It was an unforgettable moment in Penn State football history.

On Nov. 6, 1999, an unranked Minnesota upset No. 1 Penn State 24-23 at Beaver Stadium.

With Minnesota kicker Dan Nystrom's 32-yard field goal, the Nittany Lions saw their national championship hopes fade. With the two losses to Michigan and Michigan State that followed, the Lions saw their hopes disappear.

But Penn State (2-4, 1-1 Big Ten) has a chance to avenge the pivotal loss. The Lions face Minnesota at 12:10 p.m. tomorrow at the Metrodome.

Lions coach Joe Paterno, however, is hesitant to use the revenge. He said it is dependent upon each player as to whether they use the loss for motivation.

"I have trouble getting really angry because (Minnesota coach) Glen Mason is a good friend of mine," Paterno said. "I think it is important for this football team to realize that each week is a big game."

Penn State defensive end Justin Kurpeikis agreed that revenge might be too strong a word. But last year's game is not yet a distant memory.

"I wouldn't say revenge," Kurpeikis said. "It's a certain amount of wanting to go out and just get a win. But the game is on guys' minds. It's on mine."

A strategically placed poster is some of the reason for that. Near the location where the players pick up their practice clothes hangs the Minnesota schedule poster. It features Nystrom kicking the winning field goal against the Lions.

And it seems the Golden Gophers have not lost their upsetting ways. Like Penn State's victory against then-No. 22 Purdue last Saturday, Minnesota (3-2, 1-1) upended then-No. 24 Illinois.

After disappointing losses to Ohio University and Purdue, Mason was displeased with his team, a squad that was expected to be a consistent presence in the top 25.

"I made the statement that we were underachieving," Mason said, "and people bought into that."

The Gophers are better utilizing their weapons on the offensive end. Their offensive line, which is said to be the best of Mason's tenure, is making stars out of their young running backs.

Sophomore Tellis Redmon was the Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week for his 314 all-purpose yards against Illinois. Freshman Thomas Tapeh also received the same honor for his 183 rushing yards against Baylor.

Defensively, the Gophers boast defensive end Karon Riley, who leads the team in tackles for loss with eight. Their leading tackler is Delvin Jones with 36.

Mason said he is aware of Penn State's emotional high and said it is something his team must adjust to.

At the same time, Paterno has stressed many times that emotion alone will not win games. As always, he is respectful of Penn State's opponent, especially one with Minnesota's recent history.

"This is a good football team," Paterno said. "They match up very well against us. We are going to have our hands full."