[NU Sports] JoePa Comedy Tour

[SjT (Stephen J. Truog)]

Thanks for the transcript - a good read. I have a feeling that JoePa's pulling the press' leg half the time he's talking to them just for fun.:)

I'm certain his comments on Fitz are sincere, though, and I think it's because he sees a lot of himself in Fitz. I sure hope he's right about that and that Fitz is on our sidelines 40 years later with 300 or so wins. But when you think of what PSU and Beaver Stadium were when JoePa came, you're right that he would chide anyone for expecting instant results -- he built PSU from the ground up and hopefully Fitz can do the same for NU.

I also see a lot of similarities in the types of players that go to the NFL from the two programs. Granted, PSU has had a lot more ... but their "flashy" stars who were drafted rarely seem to work out (Blair Thomas, Curtis Enis, Lavar Arrington, etc.) ... the similarity is in the ones who make it on teams and stay there. PSU and NU have produced some terrific team players and role players in the NFL in the last couple decades - solid teammates who may not get all the attention, but play solid, fundamental football. A lot of that character and work ethic to keep working hard even in the pros has to go back to their college coach.

As for Saturday, not sure what to expect. It should be a fun atmosphere under the lights with our biggest "name" opponent of the year filling the stands (hopefully). PSU's offense has found their rhythm lately but they can still have dry spells. Let's hope for one on Saturday and play hard and smart on O and see what happens ...

GO CATS!!!
-SjT

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STEPHEN J. TRUOG
sjtruog at yahoo.com
GO CATS!!!