Joe Paterno does not consider himself old. Despite the physical characteristics to the contrary, Paterno does not compartmentalize his life in years, or even football seasons, but rather days.
It is a simplistic mantra for any football coach, but when you are running out onto a football field past age 80, it is hard to argue with the approach.
Yet, while Paterno rarely looks back or speaks about the past, it doesn't mean we can't. That's why it is fitting that Saturday has been dubbed, "Classic Day", where 1960s music will welcome all Beaver Stadium attendees and fans are encouraged to break out the tie-dye shirts, headbands and peace signs.
It's also a historical coincidence that "Classic Day" occurs with Syracuse in town. The Orange -- or Orangemen as they were known back in the day -- used to be a staple on Penn State's schedule when the Nittany Lions were battling for Lambert Trophies and trying to strike a recruiting cord in upstate New York as an independent without conference affiliation.
The Nittany Lions have faced Syracuse 69 times, the second most among all opponents, trailing only Pittsburgh (96 games). Penn State holds a 41-23-5 advantage in the series, and has won the last three meetings, including a 55-13 thrashing at the Carrier Dome last fall. The Nits and the Orange squared off in every single season from 1944-1990, but the series fell to the wayside when Penn State joined the Big Ten conference.
It is back, on "Classic Day" of all Saturdays, with a stormy forecast on the docket. But stormy for who? Find out below.
Game: Penn State (1-0) vs. Syracuse (0-1)
Last Week: Penn State downed Akron, 31-7, while Syracuse lost a heartbreaking home opener in overtime to PSU's conference compatriot Minnesota, 23-20.
Time and TV: Noon on the Big Ten Network and GoPSUSports.com
Interesting Tidbit: Former running back and Penn State standout Lenny Moore will serve as the honorary captain
Opponent at a Glance: Greg Paulus was a three-year starter at Duke...playing basketball. Beaver Stadium may put Paulus' in North Carolina's shoes when the Tar Heels used to invade Cameron Indoor. The former Duke guard is now Syracuse's starting quarterback, and the recognizable face to all hardcore sports fans, will be making his second career start. He was 19-of-31 for 167 yards, one touchdown and one interception in last week's loss to Minnesota. His favorite target may be tall and physically-imposing wideout Mike Williams. The Orange's defense is led by senior defensive tackle Arthur Jones. He is on the preseason watch list for such prestigious awards as the Outland, Lombardi and Bednarik Trophies.
Prediction: A quarterback with one game of collegiate experience -- and that game was four years after playing in high school -- coming into Beaver Stadium can't be a good thing. Paulus is a gifted athlete who appears to be a quick study after watching him last week versus Minnesota, but this isn't the Carrier Dome, and these aren't the Golden Gophers.
He threw a lot of screen passes, quick slants and took plenty of three-step drops. Look for more press coverage and zone blitzing from Tom Bradley's defense today as a way to negate the quick passing game and give the formidable front four time to hit Paulus and disrupt his timing.
If the forecast holds, this may be a good day for Penn State to impose its will on the Orange, and that means running the football, something it didn't do to Paterno's liking in the season-opening win over Akron. Look for a heavy dose of Evan Royster and a defensive performance similar to the shutdown of the Zips.
Prediction: Penn State 31, Syracuse 3
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