The final act of the career of Joe Paterno seems to be headed for an ignoble end. There is an excellent story in The Inky yesterday that touches on Paterno’s unwillingness to step aside. Former defensive coach Jerry Sandusky and outgoing Purdue head coach Joe Tiller are quoted throughout the article.

Run Up the Score! breaks down the article quite well and argues that Paterno has been marginalizing potential successors since the 1990s. RUTS argues that Paterno is holding on so that his son Jay will be named head coach.

Earlier this spring, Paterno said that he didn’t feel he needed a contract at this point of his career. University president Graham Spainer agreed and last week it was announced Paterno will not get another contract (Post-Gazette) and will instead be evaluated annually like you or me. In other words, both sides have mutually agreed to not make a decision. Not that I get too into recruiting, but this cannot help and from what I understand, Penn State could use some help in that department.

I think Paterno needs a pretty big 2008 season and for his players to stay out of trouble. The former just got harder with anticipated team captain and probable preseason All-American Sean Lee going down with a ligament tear (The Collegian). He is apparently out for the season, meaning the linebacking core will be inexperienced. Lee was arguably the best Penn State player last year and losing him is huge for a team with depth issues on the defensive side of the ball. I can’t help but think losing him costs Penn State at least one game. I hope I am wrong.

Also, upperclassmen Daryll Clark is taking more snaps with the first team offense (The Collegian) than Underclassmen Pat Devlin. I know, shocking. I have such a small sample size from Clark and none from Devlin to have an opinion on the matter.

The Blue White Game is coming up on Saturday. I am tentatively planning to go. I have no expectation of getting any great insight on the team, but really just want to spend time up there tailgating and seeing campus.

Blue White Roundtable will appear on Wednesday around lunchtime.