Two plus weeks ago I attended the post game press conference of Joe Tiller, after his final game in Ohio Stadium. I meant to comment at the time that a small group of OSU fans in section 29 showed a lot of class. After warm-ups, Joe walked off the field alone to the locker room. When he got near the south ramp at section 29, one person started applauding. Before long the whole section was giving him a nice spontaneous ovation. Joe looked briefly that way and nodded slightly, as much recognition as a head coach trying to get "into the game time zone" could give the opposing fans right before the game. It was a nice scene.

Later in his post-game press conference, despite the sting of defeat, he was gracious and patient with the media. He dispensed his wisdom and common sense to a room less than one-forth full, a final Ohio Stadium sendoff for one of the good guys in the game.

Saturday night another Joe came to Ohio Stadium. This Joe however, even though a legend, couldn't walk off the field...because of his health he was in the press box. I wonder, would he have gotten the same ovation? I like to think he would.

It was also a different scene when a victorious Joe Paterno hobbled with a cane into the visitors post game press room. TV lights flooded the standing room only audience. Everyone pressed together was there for the same reason I was...to see an icon. The first question to Coach Paterno was about his reaction. I'm happy for the kids," he replied. I marveled at the wit and vigor that belied his 80 plus years. I have done my profession for 36 years now. It seems like a long time. If I were to do it another 25, well then I would reach JoePa's age. Think of that. In an era when the Nick Sabin's of coaching are hired guns to the highest bidder, Joe is still where he put down roots. He has given millions to the University and probably unknown other charities.

At some point a question was asked about his health. He shrugged and indicated he "might sit down with the doctor" during the upcoming bye week. Up till now he has been too busy. Some have written that the game has passed him by, that he should step down, that he has lost control. All I know is that Saturday night, there he was, in the flesh, in charge, and in victory.

I will be rooting for the Nittany Lions to run the table and win it all. You should too. It will be good for the Big Ten. It will be good for the Buckeyes and could send us to the Rose Bowl. And, it would most certainly be a fitting sendoff for a genuinely good guy we all should admire.

You go Joe!