Looking to put up big numbers against Temple's moribund defense is not of primary concern to Deon Butler. In the end, Penn State's sophomore wideout just wants to see some points.

"We just want to win," Butler said. "I don't think we're really concerned about breakout numbers here and there -- we just want to win the game. Hopefully we'll win it in a good fashion."

When Penn State has won this season, many times the offense did not perform extremely well. The Nittany Lion offense scored three touchdowns in the last four games and has scored the fewest touchdowns of any team in the Big Ten.

The Owls, could be the panacea for what ails Penn State's offense.

Temple ranks dead last in Division 1-A in points allowed and next to last in total defense, and has been outscored 145-41 in the first half this season.

But regardless of the quality of defenses Penn State has faced, the Lions have a knack for the untimely miscue, the unfortunate error.

"That's what the most frustrating thing about it is," Butler said. "Everything we do shoots ourselves in the foot."

Those inopportune times come frequently in the red zone, where penalties and missed assignments are magnified in scope.

"We look at it on film, and it just so happens every time there's a penalty, false start or illegal motion, it seems like it's right around the 20," said center A.Q. Shipley.

Penn State's red zone struggles have been persistent throughout the season, and a bumbling performance against Temple is not out of the realm of possibility.

"We're not real smooth ourselves yet on offense," Penn State offensive coordinator Galen Hall said. "This is a game where we've got to go out and perform ourselves. Whether it's against Temple or whoever it is, we've got a lot to prove for ourselves offensively."

It has been longer than two months since a Penn State wide receiver last scored a touchdown. The team ranks ninth in the conference in scoring, rushing offense and total offense -- disappointing those expecting big things from a squad returning all of its receivers and running backs from 2005.

"I definitely thought the offense would be better," Butler said. "One way or another, it hasn't fallen into place this year. We can't dwell on the past, we have to continue to get better."