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Sunday, August 27, 2000

By Ray Fittipaldo, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

The last three times Penn State has played teams from the Pac-10, the Lions have won by an aggregate score of 103-34, including a 41-7 trouncing of Arizona in last year's Pigskin Classic.

But Penn State Coach Joe Paterno does not believe his team will be overconfident today for the simple reason that most of the players on the field did not have a big impact on the outcome of last year's game.

Receiver Chafie Fields led the Lions in receiving and rushing against Arizona. He rushed three times for 110 yards and scored a touchdown and caught three passes for 76 yards and another touchdown. Kevin Thompson threw both of Penn State's touchdowns, and the defense that kept the Wildcats off the board until fourth quarter graduated nine starters.

"Chafie Fields is the guy who had the big day, and he's not here anymore," Paterno said. "I think we have a team that has tremendous amount of respect for USC. They have great tradition. We've played them, and we've got beat by them. I don't think we're going to be concerned at all with what happened last year."

Penn State has won its past three meetings with USC. The Lions last lost to the Trojans, 21-10, in 1991.

To pass or not to pass

Much of the focus this week and throughout the preseason has been on Penn State's inexperienced offensive line. Other than three-year starter Kareem McKenzie, the rest of the line has six career starts between them.

McKenzie, a two-time All-Big Ten selection at tackle, said the line should have no problems when it comes to run blocking. Pass protection, though, could take some time to develop.

"We have guys who have been here for three or four years, guys who know the system and the schemes," McKenzie said. "It really shouldn't take that long at all for us to jell. And if there's a young guy, there's a junior or senior there to help them out.

"Pass blocking, you have to get a feel for it, and you have to be able to trust the guy next to you. That's one of the things that's going to take the longest to get used to. It's all about trusting that person next to you."

Palmer still learning

USC quarterback Carson Palmer is one of the more talented players at his position in the nation, but Coach Paul Hackett, a noted quarterbacks guru, said Palmer is still learning the finer points of the trade.

Palmer, who started three games as a true freshman, missed all but three games last season with a collarbone injury and was granted a medical redshirt.

"He has a very strong arm, and he has a tremendous release," Hackett said. "He is a very gifted passer. When he's been able to play, he's been able to be accurate. That's the true measure of a quarterback. He has a lot to learn. We got another year back for him, so he'll be with us for three full years. He is a great passer who is just learning how to be a quarterback."