Paterno or Bowden, yet again

It's about freaking time some preview (The Quad, to be exact) acknowledges the fact that Bobby Bowden is NOT the career I-A wins leader.

"Tidbit (coaching edition): As all loyal readers of the Countdown undoubtedly know, Paterno trails only Bobby Bowden on the career list for major college wins; Bowden has 373 victories, with Paterno on his heels with 372. However, if we discount Bowden’s 31 wins on the F.C.S. level (Samford, 1959-62), Paterno holds the edge in F.B.S. victories, 372-341."

The funny thing about this, since the conversion to FBS (former I-A) and FCS (former I-AA), who the hell knows which coach is the real leader? Are we now going by how many wins at the F-B-S level, or is it unchanged from when it was I-A football? Of course, it's unchanged. I don't care what you call it, but there's no comparison between Bowden's wins over Mississippi College, Furman, Troy and Delta State, and Paterno's wins over Pitt, Maryland, Syracuse and Texas. Even if you took away all wins over I-AA schools by both coaches, Paterno would still lead. So don't try to say 'Paterno played I-AA teams, too!' It doesn't work.

There's not much to worry about though, as Florida State doesn't look to contend for anything this season (even with all those I-AA/FCS schools on the 2008 schedule). Penn State, even with a decent record, should push Paterno back up and beyond Bowden's false record. I would just like to see more writers/sports fellas respect the fact that Paterno has won more games on a higher level than Bowden. And just because there was no I-A/AA designation before 1978, doesn't mean that ALL those 'Major College' wins count alongside the true I-A/FBS wins.

Completely off the Paterno/Bowden topic, but a great debate nonetheless: Say that again?

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