The Hollywood glitz and glamor of Pete Carroll’s USC Trojans. The blue collar East Coast work ethic of Joe Paterno’s Penn State Nittany Lions. Two vastly different teams coming together in a clash of collegiate football titans, once again a Pac-10 / Big Ten showdown involving programs vying for the glory that only playing in the Granddaddy of all bowl games – Pasadena, California’s Rose Bowl – can bring . . .

An epilogue to two teams that finished their respective regular season schedules with records (11-1) that left both just outside the national championship picture (but could once again include them depending on the outcome of the Florida – Oklahoma game in Miami, Florida), this year’s Rose Bowl game boils down to a battle of generational differences in approach to the game and fundamental styles of coaching. Pete Carroll and USC have already clearly proven that the team from South Central Los Angeles has and continues to be the program of this decade and, with great probability, the next; defined by rosters comprised of unimaginable depth and talent, the Trojans combine agility, speed, and physicality in a modern-day blend of theatrics ,grace and unbridled energy. Penn State, on the other hand, is pure old-school smash-mouth football (particularly on defense) topped with just a dab of the future, an offensive scheme contemporarily referred to as the “Spread HD”. The Nittany Lions are rough, rugged, jagged; it’s not the school of pretty boys gracing the covers of Sports Illustrated and measured by the ability of its quarterbacks to get into the trendiest clubs (or, for that fact, frat parties and Jacuzzis). No, instead, this is a crew that loves getting dirty, delivers, as claims the U.S. Postal Service, in rain, sleet, or snow. Paterno and his boys are tough as nails; Carroll’s squad is well-groomed, sleek and confidently cocky in its abilities. Two vastly divergent programs, with one common, shared goal: finish the season 12-1 and make a well-founded argument for starting 2009 a favorite for the national title.

NFTM grapples with the broad spectrum embodied by these two programs in this edition of our post-season bowl special, separating the flashing lights and electronic sounds of Sunset Strip from the cracked skin and weather-worn faces of Eastern Pennsylvania. In doing so, we find an unusually low-scoring game predicted, the return from injury of USC’s Stafon Johnson and Allen Bradford, the contemplations of starting quarterback for the Trojans, Mark Sanchez, in leaving school early for the 2009 NFL Draft, the issues surrounding the quarterback position at Penn State, thanks to the departure of Pat Devlin, and the claim that with hurt foot or no hurt foot, Jordan Norwood will be on the field in Pasadena playing in his last game as a Nittany Lion.

A low-scoring game to break a high-scoring trend . . .

The Canadian Press offers readers some interesting insight into history of the Rose Bowl this week, noting that only once in the last 10 years (the exception being 1999’s game between Wisconsin and Stanford) have teams playing in the New Year’s Day tradition combined to score fewer than 42 points. The point totals for those other nine years? 69, 58, 51, 48, 42, 75, 79, 50 and 56. Yet, considering this year’s participants – USC and Penn State – comprise some of the best defensive units in the country, will the 2009 Rose Bowl prove another rare exception? Penn State offensive coordinator Galen Hall certainly thinks so, stating, “You wouldn’t think it would be [a high-scoring game] because of the two defenses.” USC after all currently tops the nation in yards allowed (206.1) and average points scored per game (7.8), while Penn State ranks fifth in total yards surrendered (263.9 yards a contest) and follows closely behind the Trojans with just 12.4 points a contest allowed.

Integral part of USC offense, Havili, out for Rose Bowl . . .

The Associated Press writes this week that fullback for the Southern California Trojans, Stanley Havili, has been declared academically ineligible for post-season play and will not participate in Thursday’s Rose Bowl game against the Penn State Nittany Lions. An integral part of the USC offense, the sophomore carried the ball only 13 times for 71 yards this season, but also compiled 324 yards receiving on 24 passes and scored three touchdowns. Adam Goodman, D.J. Shoemate, and Rhett Ellison are all expected to split time in relief of Havili, who will not be eligible to play for the remainder of the fall semester, but should be clear to participate in drills starting in spring 2009.

Johnson returns to practice field, Bradford recovering quicker than expected, and Herring on crutches . . .

The Los Angeles Times reports that USC tailback Stafon Johnson returned to practice late last week after sitting out of drills before holiday break due to a knee cap injury. The article notes that Johnson “had no problems running straight ahead” and includes an assessment by the junior from Compton, California that he should “be able to go full speed and go all the way and get my cuts back and all that stuff.” Johnson continues on to say, “It’s sore, but I can play through it.”

The article also notes that running back Allen Bradford took part in stretching drills last week and is ahead of schedule in terms of recovery from a recent hip surgery. “I already have full range of motion,” noted the junior ball carrier. “It’s better than before I had surgery.” Bradford also addressed rumors that he was giving consideration to transferring out of USC due to a lack of playing time, stating, “I’m not thinking of transferring. I’m just worried about getting back.”

Thomas Herring was seen on crutches with his left foot in a protective boot after practices last week, with the 6’6”, 330 pound youngster noting, “I was running a route and I heard [the Achilles’ tendon] pop.” Herring, the Times notes, was recently switched from offensive line to tight end in order to increase depth at the position.

And finally, news that safety Kevin Ellison could not practice last week due to a knee injury aggravated against the UCLA Bruins leads the Times to predict that Will Harris will start in Ellison’s place Thursday in the Rose Bowl.

A welcome return for Williams . . .

Good news for the Trojans this week, as the Los Angeles Times reports mid-week that leading pass-catcher for the University of Southern California, Damian Williams, has announced that he will return to play at USC once again in 2009. A 6’1”, 190 pound receiver, Williams has so far this season caught 48 passes for 707 yards and eight touchdowns. Some questioned whether or not the sophomore would be available to play in the 2009 Rose Bowl due to a shoulder injury suffered in the season-finale against UCLA, but Williams also noted he’d been cleared to play in Thursday afternoon’s matchup with Penn State.

A new backup for Sanchez at USC . . .

Interesting news provided by the Los Angeles Times early this week regarding the backup quarterback position for the USC Trojans heading into Thursday’s Rose Bowl against Penn State: Head coach Pete Carroll announced Monday that redshirt freshman quarterback Aaron Corp had performed well enough in post-season practices this month to be moved up to number two on the Southern California depth chart behind starter Mark Sanchez. Corp noted of the move, “I feel confident and comfortable,” and that he was “excited to regain the spot.” Readers may recall that Corp was early on this season inserted into the backup role behind Sanchez, but due to what the article refers to as “mental mistakes make during bye-week practices” after the Trojans’ win over Ohio State, sophomore Mitch Mustain overtook Corp and retained the number two position for the remainder of the year.

Sanchez considering a leap to the NFL after the Rose Bowl . . .

The Canadian Press this week suggests that junior quarterback for the Southern California Trojans, Mark Sanchez, may be seriously considering a leap to the NFL this upcoming April rather than return for a senior year at USC. Sanchez tells reporters that in the back of his mind, declaring himself eligible for the 2009 draft has always been an option. “I’ve put myself in a position to have options,” he comments, adding, that there are “plenty of factors” which will need to be considered before a final decision is made. The junior quarterback currently plans to consult with head coach Pete Carroll and his family about whether or not to forego his senior season with the Trojans sometime shortly after Thursday’s Rose Bowl, but for now is focused on ensuring a win over Penn State. “I’ll worry about it after the game,” Sanchez states. “I’ve put off the decision until after the game.”

Things to look for on the PSU side of the ball . . .

The website Philly.com provides readers with a list of three things to look for in this Thursday’s Rose Bowl game against the USC Trojans:

- More fundamental football, less gadget plays – “The Nittany Lions’s game plan usually calls for a bit of trickery – reverses, double-reverses, flanker option passes – but even if you get USC to initially bite on that sort of thing, the Trojans have athletes with the sort of speed to recover quickly and blow the play up.”

- Sacks and more sacks – “USC quarterback Mark Sanchez isn’t likely to take off running, by design or otherwise, but he’s mobile enough to buy time by stepping up or back in the pocket, or side to side.”

- Special teams – “All other things being equal, a big special-teams play – a long return, a blocked field goal, a punt be3ing downed inside the 5-yard line – can shift momentum in a hurry.”

Single lingering injury won’t keep Norwood off field . . .

The Times Leader writes mid-week that though senior wide receiver Jordan Norwood is still dealing with the lingering effects of an injured left foot suffered during the Nittany Lions’ last game of the regular season against Michigan State, he plans on playing on Thursday in Penn State’s showdown with USC. “I’m going to be fine,” Norwood told the media at the start of the week. “I took some time off of it while we were back home, but I’m going to be good.”

Maybin considering NFL draft options as well . . .

USC quarterback Mark Sanchez isn’t the only player in Thursday’s Rose Bowl giving consideration to declaring himself eligible for the 2009 NFL draft; reports the Sporting News, so too is junior pass-rushing specialist for Penn State, Aaron Maybin. Maybin had a breakout year in 2008, finishing the season third-best in the FBS in sacks with 12. Subsequently, Maybin submitted his name to an NFL advisory panel to assess his potential for being drafted, but announced he did not want to sit down with the committee until after Penn State’s visit to the state of California. “The team has worked very hard to get to the point where we are at right now,” the All-American defensive end commented. “I’ll be doing my teammates a disservice if I brought the attention to myself.” He continues: “I’m not think about next year at this point. Right now, everything I’m focused on has to do with the Rose Bowl and making sure we go out on a big note this year.”

Confusion at the backup quarterback position . . .

The Long Beach Press-Telegram offers insight into the troubles confronting Penn State at the quarterback position heading into Thursday’s game against USC at the Rose Bowl, this as Pat Devlin announced his decision to leave Penn State following the Nittany Lions win over Michigan State to close out the 2008 regular season. With Devlin leaving, relative unknown Paul Cianciolo moves up into the backup position behind senior Daryll Clark, but the PSU coaching staff is also giving consideration to utilizing wideout Derrick Williams under center if the need arises. “Daryll has to go out and play,” notes Nittany Lions’ offensive coordinator Galen Hall, “and we have to go out do what we do best. If we get into this game and worry about not calling this play in this situation that we think is the best play, we won’t be successful . . .” Clark, in the meantime, told reporters that he’ll try to avoid direct contact with Trojans’ defenders in order to avoid injury, saying, “I’ll step out of bounds or try my best not to take that direct hit. You have to stay durable throughout the game. You just have to react the best way and try not to take those big-time hits.”

In the meantime, The Philadelphia Inquirer quotes Cianciolo as stating that “Pat leaving was definitely surprising, especially the timing.” Still, the rarely used fifth-year senior claims “I’m happy to have the opportunity. I’m a play away instead of two . . . . Obviously, me playing would be predicated on Daryll going down.” Cianciolo states that a great deal of his confidence comes from the fact that he knows Penn State head coach Joe Paterno has been publically championing his cause since Devlin announced his intentions to transfer. “Having Joe Paterno championing your cause – he’s the one you want backing your cause, if there’s only guy,” the senior expressed to reporters.

The pick: USC has a nightmarishly good defense, Penn State a frighteningly broad set of talent on the offensive side of the ball. The Trojans are solid enough offensively, but don’t narrow this contest down to the South California running and passing attack versus Penn State’s defense. The game will be won or loss when the Nittany Lions’ Daryll Clark, Evan Royster, Jordan Norwood, Deon Butler, and Derrick Williams matchup against USC’s Ray Maualuga, Brian Cushings, and Clay Matthews. The Trojans have faired well against just about every team they faced – only Oregon State caught USC’s defensive unit sleeping and pulled off an unimaginable upset that hands-down ruined the Trojans’ run at the BCS title game. Yet the Pac-10 wasn’t exactly a eye-popping conference this year; USC never really got tested (minus, perhaps, the Arizona Wildcats) outside of Corvalis and, thus, will likely discover Penn State unlike anything its faced this season. Sure, argue that Ohio State was a statement game for Pete Carroll – but who did OSU really deliver against this year (not to mention, why in God’s name are they paired up against Texas except for the fact that its fans travel well . . .)? Penn State took on that same Buckeyes team – in Columbus – and came away with a win. No, the Nittany Lions didn’t pull off a must-have victory against Iowa; but it manhandled the rest of the Big Ten, including an absolute slaughter of Michigan State at home to close out the season. Joe Paterno and PSU are a confident team and come into the Rose Bowl a surprising large underdog. It’s a favored position for the Nittany Lions, as they love to overachieve. Clark will need to keep calm and focused when on the field; if he plays as he did against MSU, forget it – USC won’t keep up. Being his last game in a Penn State uniform, we have a feeling he’ll do just that. Clark’s ability to make things happen, couple with a running game that features two of the best back no one is talking about this post-season – Royster and Stefon Greene – Galen Hall will keep the ball in PSU’s possession, but keep the ball moving downfield. This will be a low scoring contest, but Paterno finishes an emotional season with a remarkably prominent exclamation point. PSU wins, 24-17.

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