STATE COLLEGE— Quarterback Anthony Morelli got through a rough patch and turned in two of his best performances of the season.

His confidence level is up — just in time for Penn State's important trip Saturday to Indiana.

"I just feel better about myself," Morelli said. "My last two performances have been pretty solid, good enough to get the win. In my mind, that's all that matters."

Morelli threw for 216 yards and a touchdown against Wisconsin last week. The week before, he threw for 233 yards and a score against Iowa, a performance tarnished only by two fourth-quarter interceptions.

In the process, the offense finally looked like the high-powered unit many thought it would be with Morelli at the helm for Penn State (5-2, 2-2 Big Ten).

Morelli hopes that type of offense will be on display again this weekend, as the Lions could use the pass to set up running backs Rodney Kinlaw and Evan Royster. Indiana ranks sixth in the Big Ten against the pass this year, giving up 230 passing yards per game.

It's a turnabout from earlier this year, when Morelli struggled. The senior turned over the ball five times in road losses to Illinois and Michigan.

For now, it seems the scrutiny placed on Morelli has been lifted with his recent strong showings.

"Morelli's been pretty darn good for two years," coach Joe Paterno said. "It isn't all of a sudden he's playing good. You look at the games we've lost with him at quarterback; they've all been pretty good, tough football games.

"I have a tough time agreeing with people that are critical of him," Paterno said.