Penn State is coming off its BYE week, a much-needed break for the team.
After starting 5-0 and jumping up to the #4 ranking in the country, the injury bug hit the team, ultimately leading to a loss at #3 Iowa, and a tumble to #7 in the rankings.
The opening slate of games included at #12 Wisconsin to start the season, home against #24 Auburn, and a batch of not-ranked-but-competitive opponents, each with unique story lines that made for a tougher front half of the schedule than perhaps some envisioned.
Still, the Lions got to the break at 5-1, which was about the best case scenario for the team back in the pre-season.