To: Ford, Bob; Sheridan, Phil

Subject: JoePa

At last count, there were about three people at Penn State who haven't had troubles with the law recently. Maybe four if you count the university president.

Despite the off-field concerns, the football team doesn't look half-bad. I understand that they've beaten up on inferior competition thus far (a trend that will continue when the Nits pound Temple tomorrow), but I also believe that this team has a chance to do something noteworthy.

Look at the schedule: The first tough matchup doesn't come until they play at Wisconsin for their seventh game. After that, what are the potential pratfalls? A bad Michigan team. An Ohio State squad that hardly looks like a juggernaut. And what? Michigan State? Iowa?

I'm not saying Penn State will win the Big 10, but the Lions have a shot to make it a race and reach a quality bowl. I wonder, though: Does a successful season make JoePa more or less likely to return?

From: Ford, Bob

To: Gonzalez, John; Sheridan, Phil

Subject: JoePa

I'm going to the game tomorrow and will be able to give you a better report after that, but I've always thought that Paterno's eventual retirement will not be related to a winning season or a losing season preceding it. There will be something else. The man has had plenty of opportunities to step away, if looking for the right moment was all that mattered.

From: Gonzalez, John

To: Ford, Bob; Sheridan, Phil

Subject: JoePa

You're going to the game? What happened to your advice to avoid State College on fall football Saturdays? What happened to all the talk about how the roads are inadequate and the traffic will drive you mad?

Of equal importance: Will you be making a pilgrimage to the creamery? Big fan of the peanut butter and marshmallow swirl.

From: Ford, Bob

To: Gonzalez, John; Sheridan, Phil

Subject: JoePa

I have rarely been able to follow my own good advice in life. Won't have time for dairy products.