You Say Potato, I say Paterno...
by Beauford on Oct 20, 2009 3:52 PM CDT
in College Football
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For all the world, it looks like Joe Paterno is going to go into the record books as the winningest coach in college football history. With the regents, or trustees, or whatever they're calling themselves shamelessly advocating for a coaching change in Tallahassee, and the NCAA forcing Bowden to forfeit the wins attributed to his cheating history-of-music, art, bullshit, and other miscellanea felons (note: not a felony), Paterno's place at the top of the heap is all but assured.
And why shouldn't it be? (BOOM ALBOM'D)
Joe Paterno took the reigns of Penn State in 1966, at which point I was one of those "future generations" we all seem so hellbent on preserving things for. In 1969, he was offered both the Pittsburgh Steeler's AND the University of Michigan's head coaching jobs - both of which he turned down. The Steelers hired Chuck Noll, and we hired Bo. And there was much celebrating in Ann Arbor and Pittsburgh for years to come. Paterno, meanwhile, continued to kick ass and take names at Penn State, running to two National Titles in the 80's, and three Big Ten titles since joining the conference in 1993.
Joe Paterno, it should be noted, was good friends with Bear Bryant back when the houndstoothe cap was patrolling the sidelines in Tuscaloosa, smoking chesterfields, and drinking bourbon neat. While their differing lifestyles (Bear lived his life like he stole it) have obviously contributed to their differing longevity's, there are many similarities that can be traced in each of their career paths. Early dominance that involved giving a young man a 5-spot for a date if he played well, a tough as nails take no shit attitude, and a school that allowed it. The difference is that Bear, when the NCAA decided that giving that young man a 5-spot is illegal, never adapted. Instead he hung on, griping about the old ways, and eventually quit coaching. This isn't to say that Bear Bryant was a quitter, or a cheater. Rather, it is meant to point out the fact that even when compared to the coaches who are considered by history to be "the best" Joe Paterno matches up. And he's still coaching. When Bear Bryant finally did stop coaching, he died, and you wonder why JoePa hangs on so tenaciously.
But the reason JoePa has been able to hang on so long is his ability to adapt. The game, at its core, has remained the same since 1966. There is still tackling, still running, and still a certain type of young man that plays the game at a very high level. It's the landscape that's changed. The NFL, agents, mobile quarterbacks, the prevalence of minorities, scholarship reductions, title-9, BCS, the internet, youtube, message boards, I could go on, and on, and on. And one by one, we've seen coaches of the "old guard" fall by the wayside, either too old, or too "old school" to continue being productive. Yet, somehow, Joe Paterno has endured.
It doesn't matter how much actual coaching the guy does, or how much time he still spends on the recruiting trail. The fact of the matter is that his door still says "head coach" and he still blows that whistle every Spring. I don't see anyone else leading the Lions out of the tunnel on Saturday afternoon. Joe Paterno has seen Penn State join the Big Ten conference - only to find out that no, they wouldn't be dominating, let the spread read-option come into his program, continued to assemble some of the nastiest defenses around, advocated for a playoff system while most people half his age are considered "stodgy" enough to continue with the status quo, and - perhaps above all - kept Penn State winning (for the most part).
Consider this: JoePa earned $512,664 last year. Nick Saban earned 4mil. What did Paterno have to say about it?
"I'm paid well, I'm not overpaid...I got all the money I need."
On a personal level, I've never held any sort of vitriol against Penn State. In fact, insofar as I can bring myself to rootfor another Big Ten team, I like Penn State. Both Penn State and Michigan have the same sort of vibe surrounding the program, which is probably why they are both able to attract fans that didn't necessarily attend either institution. In a single word, that vibe could be described as "iconic." And how befitting that Penn State has arguably the most iconic coach...well...ever...in Joe Paterno. When they're not playing against Michigan, I will pull for Penn State, and I still believe their "white-on-white" away uni's are amongst the best in any sport.
This week, I will hate Penn State. But that doesn't mean I don't respect the hell out of the program, and the man who has become the face of that program. And forgive me if I have a catch in my breath on the day that Joe Paterno finally does decide to hang 'em up.
Now let's go beat the hell out of them.
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Thanks for the Respect!
Usually, when teams play PSU, all you hear about is how JoePa doesn’t coach anymore, he’s old, blah blah blah…it’s refereshing to hear someone not drinking the KoolAid respect JoePa.
He’s done so much for our University, as well as so much for college football as a whole.
With that said, I’ll enjoy watching us extend our winning streak again Michigan on Saturday. wink wink
"They say in Happy Valley that if God wasn’t a Penn State fan, why is the sky blue and white?" Fortt said. "Who am I to argue with God?"
Joe Pa in Sports Illustrated
I agree with amandakt – Joe Paterno has done so much for Penn State and college football as a whole. The community and Penn State football program would be lost without him. He still cares about the players and the game.
He is featured in this week’s issue of Sports Illustrated! The article is really great and highlights the wonderful things Joe has done over the years. I saw the article link on twitter @laschgopsf . This weekend should be a great game against UMich.
Well said ...
As a life-long Maize and Blue fanatic, I too view PSU and Joe Pa as important to the fabric of college football over the past 40+ years. I really think most U of M fans don’t have a hatred of PSU …. but let me assure you that PSU fans hate us at a level that is on par with tOSU sub-humanoids.
PSU entered the Big 10 with a cocky assurance that they would dominate the conference … oops. Michigan’s goal line stand won the first ever meeting (at Happy Valley), PSU followed with 3 straight wins then lost 9 in a row – including one of their worst beat downs EVER in 1997 when #2 Michigan absolutely dominated #4 PSU 34 – 8. Even though this does not come even close to Woody’s going for 2 at the end of a 50 point win … it is part of their rage against Michigan.
I love playing PSU because I know its most likely going to be good, hard football. I currently reserve my personal hatred for #1 ND and #1(b) tOSU !
Maybe a PSU fan can give me some further insight to the hatred.
Let’s Go Blue !!
You answered your own question.
Actually, as a youth, Michigan was easily my second favorite team. They’re still an iconic and great program. Losing so many consecutive games to any team is going to plant the seeds of dislike, especially when so many of them were hard fought nail-biters. That said, I don’t hate Michigan anywhere near as much as tO$U. Thats our common thread, and we should embrace it.
Lets Go Blue !!
Deus nobiscum, quis contra?
by chocochuck02 on Oct 20, 2009 11:06 PM CDT up reply actions
It's true, I do
I can’t help it. Sorry. I don’t hate fans on an individual level though. I have no hatred for you, or Beauford who’s article I appreciate I lot.
by PSUisMyHeart on Oct 20, 2009 11:53 PM CDT up reply actions
9 losses in a row usually does the trick
I don’t have a problem admitting that, when you rank the programs all time, Michigan would be ahead of Penn State. But Penn State is still an elite college football program, arguably among the top 10 in the country. But when the other program can look down on you like a little brother, it’s really, really, frustrating. Somehow the fact that you guys don’t really think more of us than say, Purdue, makes it worse. Throw in the fact that Michigan has ruined a couple of undefeated seasons, you’ve got a recipe for some serious hate.
I don’t know if that helps.
"Maybe a PSU fan can give me some further insight to the hatred."
Well, since you asked…
First off, this is a nice, respectable write up you have created. Hats off to you. Michigan, I’m told, has much tradition to be proud of as well.
This is the first time IN MY 30 YEAR OLD LIFE that I have been able to converse with Michigan fans with any sort of equality. The 9 in a row curse was simply unbearable and unacceptable. Especially 2005. It fueled a fiery hatred for your team, your coach, your colors, mascot, and your state that has not died down a bit, at least in my dark Irish heart. I hate michigan so much that I laugh when I hear of Detroit’s problems, or even GM’s problems, even if it spells economic problems for the whole country. No matter how evil, I relish the thoughts of homeless panhandlers wearing maize and blue on the streets of Detroit.
To make it worse, as you pointed out, you have a light-hearted approach to PSU. It’s a fun week and a good football game to you. You have other more important rivals. To me this game is like watching an actual land war between PA and your state.
So to wrap it up, I VERY MUCH hate you all and your families and wish you nothing but bad things, but at that same time, I hope we can enjoy some intelligent discourse now that we’ve beaten you this century and forced you to show a modicum of respect.
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
Old PSU Fan Perspective
I am not sure I represent all PSU fans but here is one perspective from a long time PSU fan →Student —>Alum. I have to lead off by saying that the Big Ten is by far the classiest conference in the country. For the most part the folks I have met are classy. Ohio State has a few I really dislike but aside from them most of their fan base are great fans. Only the Ivy and Pac Ten rival us as total conferences. The Ivy for the most part does not have great athletics and I think the Big Ten edges the Pac Ten out in almost every category. Of course that may be biased. :)
Penn State does not really have a natural rival in the Big Ten. But, we are the second or third rival by a lot of schools. Especially in Football. Penn State vs. Michigan is not much different. You guys have Ohio State but you definitely strap it on a little tighter for Penn State…You guys have given us a beat down on a few occasions and you always seem to pick it up a notch when you play us. The two times I can think of that you really thumped us still hurt. I was at both of them at Beaver Stadium. I can’t figure out why you guys always step it against Penn State. Even on the 2 or three occasions post 1999 when we had the better team you have come up with the key play to turn the game in your favor. Last year we were clearly superior and you were playing well against us for most of the first half. This year we again should win this game on paper. But you always seem to find some way to exploit us. This should be a game like most in our series. A close, hard nosed game that will come down to a few plays one way or the other. I would not say I hate you but I do want us to kick the snot out of you. I think we have the horses to really dominate you this year if we can get a few breaks or they at least fall even. For some reason I am nervous about this game. Something in the back of my head knows I may just be waiting at the end of the game for the other shoe to drop and watch one slip through our hands. It could be a bad call or a great play or combination of the two. For what ever reason I am a bit nervous this week.
Good luck to you the rest of the season after this week. I hope you get a nice bowl game.
Fight on State!
Peter
Purdue ???
speedomike – great reply, but please I hope no U of M fan puts Penn State on the level of Purdue (who have the rudest, no football knowledge, drunken fan base of ANY PLACE I have ever gone !). Penn State is in the elite class … which in the B10 the elite class is – Michigan, Penn State & tO$U …. no not you Iowa, Wisconsin, Sparty or any of the rest !
I don't know
Maybe that was an exaggeration. But there is definitely a segment of your fanbase that looks down their nose at Penn State. And rightfully so to a certain extent, but it still pisses us off.
And that’s what it’s all about-like you said, Mich, PSU, and OSU are the elite programs in the Big 10 on a national level. At least with Ohio State things have been pretty even and there is something of a rivalry there. With Michigan, that doesn’t exist and it’s frustrating. Hopefully over time we’ll get some more wins (starting with Saturday). Good luck though, I appreciate the respect being shown for JoePa and Penn State on here.
i was at the psu-mich game in 2007
in ann arbor. while i had my misgivings about the stadium, i was treated very well by the fans.
so yeah, can’t hate michigan. that, and i loathe OSU.
good luck on saturday. until then, HATE HATE HATE ALL CAPS HATE
Eat what the monkey eats, then eat the monkey. -U.S. Navy survival guidance
Nice work...I have no beef w/ Michigan.
But I liked you more when Lloyd was still around, something about RR I don’t like.
BTW – Your freshman QB is awesome…much better than Pryor.
DO YOU HAVE PRIDE, GUIDO
Well Said!
Great post! I don’t know what I could add.
Go Blue!
I don't understand
how any PSU fan could hate OSU and not Michigan. That does not compute for me. There is really no reason to hate OSU unless you want to hate every team that’s ever beaten us or been ranked ahead of us for no good reason. But to each his own.
I forgot to say, good luck this week Michigan.
"It was an attrition football game and you know we like that."
My first post
Yeah, gotta love the classic blue and whites that PSU rocks. I definitely have respect for their program, and I really wish them well, as long as they aren’t playing Michigan or Illinois.
by ScooterMagruder on Oct 21, 2009 9:06 PM CDT reply actions
As a PSU fan,
I “hate” our “rivals” more than our actual rivals. However, I still respect the hell out of them.
Awesome post, sir.
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