Orange Bowl Preview

Two of the wisest owls in the college coaching tree match wits Tuesday night in the Orange Bowl. Florida State's Bobby Bowden and Penn State's Joe Paterno have combined to win 712 games, but both have survived some stormy weather to arrive in Miami.

When Paterno piloted his Nittany Lions to 10 wins in 11 games and a Big-10 championship, it silenced critics who were ready to send him out to pasture. Bowden has lost as many games in the last five years (19) as he did in the previous 15.

The Seminoles seemed like yesterday's news after losing three straight games to end the regular season. Irate boosters were wondering if it wasn't time for Bowden to head for one of Florida's many retirement communities. That was until the Seminoles upset Virginia Tech in the ACC Championship Game as double-digit underdogs, 27-22.

Penn State, which averaged 35 points and 424 yards per game, appears to have the edge against a FSU offense that often sputtered. Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year Michael Robinson was simply sensational for Penn State this season, leading the Lions to 31 points or more eight times.

Florida State's Drew Weatherford wasn't quite as consistent. His season has mirrored the Seminoles' output as a whole. At his best, he has made FSU fans forget the quarterback position was one of the team's biggest question marks in August.

Conversely, Weatherford threw nine picks in four games during Florida State's November swoon after being intercepted just eight times during a 6-1 start.

Weatherford's slump began about the same time the Seminoles lost three starting offensive linemen to season-ending injuries. Working largely from the shotgun, Weatherford rebounded to pick apart the Hokies for 225 yards and a touchdown. Best of all, FSU did not commit a turnover.

The Penn State stop-unit allowed just 99 yards per game rushing on 2.9 yards per carry this year. The Florida State defense will give ground grudgingly as well. The Seminoles have amassed 41 sacks and are permitting just 29 percent on third-down conversions.

The loss of leading tackler A.J. Nicholson, who was sent home by Bowden following an alleged assault, will impact the FSU defense. Though Nicholson had 100 tackles, the Seminoles do have a number of players who can pick up the slack.

Penn State passed its last seven regular season spread tests, getting the green in five straight as favorites. Florida State floundered in six of its last eight ATS.

The Seminoles have been on the low side in 23 of their last 33 on the road against non-conference foes, while the Nittany Lions have followed suit in 26 of their last 36 outside the Big-10.

Most offshore books opened Penn State as nine-point favorites, with the total set at 51.

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