Spartans striving for upset over PSU

Michigan State needs a victory to become eligible for a bowl game.
EAST LANSING, Mich. (AP) -- Michigan State coach John L. Smith was upset last year that disgruntled fans were suggesting Penn State's Joe Paterno should step aside.
Now, Smith is the one facing fan criticism as Paterno's resurgent Nittany Lions head into Spartan Stadium for today's Big Ten finale.
After a 4-0 start raised fans' expectations, Michigan State (5-5, 2-5 Big Ten) has lost five of its last six games. The Spartans need a win to become eligible for a bowl.
Meanwhile, Paterno and No. 5 Penn State (9-1, 6-1 Big Ten) have rebounded from two consecutive losing seasons and would get at least a share of the Big Ten title with a victory.
Smith, in his third season in East Lansing, fully expects to be back next year. He says the heat is no more intense than it was when he took over the program in December 2002.
"Same as it was the first day I came in," said Smith, noting that Internet chat calling for his dismissal started before he coached a game for Michigan State.
Smith has 17-year career
Smith has a 128-77 record in a 17-year career that includes successful rebuilding jobs at Louisville, Utah State and Idaho. He is 18-17 at Michigan State halfway through a six-year contract.
Paterno -- who has a 352-117-3 record in his 40-year career -- defended Smith and ripped his critics this week.
"I'd tell them to shut up. If John L. wants to ask me, I'd tell him to tell them to all shut up," Paterno said. "You've got people who don't quite understand what's going on.
"John L.'s a heck of a football coach. I look at the things he's done and the way his kids play. I think he'll be fine."
Not long ago, it was Paterno's future that was debated by fans and media. Back-to-back records of 3-9 in 2003 and 4-7 last year had some in Happy Valley calling for the 78-year-old Paterno to resign.
Smith saw PSU comeback
Penn State whipped Michigan State in its finale last season, 37-13. Smith said this week it was clear to him then that Paterno and Penn State would come roaring back this season.
"I think it speaks volumes to his commitment and his willingness to say, 'This is what we do, and we're going to be fine,' " Smith said of Paterno's approach during the past few seasons. " 'Continue to work on it, and things will get better.' And that's what they've done."
AP poll voters weren't convinced Penn State would turn it around, however. The Nittany Lions didn't crack the Top 25 until early October.
Now, they would earn their second Big Ten title and first since 1994 with a win. They also would get the conference's BCS berth and would have an outside shot at playing for the national title, depending on what unfolds in other conferences over the next few weeks.
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