Pausing to think for a moment, it seemed as though Tim Shaw was stopping to ponder life's toughest questions.

But Penn State's veteran defensive player, like a vagabond without an official position or title, wasn't mulling over the best way to save the environment or whether or not bees accumulate earwax. Instead, Shaw was thinking about how to describe his role on the Nittany Lions' defense: as a defensive end or a linebacker?

"I'd have to say both," Shaw said, pleasing none of his questioners.

After two seasons as Penn State's starting middle linebacker, Shaw began this year at a position that can best be described as a stand-up defensive end that moonlights as a linebacker from time to time.

Shaw participates in lineman drills and warms up with the linemen before games, but the linebackers still refer to him as one of their own.

For some, this could be a true identity crisis, but Shaw doesn't seem to mind.

The position change, which allows sophomore linebacker Sean Lee to start and see significant playing time, gives the defense more flexibility and freedom to show different looks.

"I knew it was a good move," linebacker Dan Connor said. "It's good to have lots of speed on the field. Tim's real good at blitzing, so it lets him do what he's best at. I was happy because it got Sean on the field and that's another linebacker on the field. As a linebacker, that's what you're pulling for."

Lee has done well, recording 16 tackles so far, good enough for third on Penn State's defense.

Shaw has found a different type of success than what he might have become accustomed to as a middle linebacker. His tackles are down, but he has fared well with his containment responsibilities, resulting in better numbers for the team defense than for himself.

After three games, Penn State is giving up fewer than two yards per rushing attempt.

"He picked it up right away," Connor said of Shaw and the new position. "He's a natural as a pass rusher. He can take on big guys, he's great with his hands."

With No. 1 Ohio State on the schedule for Saturday, the Lions defense will be tested by a balanced Buckeye attack. Ohio State boasts a Heisman candidate at quarterback, a solid running game and a tandem of receivers that rivals that of any team in the country.

The Lions were faced with a similar situation two weeks ago at Notre Dame, and were taken to task on a national stage.

Players and coaches have said that each week the defense might take on a new look or a new style, but said there are no plans in the works to revert to the more traditional 4-3 alignment of old.

"We don't envision that right now," defensive coordinator Tom Bradley said.

That was also the company line, though, during Penn State media day in August, when reporters tried to pry any information possible about a four-linebacker scheme.

If there is a move in the works, Shaw, Penn State's defender without a home, will probably be okay with it.

"I don't know," Shaw said of any new kinks in the defense in coming weeks. "The coaches have all these crazy ideas, so I just don't know."