Nebraska vs. Penn State. Number one vs. No. 2. It may sound appealing, but it may never happen.

WRSC (1390 AM) in State College began a campaign on Jan. 3 to schedule a game between the two unbeaten teams. The idea of a championship game was stirring long before the first snap was taken in both the Orange and Rose Bowls.

"Even before the bowl games people were calling up and saying what a shame it would be if Penn State and Nebraska go undefeated and not play each other," said Jeff Byers, WRSC's sports director. "It started as just talk on (last) Tuesday morning, but more and more people wanted to see the game become a reality."

The game can only be played with NCAA approval -- that is very unlikely.

"The NCAA said it could be possible, but there is no legislation allowing such a game," Byers said. "The NCAA is not thrilled with revoking its past rules."

The NCAA does not allow unsanctioned games inside the United States. Under NCAA legislation, teams are not permitted to play more than one postseason game. If both teams -- who have run virtually violation-free programs over the years -- played without NCAA approval, both Nebraska and Penn State could be subject to severe penalties. NCAA officials were not available for comment.

Byers said that Garth Brooks, the Grammy Award winning country singer, has expressed an interest in being a sponsor of the game.

"His publicist said that Brooks is very serious about sponsoring a game," Byers said. "A few weeks ago Brooks made the statement that he would consider sponsoring a national championship game."

Byers said Nike, the sneaker and apparel company, could be a sponsor for the game because Penn State and Nebraska are Nike-affiliated schools. He added no attempt has been made to contact Nike, but finding a sponsor for this kind of game should be no problem.

The stadium director for one venue has already expressed interest in hosting the game. Mike Fox, stadium director of the RCA Dome -- home of the NFL's Colts in Indianapolis -- said the Dome will hold the game only if the NCAA allows it to be played.

"If Nebraska, Penn State and the NCAA agree, we will host the game," Fox said. "Why wouldn't we? It's a mega event. It would be the greatest game of all time."

Byers said the Dome, which has artificial turf and a capacity of 60,127, would be an ideal site because of its almost-equal distance from each school.

Both Fox and Byers said the game could be played on either Jan. 28, the day before the Super Bowl, or Feb. 4, three days after high school seniors may sign a national letter-of-intent. Fox said the Dome was booked through April, but added he would cancel scheduled events to host the game.

Byers has talked with representatives from FOX-TV and ESPN as possible networks to cover the game, but neither station has made a commitment.

All last week, WRSC asked for letters and faxes in support of the game. The radio station plans to send over 1,000 pieces of mail and faxes to San Diego for the NCAA to consider during its convention this week.

"I don't think the game will ever happen," said Steve Peterson, associate athletic director of football operations at Nebraska. "Proposed legislation had to be in six months ago -- new legislation can't even be discussed. I don't think the NCAA will bend the rules."

Even if the NCAA allowed the game, both schools' teams and athletic directors would have to agree to play. And that could be the hardest part. Jeff Nelson, Penn State sports information director, said the chances of playing this game are slim -- at best.

Peterson agreed.

"Let the radio stations have their fun," he said. "It's highly unlikely, with players graduating and playing in All-Star games. We're not going to think about it."

It might be difficult for the administration to agree on playing, but if given the chance, the players would not hesitate to settle the national championship dispute on the field.

"It should be settled on the field or it should be a split," said senior tight end Kyle Brady. "Who's to say we're not national champions? It's all mythical. It's all a joke really."