Wow, whole lotta haters with southern drawls in this thread talking smack. Penn State can't control how competitive the other teams in their conference are playing year-to-year, but it's not like they've never competed against rival conferences and gotten a taste of the SEC/Big 12 "mojo". Their bowl appearances just since '99:
Outback Bowl, Jan. 1, 1999 vs. Kentucky Wildcats (SEC),
PSU 26 KU 14
Alamo Bowl, Dec. 28, 1999 vs. Texas A&M (Big 12),
PSU 24 A&M 0
Capital One Bowl, Jan. 1, 2003 vs. Auburn (SEC), PSU 9
Auburn 13
Orange Bowl, Jan. 3, 2006 vs. Florida State (ACC *cough*),
PSU 26 FSU 23
Outback Bowl, Jan. 1, 2007 vs. Tennessee (SEC),
PSU 20 Tenn 10
When Penn State's at the top of its game, I'd put them up against any team in the country. Especially if they're playing for JoePa's last season, they'll kill themselves to bring that man a win.
Season's not over, who knows who will end up where, I'll be happy if they at least just give JoePa the Big 10 Title. But if they earn the BCS slot, believe that they won't fear the competition. You all don't get to enjoy the beauty of a snowy winter day down there, we'll be happy to bring the white out down and give you a little taste of holiday cheer.