The scene in the New York Giants locker room would make many Penn State fans smile.

Side by side, together again stands the lockers of Joe Jurevicius and Kerry Collins.

Both were highly touted players from Penn State, blessed with size and talent. Both were expected to shine in the NFL.

They weren't, however, expected to do it as teammates. But in the 1999 offseason, a friend of Jurevicius' called with a pleasant surprise — the Giants acquired Collins from the New Orleans Saints.

"We've never discussed playing together, but there was always a possibility," Jurevicius said. "That's the way things happen in our business."

Uncertainty and surprises might be the only things that are guaranteed in their business.

Collins knows firsthand.

After leading the Carolina Panthers to the 1996 NFC Championship game, his career came dangerously close to ending in shambles.

Collins removed himself from the Panthers in 1998 after a poor showing against the Atlanta Falcons. In that same year, he was accused of making racial slurs and was arrested on charges of drunken driving in Charlotte.

After a rocky stint with the Saints, he went to New York only to find that he was competing with Kent Graham for the starting spot. Collins eventually won the job and started seven games and played in 10.

But last Friday in a preseason matchup with the Baltimore Ravens, Collins took the field with an intangible he had not possessed since his first two years in Carolina — the confidence in knowing he was The Man.

Donned in a blue No. 5 jersey, it was clear he had the starting job and Giants head coach Jim Fassel's support.

"I have seen him make better decisions," Fassel said. "The biggest thing with me is fundamentals. We have worked on that. He has done that. The second phase of that is making better decisions. He has done that also."

It seems Collins finally found his niche. His numbers were hardly spectacular — 3 of 7 for 29 yards — but it was obvious he felt at home and relaxed in the muggy Meadowlands.

"It has worked out great," Collins said. "I am in a great organization. Everybody has been great right on down to Jim (Fassel) and the rest of the coaches. I couldn't be happier with where I am and I am really humbled by the opportunity and by all the help I have gotten."

Jurevicius could have used some help too — with the referees. His performance against the Ravens turned heads, especially the fans.

In the second quarter, Giants reserve quarterback Jason Garrett lofted an arcing pass toward the sidelines near midfield. It was a poor throw, but Jurevicius snagged the pass at a nearly impossible angle and almost stayed in bounds.

Fassel contested the play, but to no avail. It was one of the best plays of the game, even if it didn't count.

"Joe has had a good camp," Fassel said. "I think he has progressed well. I like his attitude. I think he is more confident. I think he is going to be a big playmaker for us. That was a hell of a catch."

Jurevicius, who spent the past three seasons with the Giants, also earned Collins' respect as a big playmaker. Neither claim to have any special Penn State telepathy on the field, but Jurevicius said Collins addresses him differently than the other players.

"I think in the past two weeks, Joe has really come around," Collins said. "He has showed the ability to make plays. He has really emerged as that third wide receiver that I think we need to have solidified coming into the season."

Both Jurevicius and Collins said they are eager to start the regular season and the opportunity to spend more time on the field together.

For Jurevicius, the season will be a time to establish himself in the Giants offensive rotation. For Collins, the season will be a time to complete his establishment process after five trying years in the NFL.

"I've gotten a lot of support and help from a lot of people," Collins said. "I couldn't ask for a better situation."

And that should also make Penn State fans smile.