Joe Paterno would like to focus on just Michigan State, but it's not always that easy.
The head coach and former Penn State athletic director said the only thing he knows about the plan for the ticket situation for the 2011 season is that it's under debate and he doesn't know the specifics.
With that the case, Paterno voiced his trust in current Penn State Director of Athletics Tim Curley and believes the university is doing the best it can.
"All I've ever said to Tim Curley is, 'Tim, you're doing one heck of a job,' " Paterno said during his weekly press conference. "You just look around at the facilities, you look at what they've done to [Jeffrey Field], you look at [Medlar Field at Lubrano Park] that was put out there, you look at all the things that have been done. 'How you paying for it?' He said, 'Well, it's tough." I said, 'Well, remember, whatever we do, do it well.' "
Paterno also brought up the issue of taking care of 29 sports and how that wasn't something he dealt with when he was in charge.
Furthermore, the coach said while it's a good thing there's going to be a better softball field he also wants money to be spent to fix up the visiting locker room, which he considers the worst of its kind in the Big Ten.
When it comes to the release of the 2011 plan to shift the student section seats, sell about 800 more of such seats and also raise ticket prices for season-ticket holders, Paterno said he wanted it to come out after the season was finished.
Regardless, Paterno said he understands the challenges the athletic department faces.
"When I was the athletic director, every time they raised tuition, the budget went up," Paterno said. "We don't get a nickel from the university for anything -- it's completely self-supporting. So they've got to do something or they've got to cut back sports, and we don't want to do that. But that's not my bout."
Injury Bug
One day after Brandon Beachum was announced as out for the rest of the season, the Nittany Lions revealed more tough news.
Wide receiver Chaz Powell, who left Saturday's game against Indiana early, probably won't play in this weekend's regular-season finale at Michigan State.
"Powell I doubt will make it," Paterno said. "In fact, we're not really counting on him for this week."
Powell ranks fourth on the team with 355 receiving yards but didn't register a catch against the Hoosiers. He did rush for six yards and a first down but had to leave with a shoulder injury.
Powell was first listed as "possible" on the weekly press release.
On a brighter note for the Nittany Lions, A.J. Wallace -- also listed as "possible" -- could play against the Spartans, Paterno said. Defensive coordinator Tom Bradley said the cornerback got stinger in the Indiana game.
"A.J. may play so I'm not going to get into that," Paterno said.
Smith Cut Classes
Speedy freshman wideout Devon Smith hasn't seen much action in recent weeks, and it seems class attendance was an issue.
"He didn't get into a couple of games because he cut classes," Paterno said. "He decided he was here to get an education so we played him a little bit last week. He's OK. He's got a long way to go to grow up but he practices hard."
Smith has posted 154 all-purpose yards this season, but he hasn't ran the ball since the Minnesota game on Oct. 17 and hasn't notched a catch or returned a kick since Sept. 26 against Iowa.
"There's still times where we wake up, we don't want to go to class, but you got to think about your teammates," Moye said. "You got to look out for those guys. If you're not going to class, then you're letting 120 guys down. It's just something you got to do."
