ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- Still think this season is a lost cause?

That Iowa loss put a damper on the next eight Saturdays because the chase for a national title was finished?

In case you missed it, this Penn State football team has gotten progressively better in the last month.

Two convincing wins on the road and dominant defensive performances at home tied up the loose ends after the offense, defense and special teams unraveled against the Hawkeyes -- who, by the way, are on a thrill ride similar to what the Nittany Lions experienced last season.

The offensive line woes of the first month of the season are an afterthought as the running game is now complementing the passing game on a weekly basis, even as injuries cause constant changes up front.

A revamped secondary hasn't surrendered a backbreaking drive where an offense picks its way downfield.

Special teams -- well, there's still some work to be done there yet.

Anyway, the same team that blew its shot at redemption against Iowa is making up for it in the second half of the year.

Even if they don't control the Big Ten like last year, the Lions are in the driver's seat for a major bowl game.

Quarterback Daryll Clark has the formula figured out.

"The best thing you can do is make the best out of every play you can and be patient," he said. "And slowly but surely, we have been getting better at running the ball, throwing the ball, protecting the football."

Achieving success from scratch seems more rewarding than a year ago, when Penn State blew out everybody it faced until a statement win against Ohio State in Columbus, the first time it had won at the Horseshoe since joining the Big Ten.

Saturday, Penn State won at a place it hadn't in 13 years. But unlike last year, you get the feeling this team hasn't reached its potential.

Look at Iowa. Each week it's hanging onto an unbeaten season for dear life. There's pressure keeping a record unblemished.

Penn State found out last year in Iowa City.

Now, with no room for error, the Lions are putting an emphasis on fundamentals -- route running, finishing blocks, securing the football.

It's translated into a much cleaner brand of football than the first half of the year.

Northwestern, considered a trap game at the start of the season because of being sandwiched between Michigan and Ohio State, doesn't seem like as dangerous a venue as before, namely because of how good the Lions have looked away from Beaver Stadium.

To be successful on the road, turnovers can't happen, and stout defense and a balanced offense are essential.

Since the slip-up in its biggest game of the year, Penn State has steadily improved in each of those categories.

It's making people realize the talent is there for a big-money bowl game.

The comforting thing for fans is the team never doubted that.

Now, they're showing you brighter times are on the horizon.