Penn State has accepted an invitation to play in the Jan. 1 Outback Bowl in Tampa, Fla., and school officials said yesterday that they expect Nittany Lions coach Joe Paterno to be with the team for the entire week.

Penn State athletic director Tim Curley said Paterno is doing well in his recovery from a fractured leg and surgically repaired knee, and he expected him to travel with the team when it leaves, which is likely to be Dec. 23 or 24.

"Right now, we're not anticipating any problems," Curley said. "He's working his way back with his rehabilitation. We'll have to see where he's at. But right now, we're not anticipating any problems."

Paterno has not spoken with reporters since his injury Nov. 4. He issued a statement through the sports information department last night about the Outback Bowl.

"We're looking forward to playing in the Outback Bowl and meeting a very good team from the Southeastern Conference," he said. "This team has worked hard all season and has been a great group to work with. I'm happy for the squad that their efforts will be rewarded with an opportunity to go to Tampa, where we have had some wonderful experiences, and be involved in a good, tough game."

This will be Paterno's 33rd bowl game. He is 21-10-1 and 15-6 in games on New Year's Day.

The Lions will play a team from the SEC, but the opponent likely will not be known until the Bowl Championship Series teams are announced Dec. 3. Outback officials said five teams -- Florida, Arkansas, Auburn, LSU and Tennessee -- are under consideration. The winner of the Florida-Arkansas SEC title game will be in the BCS. The Capital One Bowl has the next pick, then the Outback Bowl.

The game will kick off at 11 a.m. from Raymond James Stadium and will be televised by ESPN.

This will be Penn State's third Outback Bowl game. The Lions beat Auburn in 1996 and Kentucky in 1999.

"Penn State is an exceptional choice," Outback president Jim McVay said. "It is a very visible, tradition-rich program. There are Penn State alumni all over Florida. It's one of the elite college football programs in the country. Plus, you have Joe Paterno bringing that special aura that only coach Paterno has."

Fans interested in applying for tickets should access www.gopsusports.com. Information on the Outback Bowl can be found at www.outbackbowl.com.