Letters from Joe Paterno

Tough night for Joe Paterno in the Rose Bowl.

At the half, Penn State was getting whupped so badly by Team Hollywood that the 80something legend of coachery didn't even bother to go smash a water cooler or shout that his players were sissies. Instead, according to teevee, the stationary field marshal stayed in his coaching pod and scribbled off a note that said: "PLAY PENN STATE FOOTBALL."

Actually, though, that's only half the story.

At considerable expense, we gained access to notes that Joe sent his troops throughout its painful 38-24 loss to USC.

For example, in the first quarter, with the score tied 7-7, a vibrant Joe was plotting artful strategy.

In the second quarter, Joe sensed that something was wrong. He sought to admonish his troops, but also cheer them on.

After a second-quarter critical fumble, Joe's mind began to race.

In the third quarter, after the contents of his half-time note were divulged on national TV, Joe feared a security breach. Wisely, he went to a coded format.

Finally, at the end of the game, it was time for an intense bonding message, the likes of which only a coaching legend can send.