As Joe Paterno prepares for his first season as Lion head coach, he might well think a few four-leafed clovers are in order. For he must replace almost the entire offensive line, rely on a half-dozen sophomore starters and say a daily prayer for Rodger Grimes tender right knee.

Heading into the 1979 Sugar Bowl, Joe Paterno and the Nittany Lions were 11-0. However, Paul 'Bear' Bryant's Alabama Crimson Tide proved to be too strong a foe and finished Lions hopes for an undefeated season.

In November of 1976, Paterno neared the 100-win milestone in his coaching career with the first opportunity coming against the North Carolina State Wolfpack.

The Lions passed their first test of the season Saturday, overcoming some early game jitters and a second-quarter deficit to rout Bowling Green 45-19 for head coach Joe Paterno's 200th career victory.

With the win, Paterno became only the sixth coach in college football history to reach the milestone, making it in 380 games, faster than any other.

My Opinion:Sandy Padwe

The 49th annual Sugar Bowl classic will be remembered as the most extensively hyped college football game ever. It was the stuff of legends. The game of the decade. Tales to tell your grandchildren about.

After the team's first national championship, Paterno made it clear that he felt Penn State had won championships three times before ('68, '69, '73).

Following a 12-0 season and a 16-9 victory over Louisiana State in the Orange Bowl, Cappelletti becomes the only Penn State player to win the Heisman trophy.

Penn State's second national championship game was watched by over 70 million people, breaking the prev-ious record for a college football telecast.

Penn State's appearance in the "Granddaddy of Them All" was its first since 1923. The Lions went 12-0 for the season.