What a week it has already been for the Nittany Lions.

Players in trouble with the law, players dismissed from the team and a valley full of doubters have already set an uneasy tone heading into this weekend's game with Ohio State.

And they still have to play a game this weekend against a top-10 football team.

The Lions have regrouped, at least for the time being, as players expressed their thoughts on the recent off-field discipline issues with the fellow members of the Penn State squad.

"We're faced with challenges all the time. This is just another challenge," sophomore defensive tackle Scott Paxson said.

"We have to knock this stuff off and start winning football games," Paxson said.

Paxson knows what it is like to spend time in the Paterno doghouse. Earlier in the season his playing time was drastically cut after he was charged with receiving stolen property and criminal mischief. He was found not guilty on the first charge, but pleaded guilty on the second.

In retrospect, Paxson may have gotten off light, at least with respect to recent happenings.

With the dismissal of offensive lineman Tommy McHugh just two days ago after he was charged with harassment, Paterno made a statement that had been missing from the start of the season.

That statement?

Shape up, or ship out.

"I'm not sure there's much to say. I think coach is putting his foot down," Paxson said.

"Joe has been through a tough time and it's weird for him. I don't think a lot of this stuff would be happening if we were winning."

According to Michael Robinson, it's not the fact that players are getting in trouble that is cause for concern; it's the fact that it doesn't set a good example for the rest of the team -- especially when the team's leaders get into trouble.

Both Tony Johnson and Damone Jones have made trips to the center of the field before games as captains. Both also have been sources of off-field problems.

"Obviously it's disappointing especially because it's happening to the guys like Tony Johnson and Damone Jones; they're seniors," Robinson said. "Sometimes you expect a little more from the seniors. At the same time, everyone will welcome them into the team. We fully support our teammates."

Robinson also made it known last week that with all of the off-field issues surrounding the team, he has elected to "stay at home" to ensure he avoids trouble all together.

"I think we do a good job looking out for each other," Paxson said. "Things happen that you just can't predict it's going to happen. We're pretty good as a unit. Sometimes you can't help things that happen."

It appears as though Paterno has been cracking down on the team's miscreants like gangbusters. He has served as the judge, the jury and executioner on more than one occasion this season, roles not relished by the 76-year old.

It has affected Paterno.

He openly avoids questions regarding disciplinary measures taken against his players. Sometimes he just won't say anything.

But has it been a distraction to the rest of the team?

"Time will tell," Robinson said. "I don't know. I don't think it's really affecting us mentally as a team. I think we know how to get past those off-field problems."