Though their collegiate careers are intertwined, Erik Ainge and Robert Meachem grew up with divergent interests and experiences.

Ainge, Tennessee's starting quarterback, grew up a talented, cerebral athlete in Oregon. The nephew of former NBA and Major League Baseball player Danny Ainge, the quarterback was also a standout in baseball and basketball. When he was in sixth grade, however, Erik was tested to find out what brain-type he had, which would point him in the direction of which sport to focus on.

Through a series of observations and questions, experts classified Ainge as having an ESTP brain-type, which means he reacts well under stress and is adept at making sound decisions in a split second -- perfect traits for a quarterback.

After discovering the test results, Ainge knew to focus on football because he had the prototypical brain-type of the great quarterbacks in NFL history. Peyton Manning, John Elway, Joe Namath, Joe Montana, Brett Favre, Dan Marino and Johnny Unitas all had ESTP brain-types.

While Ainge's future was impacted by brain-typing, Meachem's path initially followed herds of cattle.

Born into what he described as a family of cowboys and cowgirls, Meachem grew comfortable with a lasso at the age of eight, when he roped calves at rodeos.

The Tulsa, Okla. native passed up the chaps and opted instead for football pants and shoulder pads -- a wise choice, considering he's now one of the top receivers in the country.

For the third straight campaign, Meachem leads the Volunteers in receiving yards, shattering the school's single-season mark with 1,265 this year.

Penn State cornerback Justin King feels Meachem might present the toughest challenge yet for the Nittany Lion secondary.

"He's real good, probably the best we'll see this year," King said. "He's got everything you could think about a receiver that's good. He's big, strong, fast, runs good routes, he blocks and plays hard."

A lofty compliment considering Penn State faced the likes of Jeff Samardzija, Ted Ginn Jr., Anthony Gonzalez and a talented Michigan receiving core this year.

At 6-foot-3, 210 pounds, Meachem holds a size advantage over the entire Penn State secondary.

"My dad always taught me you had to be tough," Meachem said. "A cowboy's job is just as dangerous as a football player's."

While danger didn't hinder the 2005 season for Tennessee, ineffective offense and poor luck led to a 5-6 result -- unacceptable by Vols standards.

Both Ainge and Meachem found success as freshmen in 2004, leading many to believe the two would form a productive duo for years to come. Last season, however, the two found it difficult to connect because of a variety of factors, not the least of which being a quarterback controversy.

"We were told if receivers and quarterbacks are not on the same page, we won't win a lot of games," Meachem said. "This spring and summer we made it a goal to get on the same page with Erik, watch film with him, see what he sees, and everything will be okay."

Everything turned out quite well for Ainge and Meachem, as the Vols logged a 9-1 record when the former played healthy, and Meachem registered 11 touchdown receptions (more than twice as many as Penn State's receivers combined.)

"Erik actually did this year what we expected him to do last year," Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer said. "Same thing for Robert because we expected big things last year and he didn't have a very good year. But this year he's been great, and is one of the most dynamic players in the country."

Ainge suffered an ankle injury toward the end of the season, but is approaching full strength.

Lions defensive tackle Jay Alford likened him to Wisconsin quarterback John Stocco, who can make sound decisions and "pick you apart."

Penn State's secondary and linebackers are well aware of Meachem's prowess, and might look to put a big hit or two on him if the junior comes their way.

Meachem, however, is prepared for the rough stuff. It's how he was brought up.

"The rodeo might look insane," Meachem said. "But a lot of people say football looks insane too."