The Outback Bowl is expected to make it official today and announce Penn State as one of its participants in the Jan. 1 bowl game in Tampa, Fla. Bowl Championship Series and Big Ten Conference officials were expected to release Penn State from the BCS yesterday, which would allow the Lions to accept a bowl invitation.

Penn State's opponent will be from the Southeastern Conference, but which team likely will not be announced for another week or two.

This will be Penn State's third Outback Bowl appearance. The Nittany Lions played there in '96 and '99.