STATE COLLEGE, Pennsylvania (Ticker) -- After a convincing victory in its season opener, fourth-ranked Penn State has what amounts to a bye week Saturday, when Mid-American Conference member Akron visits Beaver Stadium.

The Nittany Lions (1-0) did just about everything right on Saturday in routing No. 3 Arizona, 41-7, in the Pigskin Classic. Quarterbacks Kevin Thompson and Rashard Casey combined to complete 11-of-18 passes for 232 yards and wide receiver Chafie Fields totaled 186 yards of offense.

Penn State had 504 yards of offense, 262 on the ground, while holding the explosive Wildcats to 356 yards and without a point until the final moments.

"We were pleased we won the football game," Lions coach Joe Paterno said. "We're not that good and Arizona is not that bad."

With the season's first monumental clash behind them, the Nittany Lions have been installed as more than a six-touchdown favorite over the Zips (0-0), who are coming off a 4-7 season and likely will be completely outmatched.

Last year, Akron's defense ranked 96th against the run, meaning Eric McCoo, Cordell Mitchell and Aaron Harris could be in for big days. The Zips were 81st against the pass, so Thompson and Casey might be able to work out some kinks.

"(Casey) has played very well," said Paterno. "He has a lot of talent. His only problem until now has been concentrating on the little things. He really worked hard this past spring and has done well. He could really have a big year if he doesn't get hurt."

Akron does return 49 lettermen from last season's squad and lost three games by seven points or less. Junior James "Butchie" Washington returns at quarterback after breaking 12 school records in 1998, when he completed 148-of-300 passes for 1,958 yards and eight touchdowns against seven interceptions.

The Zips' fate this year rests heavily on the performance of running back Raschi Culler, who led the team last year with 395 yards but underwent ankle surgery in May and did not begin practicing again until August 27.

Penn State will represent the highest-ranked opponent in Akron history. The Zips opened their 1997 campaign with a 59-14 loss to No. 6 Nebraska.

Penn State is 10-0 against MAC teams and 12-1 against current members of the the league, with the lone loss coming to Buffalo in 1900. The Nittany Lions have won 20 straight non-conference affairs dating to 1993 and 25 of their last 26 overall.

This is the first meeting between the schools, which share some ties. Akron athletic director Dennis Helsel served as athletic events manager for two years and softball coach in 1981 at Penn State.

AKRON Season schedule and results	PENN STATE Season schedule and results
Sep. 4 @Penn State 12:10pm ET Sep. 11 @Buffalo 7:00pm ET Sep. 18 Temple TBA Sep. 25 @Eastern Michigan 6:00pm ET Oct. 2 @Ball State TBA Oct. 9 Ohio TBA Oct. 16 Bowling Green 1:30pm ET Oct. 23 @Navy TBA Oct. 30 Western Michigan 1:30pm ET Nov. 6 @Miami (Ohio) 1:00pm ET Nov. 13 Kent 1:30pm ET	Aug. 28 Arizona W 41-7 Sep. 4 Akron 12:10pm ET Sep. 11 Pittsburgh 12:00pm ET Sep. 18 @Miami (Fla.) 3:30pm ET Sep. 25 Indiana TBA Oct. 9 @Iowa TBA Oct. 16 Ohio State TBA Oct. 23 @Purdue TBA Oct. 30 @Illinois TBA Nov. 6 Minnesota TBA Nov. 13 Michigan TBA Nov. 20 @Michigan State 1:00pm ET