Penn State Looking for Third Big Ten Title

When Penn State joined the Big Ten as a full-time football member in 1993, it was thought that the Nittany Lions would flex some muscle year in and year out in the conference.

While 1994 was what many Penn State loyalists had expected for years to come, we all know it has been quite the opposite. Whether or not Penn State belongs in the Big Ten is a tired old debate, but many people probably believed that Joe Paterno would coach more than two Big Ten champions by this point in time.

Honestly though, back in 1993, who knew Paterno would still be coaching today? Regardless, Penn State owns two Big Ten trophies and with a win on Saturday can bring home a third to add to the collection.

A third Big Ten trophy would also come with an exclusive invitation to play in the Rose Bowl, which after the loss to Iowa is like dating the homecoming queen runner-up.

Add in the fact that the Nittany Lions may have a rematch against Oregon State, and the "Granddaddy of Them All" really lacks the awesomeness that it should have.

But as a Nittany Lion fan put aside all of the bitter feelings. Barring a miracle, the 2008 Penn State team can put the finishing touches on a very successful season with a win over the Michigan State Spartans.

Michigan State comes in to Saturday's game with Big Ten championship dreams of their own and a Rose Bowl is not out of the question for them either. More on that later.

The Spartans are powered by running back Javon Ringer, so the Nittany Lions defensive line will have their work cut out for them. Penn State should win this game but cannot afford to let Ringer run all over them. I have faith in the defense to not let that happen.

It will be cold on Saturday, which shouldn't affect either team too much, but I would hope that Penn State has heaters on their sideline, unlike in Iowa a couple weeks ago.

Michigan State will have other issues to deal with though, such as the fact that the Spartans have never won in State College against Joe Paterno.

The last time the Spartans won at Penn State was in 1965 with a 23-0 win,  a year before Paterno took over. The all-time series is knotted up at 12-12-1 with the home team winning 10 of the previous 12 meetings.

While Penn State has the edge since joining the Big Ten (11-4 since joining the Big Ten), none of the previous meetings have had as much riding on the game until this weekend.

For the first time in the series, the Big Ten title will be on the line, a distinction typically reserved for Michigan-Ohio State. While this series has been falsely labeled a "rivalry," there is usually little to add fuel to the fire.

There have been some good moments to remember, though. Larry Johnson broke the 2,000 yard mark for rushing yards against the Spartans in a 61-7 rout in 2002.

The Spartans had a remarkable comeback last season (what happened to the Lions' secondary?), and Bobby Engram made a terrific touchdown with time winding down in 1995 to steal a Penn State victory, 24-20.

On Saturday, could Derrick Williams put a final stamp on his legacy? Or Daryll Clark, Evan Royster, or Jordan Norwood?

Michigan State may not be Pitt, Penn State's old end-of-the-season rival (and a real rivalry at the time the series was played), but the battle for Saturday will be for more than the Land Grant Trophy. This one is for roses.