Maybe it was a motivational statement.

Maybe he was being serious.

Either way, when Joe Paterno said people "can't expect us to be a really good offensive football team" at his press conference on Tuesday, his two main play callers were left wondering the same things.

What exactly did he mean and why did he say it in the first place?

"I think he said that because of all the people we have that didn't play last year on offense," Zack Mills said. "We have a new running back, basically a new offensive line, and only one other starter back really on offense. We lost a first round draft pick at wide receiver, and our tight end for the year, too."

Mills, in his attempt to translate Paterno's statement, reminded members of the media that the Lions entered the 2003 season without both their leading receiver in Bryant Johnson and leading rusher in Larry Johnson.

However all but one member of this season's offensive line saw meaningful playing time last year.

Youth, once again, was the scapegoat for the dismal offensive output.

Freshman Austin Scott has shown flashes of brilliance in his attempt at revitalizing the running game, but hasn't been on the field long enough to make a real impact in place of Johnson.

The receivers have struggled all season long.

On the other hand, Michael Robinson offered less insight into the exact meaning of Paterno's message, but agreed with Paterno in that the offense has been one of the more perplexing aspects of this year's team.

"It's just one of those mysteries that you can't put a finger on," Robinson said. "I don't think we're making enough big plays. If we want to get something out of the season, we have to make big plays. Looking at this season, making a first down is a big play for us. We can't just go for the jugular at first. Every play can be a big play."

Robinson joked that Paterno's rumblings as of late have been cause for confusion. Last week, Robinson found out that he was the starter against Iowa after Paterno announced it on his Thursday night radio show.

While Paterno has yet to name a starter against Ohio State this Saturday, Robinson said he prepared to find out any way imaginable. He didn't know he'd start against Iowa until Friday morning, even though Paterno had announced it on his Thursday radio show.

"I didn't exactly hear the radio broadcast," Robinson said. "We went to meet him Friday morning, and [Penn State quarterbacks coach] Jay [Paterno] said, 'You guys might have already heard it on the talk show,' but I read it in the paper on Friday. I guess I didn't hear it on Thursday. Zack and I didn't get a couple of soft drinks and camp by the radio. I don't know, maybe that's a good idea. Maybe me and Zack should get some wings and prepare to sit by the radio."