Just in case you forgot, the Penn State football team has something to say: We're not just LJ's supporting cast.

Ever since it was announced the Nittany Lions will be squaring off against Auburn in the Capital One Bowl, they've had to listen to pundits spout off about the team's one-dimensional offense totally dependent on tailback Larry Johnson. A typical statement sounds something like ESPN analyst Trev Alberts, who said if the Tigers could hold Johnson to less than 100 yards, they would win.

And while the coaches only began reviewing Auburn tape a few days ago with no game plan set, a lot of Penn State players view this as a chance to remind the country that the running game isn't the only thing that's undergone a resurgence this season.

"I think that's a ridiculous statement to make," quarterback Zack Mills said. "It's not just LJ. We've got Bryant Johnson, who's one of the best receivers in the nation, and our offensive line is playing so well right now I think we can make plays in the passing game."

Mills, like many of his teammates, pointed out that at the beginning of the season the Lions were making headlines because of what was being called a groundbreaking aerial attack. And of course, against Central Florida and Nebraska the banners hung at Beaver Stadium all read, "Mills for Heisman."

Oh how the times change.

"Hopefully we'll be able to run the ball and throw it," receiver tony Johnson said. "Playing on Jan. 1, making a statement not only to ourselves but to people that doubted us, because I really do think we are the best tim in the top 10 with a 9-3 record."

Despite the fact that other versions of the Lions' offense may be forgotten, many Penn State players think they would stand a good chance if a playoff were used to determine the national title.

"A playoff sounds like a good scenario, I'd be for it if it was a option," hero Chris Harrell said.

"A lot of the teams, especially us started to pick it up later in the season, and it would give us another chance to prove what we can do."

However, there's no such remedy this year and the Lions sound happy to be heading south for the winter. In the meantime though, the team will keep practicing until it gets ready to leave for St. Petersburg next Friday after finals week wraps up.

Penn State coach Joe Paterno said the team will go through a couple tough practices when it first arrives in Florida, but will put off specific Auburn preparation until just before the game.

"It's just keeping your head in the game, just go in once and a while to watch film." Mills said. "We're still working out three times a week"

Oh, and Alberts might just want to avoid the Johnson family -- or at least Tony -- should he run into them while on the awards circuit.

"Trev Alberts is washed up ... he just sits behind a desk predicting things," Tony Johnson said. "He didn't give us no credit when we beat Nebraska, God forbid he went to that university. He didn't give us no credit then and people like that you pay no attention to."