Spartans shut out of bowl opportunity by Nittany Lions

McCoo also scored a touchdown and Travis Forney kicked a career-high five field goals for the Nittany Lions (5-3 Big Ten, 8-3 overall), who now have a chance to go to the Outback Bowl after finishing their home schedule unbeaten for the first time since 1994.

Michigan State (4-4, 6-6), a team that beat Notre Dame and then-No. 1 Ohio State this year, still won't qualify for a bowl after Saturday's loss.

AP PHOTO Penn State denied Michigan State a chance at a bowl berth by running rampant over the Spartans, 51-28.

"We're not a 6-6 team," Michigan State running back Sedrick Irvin said. "People might think I'm crazy for saying this, but this is a top 15 team. The ball just didn't bounce our way this season."

Macklin helped the Lions early, picking off a pass by Bill Burke and running it back 55 yards for his first career touchdown in the first quarter to put Penn State ahead 21-7.

King's 25-yard interception return came on Michigan State's first series of the second half and put the Lions in front 42-14.

Macklin has six interceptions this season, tied for the Big Ten lead.

LaVar Arrington tipped another pass by Burke in the first quarter, and Brandon Short picked it off to set up the first of Mike Cerimele's two touchdowns.

Courtney Brown and Mac Morrison each had two of Penn State's seven sacks.

Brown has 11 1/2 for the year, and Penn State's 47 this season leads the conference and ties the school record.

Burke finished 17-of-44 for 286 yards and two touchdowns, but most of that came with the game decided. Irvin rushed for 76 yards and a touchdown against a defense that has not allowed a back to rush for 100 yards this season.

Cerimele's touchdown runs covered 2 and 31 yards. Forney booted a pair of 37-yard field goals along with kicks from 22, 40 and 23 yards.

Penn State's offense, ineffective much of the first half, came through with a 70-yard touchdown drive right after Burke connected with Plaxico Burress on a 61-yard touchdown to cut the lead to 21-14.

Thompson was 4-for-4 for 52-yards on the drive and McCoo scored from the 5.

Thompson was 8-of-16 for 103 yards and no interceptions in just over a half.

Julian Peterson scored Michigan State's third touchdown by returning a fumble 40 yards, and Chris Baker caught a 6-yard touchdown pass from Burke late in the fourth quarter.

Penn State coach Joe Paterno said the Lions wanted to make amends for last year's rout.

"I think their pride was hurt last year, particularly the defensive kids," Paterno said. "We were more aggressive and we were able to do a better job of stopping the run. They've played with a lot of emotion."

11-30-98