Sports

A Penn statement

This was supposed to be the storyline on Saturday in State College: The two newest members of the Big 10, the two with legendary football programs that have been coached by legendary men, two of the marquee brand names in college football squaring off in their first conference game.

That will not be the storyline on Saturday. It doesn’t matter whom Penn State is playing.

All that matters now are the horrific allegations brought against former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky. All that matters is what Joe Paterno knew, when he knew and what did he do or not do.

You can’t help but wonder how the Penn State players will react this weekend. They could be a shell of a team, one so distracted and confused by the vortex of hell they woke up to last Saturday that they forget their shoulder pads.

Or they could take the Beaver Stadium field so determined to try to put the events of the last week behind them that Nebraska could have 12 men on the field for every play and it won’t matter.

Paterno announced yesterday he would retire at the end of the season. The university’s board of trustees, however, felt differently and fired him last night.

With or without Paterno, it doesn’t matter who the opponent is. All that matters is what Penn State team takes the field — shattered or psyched. We’re sure it will be the latter. Take the Lions and give the 3 1/2.

TONIGHT

GEORGIA TECH (+1) over Virginia
Tech
The Hokies have great speed on defense and they’ve had an extra three days to prepare for Georgia Tech’s option. But the Yellow Jackets finally have a Thursday night showcase. If Georgia Tech can stay out of obvious passing downs, protect the football and not let the Hokies get one of their special teams scores, Yellow Jackets will buzz.

TOMORROW

SYRACUSE (+3 1/2) over South Florida — This is more of a anti-South Florida pick than a pro-’Cuse pick. The Bulls have been one of the biggest disappointments of the season.

SATURDAY

MISSOURI (+1) over Texas — Longhorns don’t have the offense to hang with Mizzou.

Oklahoma State (-17) over TEXAS TECH — The object in the Cowboys’ side view mirror (Alabama) is closer than they think. Okie State will go for style points, which is scary considering they lead the nation in scoring.

S. CAROLINA (-3 1/2) over Florida — This is more an indictment of the Gators’ offense than of the Gamecocks.

ILLINOIS (+1) over Michigan — I risk angering the prediction gods for picking Ron Zook.

BOISE STATE (-15) over Tcu — These teams really don’t like each other. And that means Boise, which is much better than TCU this season than was the case in the last two meetings, blows it open.

Miami (+9) over FLORIDA STATE — When did Miami get so bad? When did FSU get so good?

Washington (+12) over USC — Trojans have been better than expected but with upcoming games at Oregon and vs. crosstown rival UCLA, which is showing signs of life, we see a letdown in the Trojans’ immediate future.

GEORGIA (-13) over Auburn — Dawgs have an elite defense. War Eagles have a pedestrian offense. Georgia can see the SEC East title.

Rutgers (-7 1/2) over Army (at Yankee Stadium) — Cadets expended a lot of physical and emotional energy last week in the loss at Air Force. Scarlet Knights got a big lift by overtime victory over South Florida.

ARKANSAS (-14) over Tennessee — Bobby Petrino is as good an offensive coach as there is in college football. Tennessee is as bad an offensive team as there is in the SEC.

Notre Dame (20 1/2) over Maryland at FedEx Field, Md. — This Maryland team hasn’t taken to Randy Edsall, which is not necessarily his fault. Irish must finish strong, and the loss to USC seems to have given coach Brian Kelly the wedge he needs to push his players that extra yard.

STANFORD (-3 1/2) over Oregon — Cardinal has lost some weapons but it hasn’t lost Andrew Luck. Ducks are a much slower, less-potent team on the road than at home.

Best Bets: Arkansas, Georgia, Missouri

Last week: 6-9 overall; 1-2 in best bets

Season: 74-74-2 overall; 19-11 in best bets