The best coach older than 70. The best coach younger than 70, too.
LONGEVITY SQUARED
Back in 1988, when Penn State went 5-6 for Paterno’s first losing season, there were suggestions that the great one’s career was done. Yeah, right. If Penn State beats Michigan Saturday, Paterno and the Nittany Lions will be on their way to their second undefeated season in four years. Not bad for a 70-year-old who shows no sign of slowing down.
Consider this: Paterno has 296 career victories. To catch Paterno, Gary Barnett, with 30 career victories, would have to average 10 victories per year for the next 26 years. Using Ron Turner’s pace at Illinois, he’ll get there in about, oh, infinity.
GARBAGE TIME
The Wildcats are 3-7 and the Illini are 0-8, but we can hear some cliche-driven announcer say, “Throw away the records when these two teams get together.”
Please throw away the records. Bury them in an industrial waste site. They smell as bad as the lovely scent wafting over Memorial Stadium from the nearby farms.
SUMO TIGER
Tiger mania is sweeping through Japan this week, as Tiger Woods is playing in some events outside of Tokyo. One fan said viewing Woods was like “seeing a miracle.” Woods said he never heard so many “oohs” when he drove the ball.
That’s a change for the slumping Woods. With the way he has been playing of late, the only thing he hears when he drives is, “Fore!”
A WISH
All Bulls fans should be hoping for a speedy recovery for Derrek Dickey, who suffered a stroke this week. In an industry where too many analysts think they are the attraction, Dickey’s sharp insights enhance the game without getting in the way. He is one of the best in the business, and Bulls games won’t be the same without him. His return will be a special day.
A THOUGHT
The new era Bears have their fans lowering their expectations. Dave Jahntz of the Tribune graphics department has this sign hanging at his desk: “My new view of optimism: Bears, 2-14.”
