The Nittany Lions rolled past Indiana State, 41-7, in the season opener for both schools. Paterno coached from the press box then, following orders of doctors who encouraged him to play it safe following injuries to his right shoulder and pelvis. Devon Smith, a 155-pound receiver, accidentally bowled over the 84-year-old Paterno at a practice on Aug. 7.
At Tuesday's weekly press conference, Paterno was still using a crutch, according to The Associated Press. He sounded hopeful that he could be on the sideline for the Alabama game, but that's looking more and more unlikely.
"So, I'm like you guys, I'm anxious to see us play. ... I know they've worked hard," Paterno said Tuesday at his weekly news conference. "We've been looking forward to playing against a team the caliber of Alabama with ... the tradition and the way they play."
At the same time, the notoriously stubborn Paterno remained optimistic.
"But I've got my fingers crossed," he said. "I think I've got a good chance to be on the sideline."
At Tuesday's weekly press conference, Paterno was still using a crutch, according to The Associated Press. He sounded hopeful that he could be on the sideline for the Alabama game, but that's looking more and more unlikely.
"So, I'm like you guys, I'm anxious to see us play. ... I know they've worked hard," Paterno said Tuesday at his weekly news conference. "We've been looking forward to playing against a team the caliber of Alabama with ... the tradition and the way they play."
At the same time, the notoriously stubborn Paterno remained optimistic.
"But I've got my fingers crossed," he said. "I think I've got a good chance to be on the sideline."
