WHAT'S AT STAKE

Penn State has the chance to do something Saturday that they've accomplished only once before. A win over Michigan State, and the Lions will clinch the Big Ten Championship and a berth to the Rose Bowl.

The only other time Penn State has been crowned Big Ten Champs and gone to the "Grand Daddy of them All" was 1994. That season, in only Penn State's 2nd year competing as members of the Big Ten, the Nit's slashed their way through the conference like madmen. Kerry Collins and Company capped an undefeated season by beating the Oregon Ducks 38-20.

Unfortunately, Penn State was jumped by Nebraska in the standings after week 8. That week, the Lions had already defeated Indiana, but down 35-21, the Hoosiers threw a Hail Mary pass as time expired, then ran in a two point conversion to make a 35-29 game seem closer than it really was. Because of this, Penn State never regained the #1 position in the polls.

In 2005, Penn State won their 2nd Big Ten Championship, yet did not appear in the most prestigious bowl game. That year, the Rose Bowl was slated to host the BCS title game. In what would be one of the greatest back-to-back nights in my college football remembrance, Penn State needed 3 OT's to finally outlast Florida St. in the Orange Bowl and Vince Young carried Texas to an upset over USC in the Rose Bowl to decide the National Championship.

So now, the Rose Bowl has regained its tradition in hosting the Pac 10 vs. Big Ten winners each year. (This began in 1947 when the Big Ten was the Big 9, and the Pac 10 was the PCC). With a win over Sparty, Penn State will earn its 3rd Big Ten Championship Title, and a spot in Pasadena on New Years Day, in the oldest college football bowl game.

A special opportunity awaits Penn State nation. As history has dictated, a year like this does not come along very often. Penn State has every opportunity to capture the moment. They must not beat themselves though. 2 things will be key. First, the Lions must execute the game plan, and avoid committing turnovers. Second, the energy in Beaver Stadium must be electric. Penn State players must take care of the first. Penn State fans must contribute to the second. If those two things happen, a Big Ten Crown will be granted and a Bed of Roses will await us. Mmmmm, how good does that sound?