Old dog learns a new trick

by Eric Schwartz

Wednesday September 1, 2010 

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Anytime Joe Paterno does something for the first time as a coach  it is newsworthy. When he makes an announcement like he did today, it really grabs attention.

Paterno announced that freshman Robert Bolden will be the starter for No. 19 Penn State in its opener against Youngstown State on Saturday. It marks the first time in Paterno’s 45 years as a coach that true freshman will begin the season as the signal caller.

Bellow is an excerpt form the Associated Press:

Bolden barely beat out returning sophomores Matt McGloin and Kevin Newsome an impressive feat given that the touted freshman only joined the team this summer. All three quarterbacks still have a chance to earn the starting nod on a regular basis, Paterno said Wednesday night in a statement.

“Based on what we have seen to this point, Bolden has a slight edge right now, but we are confident all three quarterbacks are ready to go and hope to give them an opportunity to play until we settle on the one that gives us the best chance to win,” Paterno said.

Bolden had more than 2,000 yards passing and 14 touchdowns and rushed for over 1,000 yards and 16 scores in his final two high school seasons.

The move is certainly an interesting one, given that the Nittany Lions are expected to once again be in the thick of things in the Big 10 — though Ohio State is the clear favorite. What I am curious to see is what type of leash Paterno will give Bolden, since this is new territory for the sage coach. I’m hoping he gives Bolden a serious look and does not start making changes in the second half Saturday. I’ve never been a fan of quarterback rotation, even though some have proven successful in the past.

Today’s news sure adds some drama to what should be an easy opener for Penn State.

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