Penn State football coach Joe Paterno could use Chuck D.

His message to the Nittany Lions this week: Don't believe the hype.

"We have one or two kids on the squad who are going to have to settle down a little bit," Paterno said. "We are not as good as they think we are."

In the immediate future, what matters to the No. 15 Lions (2-0) is not whether they are as good as their self image but if they can avoid a letdown tomorrow afternoon when they square off against defending Western Athletic Conference champion Louisiana Tech (2-1) at 12:05 p.m. at Beaver Stadium.

The Bulldogs don't have the clout -- or No. 8 ranking -- of Nebraska, but they will bring an offense capable of doing things the Cornhuskers couldn't conceive, like passing downfield. In fact, La. Tech's ball-chucking offense, led by Sports Illustrated feature-kid Luke McCown, is likely to test the Penn State secondary more than Central Florida's offense, which still hung 24 points on the board.

McCown, who passed for more than 3,000 yards last season, doesn't have a marquee receiver like Penn State's Bryant Johnson, but six Bulldogs (including running back Joe Smith) are averaging more than 25 yards per game receiving.

Furthermore, Smith, with 305 rushing yards on the season, gives La. Tech a legitimate rushing threat out of the backfield, something that could force the Lions to keep linebackers in the game instead of going to a scheme heavy on defensive backs.

Also, unlike most small schools that come into Beaver Stadium, the Bulldogs aren't likely to be intimidated by 106,000 fans. Besides a visit to State College two years ago, a 67-7 loss, La. Tech plays one or two big-time games every year, and have already visited Clemson this season, a 33-13 defeat.

"[Playing big games before] gives us a confidence because we're used to them," defensive end Carlin Thomas said.

"It's good to play games like this to let everybody in the country know we're not just a small school. We come to play."

Despite the enthusiasm and La. Tech's ability to score, the biggest question for Penn State will be whether the Lions can maintain the level of focus and dominance they brought for the Cornhuskers. Besides gaining national publicity not seen in these parts since 1999, Paterno said the coaches were behind on their preparation until mid-week thanks to the late Saturday game.

Nevertheless, Paterno's not the only one in Penn State's locker room talking about buckling down for the Bulldogs. The senior leaders, as well as many of the younger starters that have fueled this revival, like quarterback Zack Mills, are stressing the importance of staying levelheaded.

"We can't overlook anybody because once you overlook somebody they come up from behind and beat you," Penn State center Joe Iorio said.

"Your season's gone from something special to something not-so-special."