PITTSBURGH — Penn State coach Joe Paterno knew Pittsburgh's Rod Rutherford and the extent of his skills.

Yet, the Nittany Lion defense got a new view of the Panthers quarterback — his back as he streaked toward the end zone.

Paterno expressed interest in Rutherford when he was dominating the Pittsburgh area high school football fields. He knew about his versatility.

On Saturday afternoon Rutherford put his well-known offensive skills on display, and there was precious little Paterno and Penn State could do to stop him.

"We knew about Rutherford," Paterno said.

"We knew he had worked some at the quarterback. He played some wideout, some quarterback, the whole bit. We were ready. We knew about the option because they run the option without him."

Rutherford, a Pittsburgh native, made the option look as though it was the best play a football coach could ever call. Rutherford caught the Lions off guard and rushed for 32 yards on six attempts, thanks to the Panthers' flexible play calling.

Paterno was able to put his feelings about Rutherford into words. Pittsburgh coach Walt Harris, on the other hand, was virtually speechless.

"How about that?" Harris asked in amazement. "The first thing a coach worries about is getting snapped. You got a redshirt freshman and he's in there on the third or fourth play of the game."

Harris didn't need to worry about inexperience. Rutherford has done everything from return kicks to catch passes to throw passes.

Ironically, Rutherford's inexperience extended the Panthers' lead to 9-0 on the third play of the second half.

Rutherford ran a different route than originally called, which resulted in Pittsburgh's lone touchdown.

Rutherford caught quarterback John Turman's 12-yard pass, then proceeded to beat three Penn State defenders en route to a 50-yard touchdown run.

For Rutherford, it was a matter of finally showing his capabilities.

"I like to have fun," said Rutherford, who was voted the game's most valuable player. "I think the more fun you have, the less bad things can happen."

That philosophy has worked for Rutherford. After seriously contemplating whether he was a good fit in the Pittsburgh program, he had a breakout game in the Panthers' 2000 Blue-Gold game.

"Until he threw that touchdown pass in the spring game," Harris said, "I don't really think he thought he could play here. He's very calm, cool and collected. And he's one of our own from Pittsburgh, which makes it even sweeter."

Rutherford admitted it was a good feeling to perform well in front of a home crowd, but being an instrumental part of beating a longtime rival was even better.

"You always think about playing in the big game and being that guy people look at to make plays," Rutherford said.

And Harris has promised to continue to reward the freshman with more time if his outstanding performances continue. Harris praised Rutherford's vast athletic abilities.

Paterno knew about those abilities, but now, Harris is the one cashing in.