Shutout caps Sandusky's 32-year career

By William Kalec
Collegian Staff Writer

SAN ANTONIO — Jerry Sandusky thought he had experienced everything a 32-year career could encompass.

But then the final seconds of the 1999 Sylvania Alamo Bowl took place — with Sandusky receiving a thrill, the likes of which he has never encountered.

Coaching in his final game as Penn State's defensive coordinator, Sandusky pulled off something most doubted would be possible citing the Nittany Lions late-season defensive collapse.

His players were everywhere. Five turnovers found their way into his defender's hands.

And the scoreboard still had not moved for Texas A&M as Sandusky spent the final moments of a storybook career with a fairytale finish, including his first-ever shoulder ride off the field courtesy of his defensive standouts.

Every member of the team knew the defense was the catalyst to a dominating 24-0 victory against the Aggies.

But evident by their postgame tribute, it was still Jerry Sandusky who stood above the rest.

"Man, it seemed like a Hollywood script," Penn State linebacker LaVar Arrington said. "We didn't get a shutout all season, came close here and there but couldn't get it. Then all of the sudden, in his last game we gave a supreme effort to get the shutout.

"Like he said, it was like a Holly wood script. That's big league."

For 60 minutes of football, Penn State's defense was in a different league than their counterparts in maroon.

The Lions dominated the first quarter with two interceptions which included racking up the first points of the game when safety Derek Fox scampered in from 34 yards out after Arrington forced an ill-advised pass with his rush.

As is its trademark, Texas A&M found ways to get its talented stable of running backs the ball. But it was Sandusky's defense held the Aggies' ball carriers to just 80 yards total.

Aggies quarterback Randy McCown had 22 passing opportunities to pick apart a secondary Minnesota, Michigan and Michigan State abused late in the season. But it was Sandusky's schemes that had the senior signal caller scrambling out of the pocket often, forcing him to throw four interceptions.

In the same fashion he would experience at the expiration of regulation, in four quarters of play it was Sandusky's brilliance that stood above the rest.

"This whole season has been such an emotional experience," Sandusky said in the media room, with the game ball in his hands. "I didn't plan any grand exit but I got one.

"The warmth of the football players, the former football players, the Penn State fans — it has all been so special."

So are the lessons learned by every player who has ever been molded under Sandusky. His career compares favorably to the Hollywood script Arrington suggested — it seemingly has been too good to be true.

And although his days on the sidelines are complete, those who know him best take comfort in the realization that off the field it will still be Jerry Sandusky that stands above the rest.

"He has been a mentor in life," Lions defensive end Justin Kurpeikis said. "I think the best thing he shows is that it is important to care about other people and reach out to other people. And when you are in a fortunate position it is important to reach out and not forget about everybody else."