UNIVERSITY PARK — Many in the media, and more than a few Penn State fans, had identified the Nebraska game as a referendum on Joe Paterno.
Could he ever win another big game⢠Could he restore the winning to a Penn State program which uncharacteristically had finished on the negative side of the win-loss ledger the past two seasons?
It's silly, really, to assess the viability of a coach with 328 career wins solely on whether or not he could get 329 on a given night, against a particular Top 10 opponent.
But, the challenge had been issued and, for all his professed ignorance of what is being said or written about him, Paterno had to have known this game was taking on added significance in the minds of many.
Paterno and Penn State had a response in this referendum, the sort of answer that is more punch in the face than punch ballot. The Nittany Lions didn't reach out and touch the screen of a computerized voting apparatus to register their decision, but rather punched out the No. 8 Nebraska Cornhuskers, 40-7 on Saturday night at Beaver Stadium.
One impressive win, not even one that came on prime-time network television, against a program synonymous with long-running success, means Penn State is back to its former national stature. Paterno had conceded as much before this game.
"I think we have a ways to go," he'd said. "And I have said that from day one."
Paterno believes he has the makings of a very good, potentially great team, but not for a season or so. Based on this night, it appears the wait won't be unpleasant or even as long as the coach suspects.
Penn State was innovative in this game, including using backup quarterback Michael Robinson both as a wide receiver and in the backfield. He had a 28-yard gain on a reverse in the first half, then scored on runs of 8 and 11 yards in the third quarter — the first an end around, and the second a delay from shotgun formation with him lined up as halfback.
The Penn State offense, which early on had difficulty running between the tackles, made up for that with unpredictable play calling, using options and quarterback draws effectively
Give credit to offensive coordinator Fran Ganter. But, remember, head coaches give real or implied consent to everything that goes on with their team. If Paterno was as staid and inflexible as painted, this stuff wouldn't be run.
The Penn State defense, a Big Ten Conference doormat last season, was aggressive and while it didn't totally shut down Nebraska — who does⢠— it limited Cornhuskers' big plays to a handful with solid scheme and tackling.
Cornerback Rich Gardner buried Nebraska with a 42-yard interception return for a touchdown at 5:51 of the third quarter.
Again, credit to the coordinator, in the defense's case, Tom Bradley. Give Paterno a pat on the back, too.
The Lions had begun the season in the lower reaches of the Associated Press Top 25, then dropped out entirely despite beating Central Florida. They should be back, comfortably this week, with their first 2-0 start since 1999.
And, as Paterno has noted, the best may be yet to come.
Penn State has a gifted player at quarterback in redshirt sophomore Zack Mills, a talented passer who also runs the option well. By halftime last night, he already had thrown for 205 yards and run for 21 more.
Mills makes the Penn State offense go. The defense feeds off that success, and the way it fires up the partisans, including a record Beaver Stadium crowd of 110,753 on this night.
The previous time Penn State faced a Top 10 opponent, it was No. 2 Miami in the 2001 season opener, and the result was embarrassing. Miami led 13-0 after one quarter, 30-0 at the half, and cruised, 33-7.
The only hint of hope for better was Mills throwing for 220 yards in the second half in relief of starter Matt Senneca.
Now, Penn State has taken a Top 10 scalp — Nebraska's — and quieted for a time speculation that the program is mired in mediocrity.
It seems Penn State is back, and Paterno never went away, both of which were positives to be taken away from this mid-September night.
