"He's just awesome," she said as Paterno walked out of the media room.

The 74-year-old coach proved he was awesome Saturday night with his 323rd victory of his coaching career. Paterno reached that milestone in the shortest time ever, taking him only 420 games. Toss in five undefeated seasons and a couple of national championships and Paterno is easily regarded as one of the best coaches in college football history.

The coach hasn't had an easy road reaching the achievement though, as his Nittany Lions squad stumbled to a 0-4 start. But the Northwestern game was a perfect example that Paterno still has the same desire he had earlier in his career.

The Lions implemented different formations, trick plays and, at times, played with three tailbacks in the backfield to try and confuse the Wildcats defense. Anything that could jumpstart a weary offense is what Paterno worked on during Penn State's week off, and the coach found some things that work.

He out-coached Northwestern and his players out-hustled them. Paterno used the bye week to set-up new formations and watch tape. He drilled his players so they could execute the plays and they came through with their first win of the season, a three-point upset away from Beaver Stadium.

And they got their legendary coach, the man they call Joe, one win away from passing the Bear.

"It was definitely something special," Penn State center Joe Iorio said. "It was something I really wanted to get for him. He was pretty emotional. He had a couple of tears in his eyes."

Paterno has taken the brunt of criticism in stride as questions surrounding his age have started to surface. At times, the coach is jovial with critics, calling himself a hunk and flexing his muscles under his suit at news conferences. Other times, he seriously answers the questions by saying he will coach until he doesn't feel he is capable of leading a team on to the field. But Paterno isn't the only coach who feels he is still competent enough to stay on for a few more years at Penn State. Randy Walker, Northwestern's coach, said Paterno's achievement is just another reminder that he is one of the top coaches in the sport.

"It's hard to fathom all the things he's accomplished," the third-year coach said. "I send my congratulations to him."

Paterno said following his team's upset of the Wildcats that it might be a turning point for Penn State. The team has regained some confidence, has finally gotten a win under their belts and, for the first time all season, established a running attack. Paterno, who has downplayed the record tying accomplishment by saying he doesn't think about it very much, put in a few trick plays to help the Lions offense get off the ground.

One idea was to put wide receiver Eddie Drummond in the backfield to try and get him involved in the game. Drummond finished the game with six carries for 37 yards. The legendary coach also mixed up the traditional Penn State running game by putting three players in the backfield at times.

The Lions pounded the ball down field, collecting 213 yards and three rushing touchdowns. Penn State used eight rushers and eight receivers, trying to confuse the Northwestern defense while attempting to jumpstart its own offensive capabilities.

All of these ideas were implemented by a 74-year-old coach who has been criticized for being out of touch with the ever-evolving game. But Paterno made one other move this season that made all of the offensive adjustments at Northwestern seem miniscule.

He defied his critics, returned to the sidelines and did what he felt was best. Paterno coached the Penn State football team. Now it's his time to celebrate, but just a little.

"I'll go home," Paterno said. "Probably get in trouble with a good, stiff bourbon, take a couple hours nap, wake up and look at some Ohio State tapes."