Joe Pa's 400th
While we are celebrating our bowl eligible incredible win, I'd like to take a moment out to tip the Maize and Blue hat to Joe Paterno. 400 wins at one university is one heck of an accomplishment and the way coaches come and go, may not happen again at a major university for a long time. It's absolutely amazing. I can only hope I'm as firey and able when I'm in my 80's. Congrats Coach! You deserve it.
November 7th, 2010 at 1:18 AM ^
and the fact that he is almost like a myth while still being around is what amazes me the most. Historic day all around.
November 7th, 2010 at 1:21 AM ^
I don't see anyone else averaging 8 wins/yr over 50 years, but then again college football 50 yrs down the road may no longer exist. It might just be the IFL developmental league.
November 7th, 2010 at 1:26 AM ^
Unbelievable accomplishment, nobody in many years will break the 400 mark and i hope we can see him coach for a few more years (up in the box?)
And i hope that they do beat ohio state this year.
@Asquaredroot IFL = International Football League?
November 7th, 2010 at 1:40 AM ^
400 is mindblowing. Think about how good you have to be to win 9 games a season. And then do that for 45 years.
November 7th, 2010 at 1:57 AM ^
Interesting part is, that he is only 3rd in the history of the game in wins.
*1. John Gagliardi, Carroll College/St. John's University (1949-2009): 471-126-11
2. Eddie Robinson, Grambling State (1941-1997): 408-168-15
*3. Joe Paterno, Penn State (1966-2009): 394-129-3
This was as of 2009.
November 7th, 2010 at 1:28 AM ^
did it in a division without scholarships and untill recently only played 9 games a year.
November 7th, 2010 at 3:33 AM ^
You just gotta respect the guy, I don't think I've ever heard him say a negative thing about anyone before.
November 7th, 2010 at 4:24 AM ^
UM has just under 900 wins total. That's over 110ish years. We're the leader in win total. JoePa? 400 in 40ish years. Conclusion: JoPa=F@#$in good; that truly is amazing.
Nevertheless, UM ROX AND WILL BEET PSU NEXT YEAR!!!!
November 7th, 2010 at 2:58 PM ^
He has about half as many wins in his years as the entire history of the winningest program in college football. Unfreaking believable.
November 7th, 2010 at 5:12 AM ^
To be able to adapt and excel as the game progressed and transform is amazing!
Consistent excellence:
In the days of being able to amass huge number of scholarship players
In the media /ESPN driven college football world
Through the various ways of selecting national champs
As and independent and joining a league
In the New Years Day bowl period, BCS etc.
Even in a period where idiot fans on radio stations are angry when "their" team wins.
College football continues to change. JoePa continues to be excellent.
I hope he sticks around one more season so we can make him soil his diaper.
In all seriousness it has been an honor to see him coach and watch Michigan compete against him. Congrats to Paterno!
November 7th, 2010 at 5:32 AM ^
That's a great accomplishment from a class act of a person. It's unfortunate that Michigan has probably played its last game against him. PSU is not on the schedule for the next two seasons, and may not be for a few years after that with the new divisional alignments.
November 7th, 2010 at 7:09 AM ^
A record that won't be surpassed in lifetime. Not sure who is coaching right now that could even come close.
November 7th, 2010 at 8:40 AM ^
Congrats to Joe and PSU. Let's hope he is happy with the accomplishment and retires on the high note. It is sad to see him on the sideline not talking to anyone, not involved in anything and starting to mumble when asked to speak. Man, do I hope I am able to stand for an entire game when I am that age. Amazing.
November 7th, 2010 at 3:01 PM ^
I have seen a couple interviews at halftime and when asked about one of his players he said "Who?" and seemed to not know his player. 2 or 3 seasons ago, I was recording one of PSU's games and he jogged out on the field with his players. All I could think is "dang, he's over 80 and is in better shape than a ton of people". He's an amazing person and has been nothing but great for Penn State and college football. He needs to be given a golden rocking chair when he finally hangs it up!