After signing a preseason contract with the Blockbuster Bowl, Penn State faced one qualifying stipulation -- it had to win six games.

The Nittany Lions (6-3) reached that plateau two weeks ago with a victory over West Virginia and the bid was accordingly extended by the bowl. But in an effort to concentrate on the regular season schedule, Penn State declined to accept the bid until the season is complete.

"They still have two games to play," Jack Armpriester, director of opertations for the Blockbuster Bowl, said from his Florida office. "In order to concentrate on football, they will wait until the end of the season to accept. It is from a motivational standpoint. They want to take things one game at a time."

Sputtering into the homestretch of a season filled with disappointments, the Lions have lost three of their last four games. Despite the metamorphisis from national championship contender to the No. 23 team in the nation, Penn State is still welcomed by the Blockbuster executives.

"We are pleased to have a team with their stature," Armpriester said. "It is an enviable position to have a team with the tradition, alumni and fan support of Penn State football."

With the formation of the Bowl Coalition, Penn State's independent status threatened to shut it out of post season play. Realizing the looming injust and the opportunity to sign a perennial powerhouse, the Blockbuster Bowl snatched Penn State in late May, the earliest signing in history.

Although the Lions have left their potential unfulfilled, Armpriester said there were no regrets.

"We couldn't be happier having a team like Penn State," he said.