Penn State coach Joe Paterno has never been shy about putting the success of his team at least partially on the back of utility player Michael Robinson, the guy he sees as his best playmaker. But this week, even though Paterno acknowledged it would be a long shot to get Robinson back on the field for the Purdue game, he still talked about Robinson's impact on the state of this team.

First, he talked in regards to last week.

"When you talk about Minnesota, you have to understand that the problems that we had against Wisconsin carry over because of Michael Robinson," Paterno said. "Michael is the best football player we have, and one of the best football players in the country."

And then, looking forward to Purdue.

"Whether we have enough guys that can deliver in the clutch is where we are starting to get a little bit concerned," Paterno said. "We were very, very comfortable when we had Michael Robinson healthy. I was very comfortable with where we were going."

But after Robinson was sidelined with a concussion sustained in the Wisconsin game, suddenly that direction is uncertain. The receiving corps has become shaky again, offensive options are limited and there isn't a reliable playmaker that can work his magic when it's absolutely necessary.

"[With Robinson], I felt we had a big play guy on the outside that if they wanted to horse around with eight guys in the box, you could throw the ball out to Robinson and even if he were covered, he would make the catch," Paterno said. "And if you threw it underneath and he caught it, he would make the big run for you. Obviously, we lack that right now."

Robinson's threat on the ground when put at quarterback is also something of which Paterno lamented the absence.

"The alternative we did have was when we would go to shotgun with Robinson at the quarterback, which was an opportunity for us to run the football against an eight-man front because we had an extra blocker," Paterno said. "Robinson was the ball carrier so you could account for the eighth guy."

Starting quarterback Zack Mills doesn't usually run the way Robinson does, especially with his injured right shoulder. As a result, if opponents put eight men in the box -- as Minnesota did this weekend -- the Lions are forced to rely on a passing game, which, again, is struggling without a reliable receiver like Robinson who won't drop Mills' passes.

"I think we were on our way to solving some of our problems until Michael Robinson got hurt," Paterno reiterated. "Robinson is a guy that can force people into doing some things."

Robinson remains day-to-day, though he was allowed to engage in physical activity -- riding the stationary bicycle on the sideline -- during Monday's practice.

Injury Update

While Paterno made it clear that Robinson's injury is the most detrimental to the team, he also provided updates on the status of players injured in the Minnesota game.

Offensive tackle Levi Brown, who sustained a knee sprain in Minneapolis, will not play against Purdue. He had an MRI during the past two days and will continue to be monitored. Sophomore tackle Mark Farris will take his place.

Tight end Isaac Smolko and linebacker Tim Shaw are expected to play this coming weekend. Smolko, who suffered a dislocated wrist, will turn over long snapper duties for the punts to E.Z. Smith, but will be able to play tight end, albeit with a bit of discomfort. Shaw experienced soreness Monday from his minor ankle sprain, but is expected to recover by Saturday.

That does impress me much

Paterno held nothing back in his praise of Purdue, taking every opportunity to lavish commendations of the highest order on the Boilermakers.

"Nobody has even come close to stopping them, not even close," Paterno said. "They could have beaten Notre Dame by two more touchdowns. They beat Syracuse 51-0 and have no turnovers in four games. [Quarterback Kyle Orton] has been sacked three times. They are averaging over 500 yards a game. We have a job on our hands."

And as for stopping Heisman hopeful Orton, he had a few suggestions, but ultimately turned it over to a higher authority.

"You just have to play solid football and hang in there," Paterno said. "Go to the ball and tackle the receiver when he catches it, try not to let him beat you deep, keep everything in front of you. And pray."

Young and the Restless

For all of the true freshmen Paterno has played this season -- among them quarterback Anthony Morelli, linebacker Dan Connor, fullback Matt Hahn and wide receiver Mark Rubin -- a few more might find themselves thrown into the fire come Saturday.

"I think you may see some others," Paterno said. "I think there will be a couple of other kids playing this week without getting into it and saying 'yes' until I see how they react to the fact that they have to practice as if they are going to play in a football game."

Hard day's night

After two night games -- Boston College and Minnesota -- and one evening game, Wisconsin, Paterno declared his disfavor with late kickoffs.

"We got home at 3:30 a.m. last Sunday," Paterno said. "I didn't get to bed until 5 a.m."

And with the day-after schedule Paterno claims he has, it's clear why he's discontent with that bedtime.

"Then you get up on Sunday," he said, smiling. "I went out and ran 22 miles Sunday morning at 6 a.m."