Considered a middle-of-the-pack Big Ten team just weeks ago, Penn State sailed through the first half of its season, becoming the odds-on favorite to win the conference. That standing automatically puts the Nittany Lions in the national-championship picture.

But the real (tough) season begins now, starting with tomorrow's trip to Wisconsin, followed by homecoming against Michigan on Oct. 18, then back on the road at Ohio State on Oct. 25.

But first, it's time to reflect - at the midpoint of the season - on a 6-0 start.

Offense (Grade: A)

Running backs (A-). On each of Penn State's great teams, there has been the prerequisite great running back. Evan Royster is this team's great tailback. The sophomore amazes with his vision, surprises with his speed, and could carry the offense if needed. Durability is a question. He has been banged up a bit (back and shoulder), but Royster, along with sidekick Stephfon Green, give the Lions one of the best 1-2 punches in the country.

Receivers (A-). The senior triumvirate of wide receivers has been nothing less than billed. Jordan Norwood, in the slot, has been Clark's favorite target, but he has missed the last two games with a pulled hamstring. Deon Butler is always a home-run threat, and Derrick Williams, at times overused, is improving. Tight ends Mickey Shuler and Andrew Quarless are underutilized, but there are only so many balls to go around.

Offensive line (A). The smallish but quick-footed line is the engine that drives the offense. Almost everything the offense does - and there are many variations - is built around the unit's efficient blocking. Together most of last season, the group - led by center A.Q. Shipley - has provided the push for more than 250 rushing yards per game and has protected its quarterbacks, allowing just six sacks.

Defense (B+)

Linebackers (B). When Sean Lee tore his anterior cruciate ligament in April, the linebacker corps immediately became an area of concern. Coupled with middle linebacker Dan Connor's graduation to the NFL, Lee's injury exposed Penn State's lack of experience. Fortunately for the Lions, Navorro Bowman got his act together and escaped coach Joe Paterno's doghouse, and is now a legitimate all-Big Ten candidate. Josh Hull, though, has struggled as Connor's replacement and Tyrell Sales has been relegated to the sideline when the Lions go nickel - which is often.

Secondary (A-). Though it may be true the secondary hasn't faced a top-notch quarterback - and it appears it won't - this group has been a pleasant surprise. Free safety Anthony Scirrotto has found his mojo, strong safety Mark Rubin was phenomenal against Illinois, and cornerbacks Tony Davis, Lydell Sargeant and A.J. Wallace have been sharp. There have been a few breakdowns, but redshirt freshman Drew Astorino, as the nickel, has provided stability.

Special teams (B+). So far, kicker Kevin Kelly's accuracy (8 of 9 FGs, 32 of 32 PATs) hasn't helped in a big spot, and punter Jeremy Boone's mediocre boots (40.5-yard average) haven't hurt in pivotal situations. But all it takes is a close game to magnify their left feet. Williams has two kickoff-return touchdowns and the coverage teams have improved over last season.

Coaching (A-). After six weeks, Penn State is one of only four bowl-eligible teams. That means, barring a meltdown, Paterno will coach in his 35th bowl game. At this point, anything less than a BCS bowl would be considered a disappointment. Expectations have risen and credit has to go to Paterno, who has done a remarkable job stewarding a team he has great affinity for. Paterno may not have a contract beyond this season, and he may be hobbling around on creaky, 81-year-old legs, but his passion has not wilted.

Showdown Saturday

If sixth-ranked Penn State beats Wisconsin tomorrow night (with the emphasis on if), the Nittany Lions likely will move up a spot in the rankings and possibly two or three more depending on a few possible upsets. Here's tomorrow's schedule for the nation's top five teams:

No. 1 Oklahoma vs. No. 5 Texas in Dallas, noon. The winner of the Red River Rivalry takes one giant step toward the Big Twelve title.

No. 2 Alabama is off.

No. 17 Oklahoma State at No. 3 Missouri, 8 p.m. The Tigers, 14-point home favorites, are second in the country in scoring (53.4). The Cowboys are third (52.6).

No. 4 Louisiana State at No. 11 Florida, 8 p.m. The Tigers have won four of the last six games against the Gators, including two of the last three in Gainesville, Fla.