UNIVERSITY PARK - A capsule look at Joe Paterno's weekly press conference.
Opponent: Temple (1-2)
Last time vs. Penn State: Nittany Lions won, 31-0, last season in Philadelphia
Kickoff: Saturday, noon, Beaver Stadium
TV: Big Ten Network
Line: Penn State is favored by 27 1/2 points
Fact Box
Paterno Presser
Cory Giger and Nel Rudel analyze Joe Paterno's press conference at altoonamirror.com.
Motivational talk: The Lions have crushed their first three opponents by a combined score of 166-37. Asked how he keeps the players from getting overconfident, Paterno said, ''Talk, rant and rave, that's what you do, and threaten.'' The coach also said the players have been ''all business'' in their preparation so far, regardless of the opponent.
How good are the Lions?: ''I don't really know yet,'' said Paterno, adding he won't know ''until we get into a good football game where we can't get some easy ones.''
Coach speak or truth?: Every coach talks up the current opponent, and Paterno did that by saying Temple will be ''the best team we've played so far this year.'' He not only sounded sincere, he may be correct given the weak competition so far. He called Temple ''experienced and extremely well coached by Al Golden and a couple other Penn Staters on that staff.''
PSU ties: Paterno always speaks well of Golden, a Lion tight end from 1987-91, and the job he has done at Temple. ''You hope things go well for them,'' he said before quickly adding, ''not this Saturday.'' One of Paterno's best moments Tuesday came when asked about memories of the Temple coaches, including defensive coordinator Mark D'Onofrio, a PSU linebacker from 1988-91. ''Do I have recollection of D'Onofrio?'' Paterno joked. ''Do you have two hours and can we get the ladies out of here so I can use some language? Fiery guy. Fiery guy, Mark. Good kid.'' Also, Owls offensive coordinator Matt Rhule was a PSU linebacker from 1994-97.
Real-world concern: Paterno said freshman defensive tackle Brandon Ware is ''almost 370 pounds,'' and the coach is concerned about the health risks of that. ''He ought to be about 325 or 330 pounds,'' Paterno said. ''He has a tough time losing weight. ... I think he could be a really good football player, but irrespective of that, he's going to have a problem the rest of his life if he doesn't start to get control of his weight.''
Score one for the media: Seldom does a media member get a final word on Paterno, whose quick wit sometimes makes reporters look silly after they ask a question. However, Lancaster Sunday News beat writer Mike Gross enjoyed a rare highlight Tuesday. Gross asked about backup quarterback Pat Devlin's confidence, and Paterno said, ''You don't know Pat, do you?'' Gross responded, ''That's why I'm asking you,'' which drew laughs from the room.
- Compiled by Cory Giger
