PSU Nittany Lions

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Allen Robinson smiled and cocked his head to the left when asked how he plans to improve, how he hopes to follow up his record-breaking 2012 season.

It's not that he needed to search for words or that he didn't know the answer. The junior wideout just didn't know where to begin.

"I just want to improve all my weaknesses I had in my game last year," he said matter-of-factly.

After setting a school record with 77 receptions, Robinson's weaknesses might not be so evident. His route-running and leaping ability set him apart and made him one of the most dangerous wideouts in the Big Ten.

He finished his first year as a starter with 1,013 yards and 11 touchdowns, more than twice as many as Penn State's No. 2 target. But, on Saturday afternoon, he rattled off a list of improvements almost as long as his list of accolades.

First off, he said, he needs to increase his weight and improve his diet. He finished 2012 hovering around 198 pounds, so he felt tired and sore as the season wore on. He's now eating three meals a day --- instead of the usual two if he wakes up later -- and put himself on a 2,500-calorie diet.

"I'm at about 208 right now," he said. "So I just want to be more of a durable receiver, able to get across the middle and take those hits and be a better blocker in the run game."

He's also watching more film, trying to pinpoint cracks in his technique. He wants to throw more footballs with Steven Bench and the stable of young quarterbacks. And he's hitting the weight room -- early and often.

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STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Heading into next season, NittanyNation takes a closer look at holes left by departing Penn State players and the candidates who might fill them.

DEFENSIVE END

• Who: The defensive line was a strength for Penn State, and Sean Stanley was the Nittany Lions' best end at stopping the run. He played in 46 career games -- starting 19 times -- and there was no controversy heading into 2012 over who would be starting there. Pete Massaro had limited action because of a slew of injuries but remained an above-average backup who played in nine games. He added quality depth to the ends.

• By the numbers: Penn State boasted the nation's No. 23 rushing defense, and Stanley was second on the line with 35 tackles. He had 9.5 tackles for loss, four sacks and contributed toward three turnovers. Massaro had just eight tackles, broke up a pass and finished with one stop in the backfield.

• Job description: If there was one weakness here, it was containing runs to the outside. The next defensive end must improve upon that, although none will be as seasoned as Stanley. At 6-foot-1 and 243 pounds, the next starter will undoubtedly be bigger and might even bat down a few more passes. PSU's starting defensive line didn't disrupt the throwing lanes too much and broke up just two passes the whole season. Massaro will be much easier to replace.

• Top candidates: Rising redshirt sophomore Anthony Zettel and rising redshirt junior C.J. Olaniyan saw more time than Massaro, and both will be counted on even more in 2013. One will likely take over for Stanley, and the other will be the primary backup. Olaniyan is a very athletic end who can stop the run; Zettel is a strong, quick lineman who played basketball in high school.

• One to watch: Zettel. At 6-5, he would be the tallest starter on the line, and he showed flashes of potential throughout the season. In a span of 14 plays against Navy, Zettel came away with six tackles and two sacks. He showed the ability to take over a game and finished third on the team with four sacks.

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Michael Mauti's teammates surrounded him in the meeting room Monday, watching as he delivered an emotional plea to finish this season strong.

Players fell silent when the fifth-year senior steadied himself. There was no whispering, no chatter. They all took a seat, "all eyes glued" to Mauti, cornerback Stephon Morris said, and nodded as he told this squad to focus on Saturday.

"We still have a game to play, he got up and told us that yesterday," defensive tackle Jordan Hill said, "and that we have to go out there and focus on Wisconsin and not focus on him. He said we can focus on him later next week.

"That's spoken from a true leader. And that's what we have to do for him, just go and play the game."

Mauti told ESPN on Monday he was still awaiting a diagnosis, and Bill O'Brien said Tuesday that it wasn't the time to address specifics on the linebacker's left knee. It's clear it isn't good -- O'Brien mentioned Tom Brady's torn ACL when addressing Mauti -- but the coach expected word of the injury to be released at a later date.

Mauti paused several times Monday when asked about that left knee, which caused him to miss most of last season. He took a few deep breaths and, in a somber tone just said, "It's just not the time, man. Now's not the time. After this week, I'm going to worry about me. Right now, it's about getting these guys ready for Wisconsin."

Mauti has found himself spending a lot of time inside the Lasch Football Building this week. He remains a staple at the team meetings, and he's tried to advise backup Mike Hull on nuances of the outside linebacker position.

He stood off to the side during Tuesday's open practice in a blue ballcap and his Penn State varsity jacket. Mauti didn't need crutches to stand, but he walked slowly with a noticeable limp. He passed his stretching teammates, chatting and smiling with Anthony Zettel, before watching his teammates take part in position drills.

"I can't tell you how much gratitude I have and how I feel about the fans the last couple of days," Mauti said Monday. "It's been an outpouring of support all year. It helps you understand how special this is."

O'Brien wouldn't say if Mauti might try to petition the NCAA for an extra year of eligibility. He only acknowledged on Monday that the fifth-year senior would not suit up for the final game of the season.

But, even though he'll be on the sideline instead of the field, wearing a ballcap instead of a helmet, Matt Stankiewitch knew that wouldn't change the linebacker's mentality.

"It doesn't matter if he can play or he can't play," the senior center said. "He's still going to lead."

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- Deion Barnes is fast becoming the Nittany Lions' most feared pass-rusher.

Initially pegged as a situational defensive end, the redshirt freshman's time on the field has increased because of a variety of injuries to starter Pete Massaro. And Barnes has made the most of the added playing time.

Barnes recorded his third sack of the season Saturday and now leads the team. For the second consecutive game, he also forced a fumble by reaching for the ball when going after the quarterback.

"I'm very confident right now in my ability to be a big pass-rusher," Barnes said after the game.

Only one other Penn State player has more than one sack this season. Anthony Zettel recorded two Saturday and is No. 2 on PSU's sack list. But Barnes said he plans to remain the team leader in that statistical category.

"We all battle about it every week who's going to get the most sacks," he said. "I definitely did think before the season I was going to have the most."

Barnes has seven tackles this season and a team-high two forced fumbles.