Sore Paterno’s sole focus on Purdue, not future

Posted October 11, 2011 12:00 am

Associated Press

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — A near-miss on the Penn State sideline left Joe Paterno sore, though this latest ailment hasn’t left the Hall of Fame coach pondering his future.

Paterno on Tuesday said his focus is solely on the Nittany Lions’ next game, at home Saturday against Purdue. Then he added with a straight face that maybe he’d coach another 10 years.

The 84-year-old Paterno is in his 46th season as Penn State coach. He’s recovering from pelvis and right shoulder injuries after a player accidentally ran into him in preseason camp.

Paterno nearly got hit again last week on the sideline by an Iowa player during Penn State’s 13-3 win, but two Nittany Lions pushed him aside.

That left his right leg sore. Paterno said he’s feeling better and hopes to return to the sideline.

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