Joe Paterno's 400th Win

[shag773]

Not a lot of people can sit here in their late 30's and say they have only known one coach for their favorite team, but I can.

My first memory was in 1979 when Scott Fitzkee was down on the one inch line (IIRC) in a Sugar Bowl loss to Alabama.

I remember 1982 when we played Georgia with Herschel Walker and Joe finally won his first national championship.

I remember the national championship game against Miami. Our corners looked like little kids next to their receivers, but they hit them so hard that they didn't look like they wanted to put their hands up to make a catch by the 3rd quarter. Jimmy Johnson and his team made their statement by walking out of a luncheon a day or two earlier. Paterno and his kids made their statement by kicking their ass on the field.

I remember 1994 when Kerry Collins and KiJana Carter led an offense that looked more like a video game. Not saying we would of beat Nebraska that year, but it would of been one hell of a game.

I remember the years afterwards, where his teams were not up to Joe's usual standards, coming to a head in the early 2000's when people started wondering if Joe should step down.

I remember when Joe was at his lowest point of his career. Than in 2005 the program makes a resurgence once again under Paterno and beats Florida State in the Orange Bowl. It's a wave they have ridden to this day.

Today I watched him take another step into greatness by winning an unheard of 400 Division Ia games.

A lot of his head coaching duties are shared by his assistants now. He may not hit the recruiting trail as much as he once did. But I'm honored to have watched his teams through the years and still yelling at refs on the sidelines. Congrats Joe and thanks!

 

[SuperKevin]

How fucking old are you?

 

[shag773]

How fucking old are you?

Not as old as Dave, but pretty fucking old lol..

 

[Woy]

As much as I bag on Paterno for not doing anything and how he should have retired years ago, last night was truly a special night and I'm so glad that I'm a Penn State fan. I haven't gone through the same timeline Shag has, obviously, but I've followed this team since basically birth and despite this year being a disappointing one, I'd hae to put this win up there as one of my favorite moments as a Penn State fan.

Congrats Joe Paterno, I'm glad you're a Nittany Lion and although it'll be warranted next year more than likely, it's going to be weird to watch a Penn State game and see you not on the sideline.