STATE COLLEGE — The dream of playing for a national title faded away a long time ago for Penn State, and even a New Year's Day bowl berth is now doubtful.

A 35-31 loss Saturday to Michigan State sent the Nittany Lions home disappointed for the Thanksgiving break.

"It's tough on the team and it's difficult, to say the least," linebacker Dan Connor said. "You try to learn from it and heal up, rest the body. And hopefully, we'll make a statement in a bowl game."

The exact destination will probably be revealed this week. The most likely locales might be San Antonio on Dec. 29 for the Alamo Bowl, or Orlando, Fla., a day earlier for the Champs Sports Bowl.

A return trip to the Outback Bowl on Jan. 1 in Tampa, Fla., where Penn State (8-4, 4-4 Big Ten) played last season, appears highly unlikely.

However, a team's record isn't the only factor considered when bowl officials scout prospective participants. Penn State has in its favor a large fan base that typically turns out well for bowl games.

There is also the always-present possibility that any bowl might be the last game in Paterno's storied 42-year head coaching career. Paterno turns 81 next month and his current contract expires after the 2008 season.

Several players talked about playing for a national title when the season began. That possibility, and the chances of getting to the Rose Bowl, evaporated following losses at Michigan and Illinois.

Some players then adjusted their sights lower to a Jan. 1 bowl after getting pounded by then-No. 1 Ohio State.

Now Penn State must wait to see what ramifications the loss to Michigan State might have on their holiday travel plans. The way the Nittany Lions lost — blowing a 17-point lead in the second half — certainly didn't help.