Though it came out on the losing end of a blowout last week, Penn State still found positives -- although few and far between -- to build upon.

The rebuilt offensive line, the object of scorn after a lackluster performance against Akron in week one, was much-improved last Saturday against Notre Dame.

Instead of immediately being met by defenders upon taking the handoff, as was the case against the Zips, tailback Tony Hunt was able to find his way through holes and into the second layer of the defense.

Against Akron, Penn State totaled a measly 76 yards rushing. Last week, though, Hunt alone rushed for 74 yards on 12 carries, pacing a Nittany Lion ground attack that accumulated 158 yards.

"Just the fact that we were playing against a more conventional front [helped us against Notre Dame]," center A.Q. Shipley said, trying to explain the difference from the first week to the second. "They ran a normal 4-3; that's what we're used to seeing."

Akron used a 3-5 defensive formation with plenty of stunting linemen, giving the Lions fits for much of the first game. Notre Dame's preoccupation with containing the Lions receivers also helped the rushing game. The line, however, deserves a good amount of credit.

"They're gelling, they're coming together a little more," junior quarterback Anthony Morelli said. "That'll probably open up the passing game more too. It's exciting to see them open up holes for Tony Hunt like that."

What might be more exciting is that with more experience, the line

should only get better. Penn State had to replace four starters on the line during the offseason, returning All-America left tackle Levi Brown to anchor the offensive front and protect Morelli's blindside.

One point of controversy from last week was a clipping call on Shipley during a screen pass to Hunt. The play resulted in big yardage, but was brought back, stifling Penn State's momentum.

Both Shipley and Paterno voiced their disagreement with the call.

The line has done a fairly good job so far at providing Morelli with enough time to find a receiver, set his feet and throw. Notre Dame got more pressure on Morelli than Akron did, but that is to be expected with the disparity in talent levels.

"The offensive line did a better job," Joe Paterno said. "They were a little bit more familiar with the defensive scheme that Notre Dame had as opposed to what we had seen in Akron.

"Whether we have improved enough for us to feel good about it, I am not sure about that -- but we got better."