Yeah, we know, bummer, but that's what happens when an iconic, quotable coach is out of the public eye for a sustained period of time.
However, with the attention turning to the Nittany Lions as they start their preseason camp Thursday, Paterno now will face questions about his team. He probably can't wait to field queries other than "How are you feeling?" and "What do you think about closing in on 400 career victories?"
Here are five big questions entering the preseason:
Who is the quarterback?
After setting a number of school records and going 22-4 as a starter, Daryll Clark has ventured north of the border to Calgary to begin his pro career. The quarterbacks he left behind have precious little experience overall, and virtually none in a pressure situation.
The "veterans" are true sophomore Kevin Newsome and redshirt sophomore Matt McGloin. The freshmen are Paul Jones and Robert Bolden. Jones may have an advantage since he enrolled last January and participated in spring drills, and did pass for two touchdowns in the Blue-White game.
But neither Jones nor Bolden figure to see anything more than mop-up duty this season, which makes it a two-man battle in camp. The winner will have to navigate the Lions through some turbulent waters, given their tough road schedule. Good luck.
Can Michael Mauti be Penn State's next great linebacker?
Mauti had been penciled in last season to challenge Josh Hull at middle linebacker before he tore the ACL in his right knee one year ago. Hull went on to have an outstanding season that saw him drafted by the St. Louis Rams.
Mauti, a 6-foot-2, 229-pound sophomore, has been cleared for full contact. He is listed as the No. 2 outside linebacker on the preseason depth chart, and the Lions coaches probably will work him in slowly.
