt, who was expected to see a large portion of time in net, has disappeared for reasons undisclosed.

Sickman's spot seemed secure until first-year transfer Ryan Moate shook things up, taking over three games into the season. Since, he has rarely relinquished the hold on the starting spot.

Moate has responded well, posting a 1.25 goals against average in eight games started. He's recorded the Lions' only shutout this season and also shut down reigning Big Ten champion Indiana for 104 minutes before a penalty kick got by him in the second overtime.

Sickman, however, is posting a 1.75 goals against average. While he has a higher GAA, the team is 3-1 when he starts in goal compared to 4-4 when Moate starts.

Grade: B

It's been an up-and-down year for the Lions, and the lack of consistency is their most glaring weakness. While they might come out highly charged and physical one game, they might come out flat the next.

"Sometimes our chemistry is on and then sometimes we get frustrated and let down when we're not getting our way," Walters said.

Penn State doesn't want to be in the position of having to win the Big Ten tournament to reach the NCAA championships. In order to do that, the team has to stop making careless errors.

"Sometimes we'll give the ball away and other teams will capitalize, and we don't capitalize enough on other teams," Bernstein said.

There is no better time for the Lions to get back on track than this afternoon.