It's been two full years since Penn State students had the option to spend part of their winter break with the football team. After winning their sixth game this season, the No. 8 Nittany Lions (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) football team are eligible for a trip to a postseason bowl game.

The prospect of playing past November includes more than national exposure, according to quarterback Michael Robinson.

"Trying to get a bowl check, man, I'm broke," Robinson joked. "This team deserves it, and right now we are just trying to find out what kind of bowl we are going to go to, and hopefully we can keep working hard, keep our mind focused on the goal, and the goal is to be in Pasadena."

Pasadena, Calif., is the home of this year's national championship game: the Rose Bowl.

As is stands right now there are nine teams ranked in the Associated Press Top 25 poll who are undefeated, and that's usually the only way anybody gets to compete for a spot in the national championship game. Southern California, Texas, Virginia Tech, Florida State, Georgia and Alabama are the only undefeated teams ranked higher than the Lions, and both UCLA and Texas Tech are undefeated teams ranked lower.

If seven of those eight undefeated teams lose, the Lions are likely in by default. Still, in the event that doesn't transpire or if the Lions lose one of their final five games, Big Ten Commissioner Jim Delaney said the Lions could be selected for a more prestigious bowl game anyway.

Robinson said he wasn't surprised by the final result of Saturday's game, even after being a part of three losing seasons -- his redshirt year in 2001, 2003 and 2004.

"I haven't been around for much winning, but it's definitely one of the highlights of my career and the highlights of my life," he said.

Day to remember

Offense: Kevin Kelly. Sure, the freshman kicker is a special teams guy, but he leads the Lions in scoring with 50 points -- 20 points more than the next highest guy, Robinson. Kelly hit a 41-yard field goal, the second longest of his young career, in the third quarter that boosted the Lions lead from four points to a touchdown.

Defense: Second-half defense. The Lions held the Ohio State offense scoreless in the second half, after giving up a seven minute, 81-yard touchdown drive to close out the first half.

Day to forget

Offense: Passing game. Robinson was flushed out of the pocket a lot, which forced him to force a few of his throws earlier than he would have liked. The receivers were open in the first quarter when the Lions racked up 30 net passing yards, but Robinson didn't even try to throw the ball in the second quarter.

Defense: 10 points. Cornerback Alan Zemaitis wasn't happy during the non-conference season when his defense couldn't get the "donut," meaning a shutout. He was satisfied with a "W" after Saturday, though.

Quotable

Defensive tackle Jay Alford on teammate Tamba Hali's sack of Troy Smith late in the fourth quarter: "I told Tamba I was like, 'Hey, we got to get off the field. We got to get a pass rush right now.' So, I guess he took my advice."

Did you notice?

Rampant mace usage: Police on the field taunted the students hanging over the front row railings after Saturday's game ended, shaking cans towards the jubilant crowd ... The Zombie Bounce: Beaver Stadium literally shook anytime "Zombie Nation" blasted from the speakers ... defensive back Paul Cronin, who was cited for public drunkenness on Oct. 2, was on the sidelines last Saturday wearing his jersey but was not in pads. According to Penn State sports information director Jeff Nelson, his status with the team has not changed ... students camping outside the Bryce Jordan Center for tickets for Saturday's game against Michigan, which went on sale yesterday.

Extra point

Linebacker Paul Posluszny was named Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week for a third consecutive week, becoming the first player in conference history to share player of the week honors in any category.