Paterno presser quick hits

Here are some highlights from today's Joe Paterno press conference.

• As I projected earlier today, Joe's first question was about the Iowa loss. All in all, Joe chalked it up to more bad breaks for Penn State than for Iowa.

• The kicking and special teams, besides the blocked punt, were better against Iowa. The only really bad thing was that blocked punt. Otherwise, nothing was negative. That's not to say it was all positive. The block reminded Joe of the '82 loss at Alabama, the year Penn State went on to win the national title with one loss.

• Joe hates to see a guy like Royster have such a bad day. He fumbled, and tipped a pass that was intercepted. But Joe still has confidence that he can work through it.

• Sean Lee is still "day-to-day," but Joe wouldn't (said he couldn't) expand on it. Lee didn't practice yet this week, even though he wants to go.

• Colin Wagner will still do kickoffs. Joe's fine with him there. And seriously, is that what this team needs to worry about right now?

• This team should have the guys to get back up and play well. At least, that's what Joe's hoping for. There was a good practice session on Monday, with a lot of enthusiasm. Too bad we couldn't get some of that on Saturday night.

• On that same theme, Joe's not ready to give up on this team. He reiterated that a lot of the problems have come from turnovers and lack of big plays in the clutch. Both of which were huge factors in the Iowa loss.

• Another reporter asked another retarded question. They still haven't learned. Moving on.

• Despite the shutout at Ohio State, Joe's still worried about Juice Williams and Arrelious Benn. He thinks Illinois just hasn't gotten any consistency yet. Of course, we know what they can do when they get that consistency.

• Joe has to keep on these guys to make sure they understand that the season's far from over. He hearkened back to Florida last year, winning the title with a loss. I see a trend developing. This could end up being Joe's best coaching job yet.

• While there hasn't been a real effort to get Andrew Quarless the ball, Joe thinks his increased catches are a product of his maturation as a player over his career.

• Stefen Wisniewski is staying at center. Joe understands that all his snaps, particularly from the shotgun, haven't been perfect. But Wiz will be fine.

• The field conditions didn't affect how Penn State called its game Saturday. Joe can't say as much about the officiating.

• Brandon Ware will be out for a little while longer. A few weeks.

• Someday, Stephon Morris will be a good player, according to Joe. But until then, he really likes what the true freshman brings to the table. Joe said the staff has really tried to get him on the field.

• Joe went on a little rant about how the media and fans tend to care more about stuff he couldn't give a rats ass about. But he's gotten in hot water about some things he's said, which he admitted were stupid things to say. (it's a long response, so go read it if you're interested more)

• Nerraw McCormack would start tomorrow if there was a game. Look for him this week at Illinois.

• Someone asked Joe about the turnover thing, again. Joe already answered it, but it was so much earlier in the presser, he probably forgot about it. So, he answered it again.

• Another question about how awesome it is that Joe Suhey is a member of the First Family of Penn State Football.

• Joe likes the development of Nick Sukay. He played a good game, and is another player that could be really good... some day.

• Not sure, but Joe thinks it might be a good thing to get his team on the road, and away from home. I guess when you play four straight games at home to open the season, it's kind of like a bad case of cabin fever during a winter... wait for it... WHITEOUT.

*I guess the link would help.

If nothing else comes up tonight, see you all tomorrow.