SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Syracuse's once-proud football program has sunk to a new low.

In Greg Robinson's three-plus seasons as coach, the Orange is 7-30.

The low point came last weekend at the Carrier Dome when Syracuse lost, 42-28, to lowly Akron, which posted only its second victory against a BCS team.

"To me, it comes right down to coaching and right to me," Robinson said. "There's no excuses for it."

Syracuse fans have been calling for a coaching change. Robinson resents it.

"It's terrible," he said. "I really have to be strong enough not to dwell on it right now. I understand it, but I can't control that. I have to focus truly on the things that I can control -- and that is to get this team to play better. That has to be my mind-set."

The road doesn't get any easier today for Robinson or Syracuse (0-2), which will renew its one-time rivalry with No. 17 Penn State (2-0). The Nittany Lions hold a 40-23-5 edge in the series that began in 1922, but this is the first meeting between the two schools since 1990.

"It's an opportunity for our program," Robinson said. "Penn State might be the most talented team we've played since I've been here. I think the players are up for the challenge. It is important for the team to show well."

Penn State coach Joe Paterno, whose team is playing its first road game, was asked to sum up Syracuse's struggles.

"I don't know," he said. "It's really tough to say. ... It's like they're in the process of trying to come up with the right combination."

Senior tailback Curtis Brinkley is averaging 96 yards a game on the ground for the Orange after rushing for a career-high 143 yards and a touchdown against Akron.

"He has a big body," Penn State safety Anthony Scirrotto said. "He's a big kid. He's a great athlete. He had over 100 yards or so the first two games. He's a guy who runs up the middle and gets downhill. He'll lower his shoulder and punish you if he has to. He poses a lot of threats."

Quarterback Daryll Clark and tailback Evan Royster, who has six rushing touchdowns in wins against Coastal Carolina and Oregon State, have led Penn State's high-powered offense.

"Obviously, the stats he's put up have been amazing, and I still look at film and say, 'He's good,' " wide receiver Deon Butler said of Royster. "But then, in the same light, I kind of expected it from him. He's that big time of a player, and I expect big things out of him. He's going to have a tremendous career while he's here."

Matchup: No. 17 Penn State (2-0) vs. Syracuse (0-2), 3:30 p.m. today, Carrier Dome, Syracuse, N.Y. Nittany Lions favored by 27¹/₂ points.

TV/Radio: WTAE; WEAE-AM (1250); and Penn State Sports Network. Also heard at www.GoPSUsports.com.

Penn State: Backup OL Mike Lucian has been moved to provide depth on the depleted defensive line. Suspended linemen Abe Koroma and Maurice Evans did not make the trip. ... QB Daryll Clark is No. 14 nationally with a pass-efficiency rating of 176.3. ... Is 23-7 against teams from the Big East.

Syracuse: Is tied for 111th nationally in total defense. ... Has allowed 10 TDs and 962 yards. ... KR Max Suter (Greensburg Central Catholic) is averaging 102.0 yards per game. ... QB Cameron Dantley passed for 135 yards and three TDs in his first start of the year.

Hidden stat: Penn State has an all-time record of 11-5 in domed stadiums, including a 3-1 mark in the Carrier Dome.