You can bet that Joe Paterno was not happy with what transpired in East Lansing, Mich., last Saturday. Sure the Wolverines looked like stiffs in their 17-7 loss to Michigan State, but now Penn State must host a very angry Michigan team. A team that knows it can ill-afford a loss to Penn State if it hopes to make yet another trip to Pasadena.
They've got a lot of pride in Ann Arbor. And Gary Moeller will probably remind his troops that if they don't get their act together -- specifically today -- a fourth-place finish in the Big Ten is a distinct possibility.
But will anger be enough for the Wolverines? Probably not. While Michigan boasts two of the premier offensive players in the country (tailback Tyrone Wheatley and wideout Derrick Alexander), the Wolverine offense has struggled, mainly because of an inexperienced offensive line that has not jelled.
If the line, which has traditionally been a Wolverine strength, does not make strides in a hurry, Lou Benfatti and Tyoka Jackson could make it a long afternoon for Wheatley and Michigan quarterback Todd Collins.
Defensively, Michigan looks like its a step slow. Penn State, behind its bevy of speedy tailbacks, leads the conference in rushing. But Moeller won't let Ki-Jana Carter and Co. beat him.
That leaves Kerry Collins, who has played well since assuming the starting quarterback duties, but has yet to be tested. For Collins the key will be playing within himself and not trying to do too much.
This game has lost some of its luster as the Wolverines limp into Happy Valley with two losses. But Michigan is still Michigan. And this is the 1000th game in Penn State's illustrious history.
This game is not only important for Penn State in terms of the Big Ten race. A win over Michigan would exorcise any ghosts that might be lingering from last season.
Assuming the Lions stay away from turnovers, Penn State will get the better of Michigan in the first meeting ever between the two football juggernauts . . . PENN STATE 27 Michigan 17
Michigan State at Ohio State-- The Spartans are coming off a convincing victory against Michigan. The Buckeyes are coming off a lackluster win over Illinois. Good thing for John Cooper this game isn't in East Lansing. Coop's troops were lucky to win at Champaign. That game may have served as a wake-up call . . . OHIO STATE 24 Michigan State 13
Tennessee at Alabama -- The Tide face their first serious title defense when Tennesse invades Crimson Country. This year's Alabama team may be better than last year's national championship squad. With Heath Shuler -- the second best quarterback in the country -- at the controls, the Volunteers have a chance to spring an upset. Don't bet on it . . . ALABAMA 31 Tennesse 21
Oklahoma at Colorado -- Is Oklahoma ready to return to national prominence for the first time since Barry Switzer roamed the sidelines in Norman? This game will tell a lot. The Sooners take a perfect 5-0 record and a No. 8 ranking into Boulder. Colorado has lost two games but has a clean Big Eight slate (i.e. the 'Buffs are still very much in the thick of the Orange Bowl hunt). This should be a dogfight . . . OKLAHOMA 34 Colorado 28
Stanford at Arizona -- The nation's No. 1 defense plays host to an offense that is masterminded by one of the greatest thinkers in the history of the game. This appears to be a game of two teams heading in opposite directions. Arizona with its suffocating defense and improving offense has established itself as the front-runner to win the Pac-10. Meanwhile Stanford has been soundly beaten in its last two games. But give Bill Walsh two weeks to prepare for a team and anything can happen . . . ARIZONA 24 Stanford 21
Virginia at Florida State -- They're probably still celebrating down in Tallahassee. At least that's what Virginia Coach George Welsh is hoping. The Cavaliers have quietly climbed to No. 15 in the polls, and Welsh would love nothing better than to quietly go into the Sunshine State and shock Florida State.
But Virginia has a recent history of starting strong and finishing poorly. This year the Cavaliers' demise starts with Charlie Ward and his talented sidekicks . . . FLORIDA STATE 44 Virginia 14
Syracuse at Pitt -- Let's see Pitt has given up 63, 63, and 44 points in its last three games. Is Johnny Majors having any regrets yet? Syracuse has had two weeks to stew over its loss to Boston College in the 'Dome. That doesn't bode well for the hapless Panthers . . . SYRACUSE 68 Pitt 14
OTHER GAMES: NOTRE DAME 49 BYU 28; FLORIDA 35 Auburn 17.
(Season record: 17-10).
