According to a promotional schedule released by Penn State's Athletic Department today, Penn State plans to commemorate the 50th anniversary of Joe Paterno's first game as head coach at some point during the September 17 Temple game, with kickoff slated for noon on BTN. It is the largest show of support for Paterno's legacy on the football field since the indictment was brought against former Penn State defensive coordinator Jerry Sandusky on November 4, 2011. Details have not yet emerged as to what this celebration will entail or when it will take place in regards to the game.
On September 17, 1966, Paterno led the Nittany Lions out for the first time, and came up with the first of his NCAA record 409 wins, defeating Maryland 15-7. Fifty years later, Penn State will be looking to avenge the humbling defeat Temple handed to the Nittany Lions last year, as Temple used a 20-0 second half advantage en route to a 27-10 victory at Lincoln Financial Field.