Asked if this season would still be special if Penn State lost to Wisconsin this weekend, senior co-captain Paul Posluszny answered simply.

No.

And he's right.

With three losses already, there's no aura around this year's Nittany Lions. There are no dramatic story lines, and there hasn't been an intriguing underdog story to follow, a la the 2005 season.

But while this year may not be as special or even that memorable, it could still be successful, and it all hinges on the outcome of this weekend's game between Penn State and the No. 17-ranked Badgers.

"This could be a huge game for us because they are ranked and we're not and it's a road game," Posluszny said. "We've been playing well now, but getting a win over a team like Wisconsin could put us back on the national scene."

It's a place the Nittany Lions haven't visited since they lost to Michigan three weeks ago. And it's a place the Lions won't again find themselves if they lose this week.

A loss will likely bump Penn State from any New Year's Day bowl and a chance at finishing the season ranked in the top 25. And it would mean at best the Lions finish 9-4 (that is if they win a lowly Alamo Bowl or Outback Bowl).

Heading into the tenth week of the season, there have been no surprises. Penn State has won every game they were supposed to win (Akron, Youngstown State, Northwestern, Minnesota, Illinois and Purdue) while losing every game they were supposed to (Notre Dame, Ohio State and Michigan).

When Anthony Morelli's first pass as a starting quarterback sailed 42 yards into Deon Butler's hands, there was a feeling this might be an exciting year. Morelli had the arm and the receivers around him to make for an offense similar to the 1999-2001 St. Louis Rams' Greatest Show on Turf. But above all, it's been a boring season.

Every week, the same tired storylines develop. The Penn State offense stalls except for an exceptional performance from senior running back Tony Hunt, while a talented defense wins the game.

Every week, Derrick Williams can't find his natural ability. Every week, the national media and fickle fans unfairly bash Morelli. And every week, Penn State creates more questions than it answers.

When will the cycle end?

Morelli said the offense is close to playing a complete game. And if it does, at least it would make for some new stories. But the new stories cannot be written until this team shows it's capable of more than what has become a predictable struggle each week.

"You gotta prove yourself every game. Every play you've got to prove yourself," sophomore Josh Gaines said. "That's football for you."

The Nittany Lions have one more chance to prove themselves. If Penn State loses to Wisconsin, there's no rebound against Temple or Michigan State. Those games aren't defining games.

Penn State already missed out on three games that could have been definitive moments. Now, the Lions are looking at they're last chance to prove they are relevant on a national level, to prove they belong in a New Year's Day bowl game.

"This is the most important game of the year," senior safety Donnie Johnson said.

Added senior defensive tackled Jay Alford: "If we want to go to a January bowl game, it's a must-win."

And it's a must-win if Penn State wants anybody to remember this season.