The ball was there and moments later it was gone -- resting on the cold, hard, snow-covered turf that was Ryan Field.

Penn State quarterback Zack Mills threw a beautiful touch pass to Maurice Humphrey, who had gotten behind the Northwestern cornerback.

Humphrey lost concentration for a split second and that was all it took. Penn State was still only ahead by seven, instead of 14.

On the first possession of the game, Mills threw a deep pass to Humphrey, which was held up by the strong Chicago winds. After coming back for it, the ball fell through Humphrey's arms. Had he caught the ball, the Lions would have been in field goal range.

The freshman's two drops potentially cost them the chance of scoring 10 points. But even with the two drops, Humphrey is establishing himself as the Lions go-to receiver.

Senior Tony Johnson was supposed to be that player this season, but has had some problems catching the ball early in the season and has served a two-game suspension for drunken driving.

In his absence Humphrey has picked up the slack.

Johnson returned to the field on Saturday against the Wildcats, but did not record a catch.

Humphrey was used more throughout the game in the key situations, like third downs, than Johnson was.

On third downs or when the Lions' offense needed someone to make a play, Mills looked toward Humphrey.

He showed the ability to get separation from the defenders on Saturday. Humphrey caught eight passes for 97 yards, a career-high, and that didn't count the 45 yards he would have had he caught the sure touchdown.

Humphrey played last season on the scout team playing wide receiver and started the 2003 season at defensive back.

"He's progressing," Mills said. "We had heard that he was tearing it up, but didn't see much. I'm glad that he is over here."

Mills should be glad that he is on the offense.

On Saturday, Humphrey came across the middle of the field and Mills threw it behind him. Humphrey used his athleticism to tip the pass up in the air before bringing it down with one hand to complete the catch.

After the catch, he made a move and headed down the sideline before being brought down by Torri Stuckey, after a 20-yard gain.

"I thought he was going to lead me more," Humphrey said. "But he didn't and I went and tipped it and then grabbed it."

The coaching staff had enough confidence to keep the young receiver in the game and allow him to make plays. Mills was convinced that the redshirt freshman would continue creating opportunities on the offensive side of the ball.

After the two drops early in the game, Humphrey stayed focused and continued catching passes.

"It didn't affect me," Humphrey said. "Zack came over to me and said, 'don't worry, hang in there.' "

And it didn't seem to bother him the rest of the game.

But that's not to say those couple of dropped passes didn't damage Penn State's chances of coming away with the win.