Maybe it
wouldn't be fair to label the wideouts' performance a disappointment
this season -- but it has to be somewhere close.

After all, expectations for this receiving corps were soaring in preseason, and they haven't done much to meet them.

Are they an above-average group? You bet. Young? Yes. Do they have potential? Again, yes.

But, coming into the season, this group was supposed to be one of the best in the nation. The Sporting News ranked Penn State the No. 2 receiving squad in the country after watching the likes of Deon Butler, Jordan Norwood and Derrick Williams burst on to the scene as freshmen.

Last year was supposed to be a foundation for better things -- but it's one season later, and most college football fans would be able to come up with a couple groups of wideouts that are more talented than the Nittany Lions. Take USC, Michigan or Notre Dame, for example.

The Lions are hard-pressed to have one all-conference wideout, let alone an All-American. That probably isn't surprising. But, before the start of the season, it was another story.

Sure, Joe Paterno utilizes a "receiver-by-committee" approach, and that may hinder individual honors. But that still doesn't excuse the lack of performance.

On Saturday, the receiving trio committed at least four drops -- something even Norwood called "unacceptable." But it wasn't the first time that's happened this season.

Overall, there's been only one game this year where two wide receivers have gained more than 50 yards apiece (Minnesota). And, twice, no wideout has collected more than 50 yards individually.

In other words, it's been quite the challenge to get the sophomore trio to consistently produce. You can blame play-calling, the quarterback or whomever you want, but when the receivers themselves start saying they expected a little bit more --well -- it's time to throw in the towel on making excuses.

Williams, a five-star recruit oozing with first-round potential, was asked on Saturday if he was content with how he's done this season.

The answer?

"I feel like I should've made more plays this year," he said.

That's probably a pretty accurate statement. Heck, he was on the Maxwell Award Watch List -- an accolade given to the nation's top player. Now? He'd be lucky to get honorable mention on the All-Big Ten squad.

All three still have tons of potential, but when that potential is not tapped into and expectations are not met, there is only one word that manages to creep into the discussion.

Overrated.

Hopefully for the Lions, that word won't hang around too long.