Philadelphia football fans could give the Penn State women's soccer team a pep talk this weekend.

Two weeks ago, the Eagles, a team that is supposed to be on its way to greater glory, dropped a game against the inept Arizona Cardinals.

The Nittany Lions (10-2-1, 6-0-1 Big Ten), currently ranked sixth in the country and first in the Big Ten, look to avoid a similar fate tonight when they take on conference bottom-feeder Wisconsin (4-7-2, 1-5-1 Big Ten) at 7 on Jeffery Field. The parade of mediocrity continues Sunday when Northwestern (4-7-1, 2-4-1 Big Ten), ranked tenth in the conference, rolls into Happy Valley at 1 p.m. after its battle with Ohio State tonight.

Despite the hapless records, Wisconsin and Northwestern both have something to play for, as they are contesting the final spot in the Big Ten tournament.

"I think we've played extremely well all year and haven't seen results," said Wisconsin coach Dean Duerst. "Now it's time for results."

Penn State is not without motivation however, as it can secure its fourth consecutive Big Ten title with a pair of wins.

The Lions will have added incentive against the Wildcats on Sunday, when seniors Bonnie Young, Emily Oleksiuk, Colleen Kaufold and Megan Mills will be honored in a pregame ceremony. These are the players that have ushered the program from one on the rise to its current position as national powerhouse.

"I think it will be especially important for the seniors," Penn State coach Paula Wilkins said. "This will be their fourth (Big Ten title). That's a great accomplishment for them, to come in as freshman when they were younger and carry right through."

Young and Mills patrol the backfield while Oleksiuk protects the goal and Wilkins said one of her team's goals heading into the weekend is to eliminate the defensive breakdowns that have allowed the Lions' last three opponents to score despite not posing a serious threat.

Both Wisconsin and Northwestern have turned to their defenses to keep games close during a season in which neither team has been able to produce a strong attack. Northwestern has only managed nine goals over 12 games, four by forward Katie Hertz.

"Our defense is solid," Northwestern coach Jenny Haigh said. "They've been really consistent for us during the season, even when we can't produce up top. . .They take a lot of responsibility for keeping us in big games."

Still, with the greatest goal scorer in Big Ten history in Christie Welsh and the breakout season of forward Heidi Drummond leading the charge, it is hard to imagine Penn State will be slowed. Also helping the Lions will be their return home to Jeffery Field after last weekend's three flights in four days.

Penn State will still buckle down for what should be its springboard into the NCAA tournament. They know what happened to the Eagles.