Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

Penn State's loss to Iowa on Sept. 26 could keep Joe Paterno's team from a return trip to Pasadena, but the Nittany Lions can take solace in the fact that they're playing better football as the season goes along.

Though Penn State was more dominant and more veteran in 2008, it appeared to peak too soon, namely during a 48-7 blowout victory at Wisconsin on Oct. 11. The Lions did go on to win a defensive struggle at Ohio State and pound Michigan State in the regular-season finale, but their offense wasn't as efficient, and pass defense became an issue in the Iowa loss and a major problem against USC in the Rose Bowl.

This year's team, conversely, had its struggles early, particularly on offense with a new-look line and a revamped wide receiving corps. In 2008, Penn State averaged 52.3 points in its first four games. This season, the Lions averaged just 25 points in their first four games and struggled to run the ball. The line couldn't contain Iowa's defensive front and quarterback Daryll Clark threw three interceptions in the 21-10 loss.

Fast-forward four weeks, and Penn State is clicking on both sides of the ball (special teams still leaves much to be desired).

An improved offensive line is creating holes for running back Evan Royster and giving Clark enough time to find targets like Derek Moye, Chaz Powell, Graham Zug and Andrew Quarless. Clark has thrown just one pick since the Iowa game. The defense finally shut down a potent offense Saturday against Michigan and ranks in the top 10 nationally in scoring (first, 8.88 ppg), total defense (third, 240.3 ppg), rushing (fourth, 79.8 ypg) and passing (ninth, 160.5 ypg).

"As the season went along, [Paterno] would always tell me, 'Everything's not going to be a picnic, everything's not going to be as you want it to be. You should make the best out of every play you can and just be patient,'" Clark said. "Slowly but surely, we've been getting better running the ball, throwing the ball, protecting the football."

A patient approach has worked for Penn State as it enters the final four games, which includes trips to both Northwestern and Michigan State and a home showdown against Ohio State. The Lions will need some help to get back to the Rose Bowl, but they're set up to finish strong.