The Daily Orange

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No use letting it linger. Jim McKenzie refused to let the play loiter in his conscience. His first snap of the season soared over Greg Paulus' head in National Lampoon fashion, essentially spotting Minnesota seven points.

Playing a position of anonymity, McKenzie was suddenly thrust into the spotlight in Syracuse's opener for the wrong reasons. Moments after Syracuse's 23-20 overtime loss to Minnesota, McKenzie did what he does after every game. He went home and popped in the game film.

"I watched it as soon as I got back," McKenzie said.

By Monday, the Minnesota game was history. There wasn't much time to drown in sorrows. One week after a punch-in-the-gut loss at the Carrier Dome, Syracuse travels to State College, Pa., where No. 7 Penn State awaits Saturday (noon, Big Ten Network). So much for rebounding with a cupcake.

Short memories from last week and short memories from last year have been the theme for Syracuse all week. Last year, Syracuse was bulldozed by Penn State, 55-13.

Not that Syracuse is putting any stock into it. That piece of game film is an artifact now. Cornerback Kevyn Scott said the team didn't even watch the film of Syracuse's loss to PSU last year. It's taboo. It's the Greg Robinson era. Plucking any nugget from the past would be unhealthy.

"We don't want to crack out that film," Scott said. "We'll leave that in the past."

Instead, Scott has been immersed in tape of Penn State's new crop of receivers. One week after battling Minnesota's Eric Decker, Scott's matchup doesn't get any easier. After hauling in all of three passes last season, Derek Moye broke out in PSU's 31-7 win over Akron last week. The sophomore caught six passes for 138 yards and one touchdown.

Wide receiver figured to be the soft spot on Penn State. But after graduating Deon Butler and Derrick Williams, the position was reset and replenished. At 6-foot-5, Moye towers six inches over Scott. Nothing new, Scott smiles.

"Most receivers, especially in the Big 10, are going to be taller guys," Scott said. "I'll do what I would against any other receiver, get up in their chest and stay aggressive."

Before Syracuse can think upset - it is a 29-point underdog - it must somehow devise a plan for Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark. A double threat last year, it appears Clark has matured into a prolific, downfield passer. Against Akron, he completed 29-of-40 passes for 353 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Continued...

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