Joe Paterno Press Conference Notes

by BSD on Oct 27, 2009 5:00 PM EDT in Football

Here are your bullet points from Joe Paterno's weekly press conference.

Joe thinks they are a pretty good football team. He wouldn't say if they're as good as they thought he would be at this point. He's not pleased with the block punts, but considering the things they had to overcome with injuries and inexperience, he thinks they're doing a good job.
Joe called Navorro Bowman "one of the better linebackers in the country". But he also knocked him a bit on his conditioning.
He remembered Pat Fitzgerald when he was a linebacker at Northwestern. Called him "aheckuvaplayer". Also noted that Ron Vanderlinden was his coach at Northwestern. That was when he first noticed Ron and why Joe went after him after he got let go at Maryland.
Joe called the Iowa block a "fluke" because it was a blown assignment by a blocker. But the block against Michigan should not have happened. He called out Boone for being too long in his steps. He's scared about Northwestern because they blocked a punt against Indiana last week. They are going to spend a lot of time on the punting game this week.
Joe doesn't think they will get caught looking past Northwestern.
Joe is impressed with the job Fitzgerald has done at Northwestern considering the circumstances in which he inherited the job.
He had a lot of praise for Odrick saying he's not getting the credit he deserves. In fact, Joe spent a lot of this press conference talking up his players and team. If I didn't know better, I would say Joe is lobbying for a better ranking and recognition.

Some idiot reporter asked Joe if he though Northwestern would focus on defending the run or the pass. He got a predictable, "I haven't got the slightest idea" in response. Way to waste your question, doofus.

Pannell is still not 100%. McCormack is ok, and he will battle Poti for the starting right tackle spot this week. Pannell is now practicing at left tackle as Landolt's backup.

Joe seemed really insulted about Daryll Clark getting snubbed by the media. He pointed out that the focus in the media leading up to the game last week was all about the freshman quarterbacks at Michigan, and Clark had to show how he could compare to them. I'm glad to see Joe sticking up for his players like this. It truly is a rare sight.

Joe said walk ons have always been a big part of the program. He's pleased with Graham Zug, but he wasn't sure in the beginning of his career. Joe thought he was a step slow, but he works hard and he's tough.

Though Joe didn't come out and say it, it sounds like Stephfon Green is out again this week. Brent Carter and Brandon Beachum will back up Royster again.

Joe seemed concerned about Northwesterns pace of the game. He noted they run about 90 plays per game while Penn State only runs about 70. Said they will spread you out and pick you apart with their passing game.

A lot of praise for Brandon Beachum. Said he's a smart and tough football player. Reminds him a lot of Mike Archie. Personally, I don't see that. Mike Archie couldn't play fullback or linebacker.

Joe said traveling in back-to-back road games isn't that tiring. He got home by 9:30 on Saturday night (and I'll bet he was in bed by 10). This week he's worried about tiring them out because he wants to do some extra work on the kicking game, but they still have to work on all the normal stuff too.

Joe called the 4th and 3 punt decision a "no-brainer". Michigan had the wind at their back so Joe didn't want to give them the ball at the 30 yard line. Their center got injured earlier in the game and they were playing a guard in his place. Joe thought they might make a mistake down there and they did.

Sukay is doing well, but he needs to turn those breakups into interceptions.

Joe said the team had a nice mix of senior leadership that coached the younger players into a solid football team. He said it has really come together.

Finally, a reporter asked about the Northwestern game in 2005 which gives us our pwnage of the week.

Your last trip to Northwestern, you had the big drive at the end with Smolko on fourth down and the touchdown to Derrick Williams. That was early in that season. How much of a turning point do you think winning the game the way you did late helped turn around that season and maybe, even larger perspective, the 2005 season?

I don't even know what you're talking about.

You had fourth down and Michael Robinson hit Smolko.

Was that at Northwestern?

Yes, then you had the late touchdown.

I'm glad Smolko caught it. I probably didn't know he was in the game.

It was early in the season.

Geez, you guys, when I write my book I'll put all that stuff in it. I don't know. That's 100 years ago to me. I don't go to bed thinking about what we did 20 years ago. I go to bed thinking what we've got to do this Saturday. All right. Hope it doesn't come down to the fourth. But it might. It might come down we're just trying to hang on for our lives.

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Comments

I think you're mistaken...

The real presser is over at BHGP

http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2009/10/27/1102597/the-pancheros-zombie-assault

Fuck tOSU

by ajs1122 on Oct 27, 2009 5:35 PM EDT reply actions

that was one of the most random things I've ever read

but it still made me laugh.

814 area code native

by SNOI7 on Oct 27, 2009 8:11 PM EDT up reply actions

Is Adam Robinson's injury a big deal?

Will Iowa start losing?
Will Hawkeye nation cry and weep?
Will this pave the way to Pasadena for the chosen ones (Penn State)?

by Mr. Rosewater on Oct 27, 2009 8:15 PM EDT up reply actions

Yes (We're Fucked)

But mostly because he is the 3rd RB on the shelf. Anytime your’re talking about pulling the redshirt off of a Frosh for game 9, you know the cupboard is getting bare.

No…not like the offense has been the ones winning games anyways. Adrian Clayborn should be able to take care of Indiana, Minnie and jNWU all by himself. tOSU will come down to who has more Pick6’s.
Nope…noone expected this anyways.
Only if Texas or Floribama lose…then we can share Pasadena.

Fuck tOSU

by ajs1122 on Oct 27, 2009 8:29 PM EDT up reply actions

"He got home by 9:30 on Saturday night (and I'll bet he was in bed by 10)."

I’d guess 10:15. He needs time for his Old Grand-Dad on the rocks.

by confirmy on Oct 27, 2009 5:51 PM EDT reply actions

Against Ilinois back in ‘94 Archie sped down the middle on a pass play for like 40-50 yards. I don’t think Beachum could do that.

DO YOU HAVE PRIDE, DANNY?

by ReadingRambler on Oct 27, 2009 6:24 PM EDT reply actions

Maybe

I don’t think we have really seen enough of Beachum during games to make a solid decision on what he can and can’t do. I do agree that he seems to be more of a black and blue runner instead of a burner.

Black Shoes. Basic Blues. No Name. All Game.

"Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth."

by Roland86 on Oct 27, 2009 8:14 PM EDT up reply actions

Beachum is not a burner

Archie was. I don’t see much simiarities at all.

DO YOU HAVE PRIDE, DANNY?

by ReadingRambler on Oct 27, 2009 8:27 PM EDT up reply actions

Archie was also great at catching passes — he was great with screen passes or spliting him out wide. Green reminds me of Archie a lot more than Beachum does.

by Laaaaazzz on Oct 28, 2009 8:48 AM EDT up reply actions

Joe wasn't comparing their physical ability.

He was talking about them both being complete backs.

He was lauding BB as a guy who can do it all, run/catch/block and knows his assignments, much like Archie.

Basically he feels comfortable having him in there in any situation and that’s why he’s played in every game since he got here.

by jtw126 on Oct 28, 2009 8:58 AM EDT up reply actions

And he only went to Archie cuz he figured reporters would remember him better

First dude he compared Beachum to was Joel Coles.

"For me the game wasn’t grounded in reality. It was about the uniform you put on that turned you into a warrior. It was about the mythology of the battle, the victory, the defeat, the struggle." - Mike Reid, PSU '69

by jtothep on Oct 28, 2009 12:40 PM EDT up reply actions

Can you talk about Beachum? He’s played in every game since he’s been here. What kind of progress has he made and what’s the difference between the fullback and tail back for him?

Beachum actually was a great linebacker in high school. We thought he might be a great linebacker. So he’s a good all-around — he’s a football player. I guess that sounds trite, but he’s a football player. He’s smart.

You put him at tail back, he understands what the tail back — the type of running a little bit more patient, wait for a crack. Gets the crack. Move him up to fullback. He understands it now primarily going to be a blocker. When he runs the football it’s a question of get your head down, make the three or four yards.

So he’s very adaptable. And he doesn’t make mistakes. He’s smart. He catches a ball well. He reminds me very much of a kid by the name of Joel Coles. I don’t know if any of you remember Joel. Or Mike Archie. I know you remember Mike Archie. He would be very much like those two kids, complete players. They’re tough. They can block. They catch the football. They understand the blocking scheme of the play they’re running. So he does all those things well. He’s a tough kid to keep out of there.

by jtothep on Oct 28, 2009 12:41 PM EDT up reply actions

Why aren't there any 94 highlights on Youtube? Is this Russia or something?

I’m getting tired of looking.

by Dinsdale on Oct 27, 2009 10:11 PM EDT up reply actions

hard to find highlights of pretty much anything

pre-widespread internet, and even pre-digital recorders and computers hooked up to TV/

by The JuggerNitt on Oct 29, 2009 1:17 PM EDT up reply actions

Shouldn't it say . . .

is now (instead of not) backing up Landolt?

by PSUinBOSSton on Oct 27, 2009 7:14 PM EDT reply actions

Fixed

Thanks.

Mike
Black Shoe Diaries

by BSD on Oct 27, 2009 8:52 PM EDT up reply actions

I know this is late

but if we’re gonna pick nitts then you might wanna fix this sentence as well:

Joe thinks they are a pretty good football team. He wouldn’t say if they’re as good as ~~they~~ he thought he they would be at this point

Unless really he’s worried about what they think of him ;-)

by The JuggerNitt on Oct 29, 2009 1:20 PM EDT up reply actions

or what they think of themselves!

by PSUisMyHeart on Oct 29, 2009 1:53 PM EDT up reply actions

Zug.

I felt like it was interesting how detailed Joe talked about all the players today. When talking about Zug he said “You have to be careful” to Powell and Moye for opening things up for Zug. It almost seemed like he wanted to talk about more of his players specifically, as opposed to the usual less (and more about the team as a unit).

by PSUinBOSSton on Oct 27, 2009 7:21 PM EDT reply actions

You always need to be careful around Lord Zug

If you look at him the wrong way, you’re done for.

by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 27, 2009 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions

Bowman was gassed well before the end of his recent 95-yard return of a turnover.

by '85Fan on Oct 27, 2009 8:31 PM EDT reply actions

Do you think

This is just Joe trying to motivate him even more because he realizes how special Bowman is?

by STU Boy on Oct 27, 2009 10:03 PM EDT up reply actions

I think most Joe criticisms are meant to be taken by the players as motivation

or like in Timmons’ case, to STFU.

by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 27, 2009 10:51 PM EDT up reply actions

Joe is talking down Bowman so he won't go pro this year.

We need him next year and Joe knows it. Can’t afford inflate Lavarro’s ego any more than it is. (and so it should be.) (Please don’t kill me Lavarro!)

by Dinsdale on Oct 27, 2009 10:14 PM EDT reply actions

How do you know his ego is inflated?

I haven’t seen him getting yelled at by Joe for celebrating too much, or getting flagged for an excessive celebration penalty. Most of what I hear about him is how he is developing as a leader and role model for the defense and the team.

I mean the guy totally PWNED scUM on Saturday, and I didn’t see him flaunting any ego around during or afterwards.

by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 27, 2009 10:54 PM EDT up reply actions

Yeah, I don't think Navorro's problem is ego.

That seems like it is maybe Wallace’s deal, but I think Bowman is a much more grounded kid who just did some stupid shit. I like to think he has grown since the passing of his father and his coach and (correct me if I’m wrong) the birth of his child.

Black Shoes. Basic Blues. No Name. All Game.

"Everyone has a plan, until they get punched in the mouth."

by Roland86 on Oct 27, 2009 11:41 PM EDT up reply actions

He had/was having a kid?

Jesus, I didn’t know that if that’s true. Man he really has been through some really rough times.

But I agree, he’s infinitely more grounded than he was, which is kind of why I lean towards him staying and filling the mature, leader role next year than taking the money and running (not that that’s a bad option, just one I don’t want to see)

by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 28, 2009 6:24 PM EDT up reply actions

If he has a kid

taking the money would probably be the best for him. I wouldn’t blame him at all.

by PSUisMyHeart on Oct 28, 2009 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions

This isn't NCAA '10

You don’t spend 50 recruiting minute/points trying to keep your pixel stars around for another year.

I’m sorry, but this is real life and Navorro needs to make the best decision for him and Joe will help him make that like he always has in these situations. Especially, 1) not kids who are ready, 2) lost the father of the family a year prior, 3) has a child to support, 4) didn’t come from money let alone a safe area, 5) Joe sees bigger issues than winning football games.

I hope you are Mike Kafka and he does kill you, in the proverbial non-life threatening football sense of planting firmly into the sod with extra vigor.

by larchlion on Oct 27, 2009 11:58 PM EDT up reply actions

Read a book. Clearly, you do not understand the definition of "ego".

Navarro’s self image is justifiably high. He is a great player and of course he has the right to go pro if he wants. However, the media could be warping his self image through their continual praise. I am suggesting that Joe is trying to keep him grounded and help him realize that he could always get better.

I’m not sure what you are talking about re: NCAA ’10. Is that your favorite game?

by Dinsdale on Oct 28, 2009 11:30 AM EDT up reply actions

"self image is justifiably high"

Based on what exactly? The fact that he’s a great player getting national attention? Do you have videos or transcripts of him backing up that position? If he’s truly a student of Joe Paterno, which given all that has happened to him and the chances for success Joe has given him, I would tend to think he is, he’s never going to be satisfied with where he’s at. There’s always room to improve upon yourself, whether it’s on or off the field, and there is no room to develop a large ego, only confidence in yourself.

by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 28, 2009 6:30 PM EDT up reply actions

Sounds to me like Paterno thinks

That with a month to get ready Penn State could beat anybody in the country.

Beat Northwestern.

by jesse. on Oct 28, 2009 8:57 AM EDT reply actions

Joe usually tends to be reserved in his appraisals of his own teams

and given his concerns and apprehensions at the beginning of the season (and his public statements saying they weren’t that good), I wouldn’t doubt that he believes this team is capable of great things after how far they’ve come from not being able to run the ball against inferior opponents to overcoming their struggles and getting things done on the road.

It’s hard to read him, but if Joe is confident in his team, it’s probably a good sign.

by dawsonPSU10 on Oct 28, 2009 6:34 PM EDT up reply actions