Category: College Football (Page 245 of 296)

Penn State head football coach Joe Paterno and former Boston College quarterback Doug Flutie were both enshrined into the College Football Hall of Fame Saturday.

For Paterno, getting into the hall feels strange for a different reason. For most people it’s a final accolade, but Paterno is getting ready to start his 43rd season as coach.

“I’d rather do it now than when I’m dead,” he quipped.
Paterno, whose 372-125-3 career record places him one victory behind Bobby Bowden, the major college leader, said he was flattered by the honor.

“I appreciate the fact that people have said, ‘Hey, you’ve been an asset to college football and we want to acknowledge that,”‘ he said.

Paterno said his goal throughout his career has been to do what’s best for the game and Penn State.

“I’ve tried to be good for college football. I’m not saying I’ve been the best coach. But I’ve worked hard to be good because I really love college football,” he said.

Joe Paterno has done so much for college football that transcends past the gridiron. Thanks in large part to Paterno, Penn State’s football players continue to consistently demonstrate above-average academic success. Paterno and his wife Sue have also contributed over $4 million towards various departments and colleges.

Paterno is college football legend.

I saw something interesting that ESPN.com contributor Bruce Feldman linked to about Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour. Drew Ellis of The Mt. Pleasant Morning Sun debates whether or not LeFevour is a true Heisman candidate.

Which brings me to another point in this argument. If CMU truly wants to garner national respect and attention, they have to make LeFevour the poster boy.

It may not seem right or fair to the team aspect, but LeFevour is a special player and his play has the ability to get CMU’s name out there.

The wheel has already been in motion in the state of Michigan, as you can see LeFevour smiling face donning billboards around the state to promote CMU.

But, that promotion needs to continue to spread out through the Midwest.

Make Dan LeFevour a recognizable face outside of the CMU area and that alone will create interest in him, and thus draw attention to the university and football program.

I know the budget isn’t strong, but the reward could be huge.

Potential recruits can see LeFevour and recognize that they could become a national star by playing at CMU.

Ellis has the right idea – why not try to promote a player like LeFevour if you’re Central Michigan? As long as the young man can handle it, then it could be a great vechile for recruiting, as well as putting the school on the map.

I’m a proud CMU alum and even though it’s a long shot, I would love to see LeFevour garner some national attention for the Heisman. If nothing else, he’s exciting to watch and has certainly made the Chippewas a contender in the MAC again.