This game has just about everything, and roses

Pete Carroll had the Trojans on the practice field to prepare for Joe Paterno of Penn State’s superb offense all week. They shouldn’t have needed much preparation defensively.

After all, the Trojans have the best defense in this era right?

Or do JoePa’s boys have the best defense this time of year?

In 34 bowl games, Penn State held opponents to 17 points or fewer 21 times. In three games, the Trojans shut out opponents. And held five scoreless in the second half, even rivals Norte Dame didn’t score until the final play of the third quarter.

Folks, you’re in for a good one. And one for the roses, it’s the Rose Bowl game. This game has just about everything a football game should have. It consisted of two remarkable coaches, both having excellent bowl resumes. In 43 years, Paterno of Penn State is 23-10-1 in bowl games, while Carroll is 5-2 in bowl games.

Paterno is old school and Carroll is hip, both having the tremendous respect for the game. They both have coached potent classes. Each dominating an era and each offered coaching jobs to the next level. But their zest for the game on the college level has propelled them to mentor two of the greatest school’s in college football history.

After undergone hip replacement surgery, Paterno will coach from the press box. But, Carroll will coach the Trojans from the sidelines. The Trojans enters the game with the nation’s top defense, which will probably unleash obstacles for the sixth-ranked Nittany Lions.

Statistically, Penn State has utilized their defense to a seventh consecutive Bowl Championship Series berth. The Trojans, on the other side, are 5-0 against Big Ten opponents under Carroll, with no wins fewer than 14 points.

Defensively, the Trojans have a powerfully defensive unit, with Rey Maualuga, All-American safety Taylor Mays and linebacker Brian Cushing are 9 ½ favorites playing in the fourth straight Rose Bowl game.

The Trojans will have a tough assignment, slowing down Penn State’s high-powered spread offense. Those guys like to run. A noticeable feature that the Nittany Lions have benefited with this season is their ground attack. They are dynamic offensively, behind running back Evan Royster and quarterback Daryll Clark, a guy who’s very versatile. He’s a team leader, accurate passer and very mobile in the pocket.

When I say this game has everything, I mean that from experience.

Penn State’s assignment is tougher than the Trojans. Here’s why.

The Trojans track record against Big Ten opponents helps gain confidence. The Trojans aren’t elated with playing for roses. And their defense is the best in a long time.

The Trojans have the upper hand over Penn State. Still it will be a nail-bitter, in a game that has everything you wish for. It's a game of competitiveness.