Pennsylvania State University

Rey Maualuga has heard the talk, seen the highlights. More important, USC's All-American linebacker spent the season smack dab in the middle of it all. So when college football observers describe USC's defense as the best of the Pete Carroll era, and perhaps one of the top units in college football history, Maualuga just shrugs his broad shoulders. "The best is yet to come," he said matter-of-factly.

Good morning, Nittany Nation. On behalf of the humble metropolis of Los Angeles ("The City That Never Sweeps"), we'd like to welcome you to the 2009 Rose Bowl, a day you will remember, even if last night is still a total blur. Our goal? To make you feel at home here. If it helps, just think of L.A. as Scranton by the Sea. Or the Valley Forge of Chin-Tucks. By now, you've probably discovered our region's crown jewel, Pasadena. It is a great town, particularly for people who have trouble chewing.

With Penn State gathering in the locker room after its 38-24 Rose Bowl loss to USC, Coach Joe Paterno quickly broke the ice. " 'We were doing things that we hadn't been doing all season,' " Nittany Lions quarterback Daryll Clark recalled Paterno telling the team. All week, Paterno said he viewed No. 5 USC (12-1) as the nation's best team. But in no way did he expect the Trojans to win their third consecutive Rose Bowl the way they did it.

USC and Penn State would have preferred to play in the Bowl Championship Series title game next week in Florida. However, now that the game is finally here, neither seems to regard the 95th Rose Bowl game as a consolation prize.

Pete Carroll is leaving the practice field wearing a gray sweatshirt, khakis, athletic shoes. Joe Paterno is headed to the practice field wearing a gray sweatshirt, khakis, athletic shoes. One difference. The cuffs. True to his legend, even on a stroll through a hotel lobby when next to nobody is watching, Paterno's cuffs are rolled up above his shoes, the quintessential 1920s hipster. Says Carroll: "I love those cuffs, I really love them.

USC's Rose Bowl performance against Penn State looked a lot like the Trojans' season. Prolonged periods of defensive dominance. Flashes of offensive brilliance. And a victory in the end. But the fifth-ranked Trojans' 38-24 win over sixth-ranked Penn State on Thursday also included the requisite dose of what-might-have-been. What might have happened if the Trojans had showed up to play at Oregon State in September?