A one-touchdown loss to Michigan, another loss to Ohio State, an injured cannon-armed quarterback, and a young receiving corps.

Think I'm talking about this year?

Back in 1993, Penn State was in an eerily similar position to this year's team. Quarterback Kerry Collins was briefly riding the bench after injuring a finger, Bobby Engram and Freddie Scott were both up-and-coming wideouts, and a loss to the Wolverines punctuated the season.

As most Penn State fans know, the Nittany Lions turned it around the next season by going undefeated and arguably should have been the National Champions.

The big question with this year's squad is, where are they going? Is it down the same road as the '93 squad, or are the days Penn State seniors remember -- three- and four-win seasons -- right around the corner?

Well, let's see.

The biggest issue has arguably been at quarterback. Some fans have voiced concern over starter Anthony Morelli -- a quick glance at Facebook.com shows that. Take groups like "Anthony Morelli drives me to the Bottle," for example.

Through seven games, Morelli has six touchdowns and five interceptions. Not exactly Collins-esque numbers, right?

Wrong.

In Collins' first year starting in '93, the future first-round NFL draft pick tossed 13 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Obviously, playing average one season doesn't necessarily translate into All-American numbers the next -- but just because Morelli hasn't posted 30 touchdowns is no reason to discount him, at least not yet.

In 1993, the wideouts were lauded for being solid. This year, The Sporting News named Penn State's receiving corps No. 2 in the nation. With the shifty Derrick Williams, speedy Deon Butler and route-runner extraordinaire Jordan Norwood all returning next season, the receivers appear to be another bright spot.

On defense, the Lions are allowing an average of just less than 20 points a game. In '93, Penn State allowed about 18.

Clearly, there are a lot of similarities. But there are a couple things Penn State doesn't have, namely a junior tight end like Kyle Brady or a one-of-a-kind tailback in Ki-Jana Carter. Still, at least Austin Scott returns next season.

And like those '93 Lions, this year's group seems to be building toward next year. Freshman A.J. Wallace and sophomore Lydell Sargeant actually shared time with starting cornerback Tony Davis this past weekend; freshman tight end Andrew Quarless has a few starts; Maurice Evans and Jared Odrick have also seen significant playing time.

When was the last time, prior to last year, that Joe Paterno gave freshmen so much playing time?

This year isn't lost by any means -- a Capital One or Outback Bowl remains a distinct possibility. Penn State could very well end up third in the Big Ten, the same place it finished in '93.

But, more importantly, next season is when dividends are paid for playing time given from here on in. Penn State has an opportunity to walk down the same path as '93.

It's just a matter of whether the Lions tap that potential.