The Public Opinion Soapbox

walrus1 · Joined: 23 Oct 2007 Posts: 61

great football coach or an all-time great coach who has stayed way too long? A one time great who has become an embarrassment? A man who loves kids or an egomaniac who is sticking around for the all time win record? A coach who puts the team and kids ahead of everything or someone who has hurt the team through neopotism and antiquated game plans?

what say you?

lwstepler · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 15

Who knows what goes on inside the mind of another, but... My best guess is that JoePa has outlived his ability to be flexible, change with the times, etc. Some say he is a figure head and that others are calling the shots. I think that would be better for him and the team, but I think his hand is still in it too directly. Some paint him as an egomaniac, but I think it is a case of being a driven individual in a field (no pun intended) that is all he has ever known. If he retires, what will he do, wait around to die? I don't think that is in his plans.

Also, "prevent defense" has frustrated me not only with PSU, but wherever I see it. If you would count the "close calls (near losses) that never should have been" as losses, his win/loss record would not be nearly as impressive. I think he would say that "a win is a win" and play the anti-blowout "character" card, and he may be right - but it sure has been nerve racking!

kajakama · Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Posts: 1

As former resident of PA and avid fan of Penn State, I am continually frustrated when we get beat by a team with coaches who seem up with the times. Most schools allow players to play with lower GPA's than Paterno allows, and I sometimes think other teams recruit from prisons. When Paterno finally calls it quits, I hope the next coach replaces the entire staff and gets some new blood in Happy Valley. I also hope he recruits from across the USA.

lwstepler · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 15

I don't think we have to recruit prisoners or poor students. That is not the secret to finding the great players. Although eggheads like Bradshaw and Testeverde could be used to argue otherwise.

anonymous_coward · Joined: 24 Oct 2007 Posts: 486

lwstepler · Joined: 22 Oct 2007 Posts: 15

-Also, "prevent defense" has frustrated me not only with PSU, but wherever I see it. If you would count the "close calls (near losses) that never should have been" as losses, his win/loss record would not be nearly as impressive. I think he would say that "a win is a win" and play the anti-blowout "character" card, and he may be right - but it sure has been nerve racking!-

My quote from Oct 26 - and we did it once again vs. Purdue. Smart coaching would not have given Purdue a chance to tie on the last play of the game. I would say congratulations to Purdue had they earned that chance, but we basically gave it to them! Count this as another "too close for comfort" win!

theboroboogiepickers · Joined: 31 Oct 2007 Posts: 17 Location: Waynesboro, PA

GO STATE!

Trey · Joined: 15 Nov 2007 Posts: 11