STATE COLLEGE — A majority of Penn State's first six games didn't measure up to a good, tough test in the eyes of Joe Paterno, which leaves the venerable coach wondering just how his team will handle such a contest.

Maybe Paterno is to blame for his own uncertainty because he played a major role in the Nittany Lions' soft nonconference schedule. But now the schedule is set for him — six Big Ten games in as many weeks to determine whether Penn State is an elite team in the conference or in a dreaded lower tier.

The run for the 14th-ranked Lions (5-1 overall, 1-1 Big Ten) starts Saturday in conditions suited more to a late-November finale than a mid-October contest when they host Minnesota (4-2, 2-1) at Beaver Stadium.

Nearly 5 inches of snow were on the ground Friday afternoon, with the forecast of a few more before the game starts. Temperatures are expected to be in the low to mid-30s at kickoff, with a mix of rain and snow showers.

Saturday marks only the third truly tough game of the season for Penn State. The Lions split their first two exams, losing to Iowa and winning at Illinois.

"I'm anxious to see just how well they can handle a good, tough game," the coach said. "We obviously didn't do a great job against Iowa. They did a heck of a job and took advantage of a couple of mistakes we made.

"So, yeah, I've got some anxious moments as to whether we're going to be able to handle a lot of the people upcoming. But that's why you play. That's the fun of the game. If you knew exactly what was going to happen, you wouldn't be working your tail off in practice or be all excited about the kickoff on Saturday."

The Penn State defense, ranked in the top 10 nationally against the rush and in total yards and points allowed, has been virtually lights-out in six games. But it will be tested by the multiple formations, including the Wildcat, employed by the Golden Gophers.

"We definitely want to find out how good we are," defensive tackle Jared Odrick said. "At the same time, we're not nervous about anything. We're confident in what our offense and defense are able to do. We just have to go out and execute."

Minnesota has played a tougher nonconference schedule, with games against then-nationally ranked California and Air Force. It has developed a knack for being able to come from behind, which the Golden Gophers have done in all four of their wins.

In last week's 35-20 victory over Purdue, the Gophers passed for just 74 yards, with star wide receiver Eric Decker catching only three passes for 50. But Minnesota rushed for 207 yards, and that could help Saturday on a soft and slippery track.