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Wednesday, January 01, 2003

By Ray Fittipaldo, Post-Gazette Sports Writer

ORLANDO, Fla. -- If Penn State Coach Joe Paterno had his way yesterday, he would have taken his team away from all the hoopla surrounding the Capital One Bowl today. As it was, he went to great lengths to make yesterday seem like a normal day before a game.

A sometimes surly Paterno complained about scheduled media obligations and a luncheon with fans 24 hours before the game against Auburn.

Paterno began his news conference by admonishing an autograph-seeker who approached him on his way to the podium and asked bowl officials to escort the man from the room. Then he apologized to reporters who were expecting an opportunity to interview Heisman Trophy candidate Larry Johnson and defensive end Michael Haynes.

"I like for them to concentrate on the football game," Paterno said. "We've got a tough football game to play. This is a wonderful bowl, but not too many bowls have their luncheon the day before the game. It makes it difficult to keep them focused. We're playing a very good football team."

Paterno also complained about Penn State fans bothering his players at the team's hotel. He said autograph-seekers were stopping his players in the lobby, and he had to curtain off eating areas where the team was having meals.

After the news conference, Penn State's players had to take part in a luncheon with fans, get a team picture taken at the Citrus Bowl, have a walk-through and then attend a pep rally.

"We want to play well," he said. "I don't know if we can play well when we're at a hotel with all Penn Staters around. I have to go and hide. Normally, I'd take the team away. I don't feel as if it's a Friday before a game ... a big game. After all the years I've been in these things, I can't change my mentality. I'm a little uptight about the whole thing. I'd like a little more leisure time."

Later, a reporter asked about Larry Johnson and whether he would fair any better than other Penn State backs who were taken in the first round of the NFL draft.

"Forget about that question," Paterno said.

"If you want to ask me about the bowl, you can do that."

When the reporter responded that he had planned on asking Johnson that question, Paterno snapped back: "Larry's not here. That's why he's not here. He wouldn't have the slightest idea what you're talking about."

Then he tried to lighten the mood when he asked reporters if anyone was going to ask him when he was going to take the Dallas Cowboys coaching job.

Weather warning

A severe storm was expected to hit the Orlando area last night, and some showers and windy conditions could factor into the game.

That could mean the team with the more effective running game would have an advantage, and Penn State has a 2,000-yard rusher in Johnson.

"The weather will affect the passing game, I think, because both teams would like to throw the football," Auburn Coach Tommy Tuberville said. "We've got a good running game, too. If there's a team that matches up in the running game with them in our conference, it's us. We have played in some inclement weather, and we have held onto the ball pretty well. [But] they would have the upper hand because of the experience of their running back."

All-stars

Five Penn State seniors have been selected to play in two postseason all-star games. Defensive tackle Anthony Adams, defensive end Michael Haynes, wide receiver Bryant Johnson and running back Larry Johnson will play in the Senior Bowl Jan. 1 in Mobile, Ala. Cornerback Bryan Scott will play in the Gridiron Classic Jan. 25 in Orlando, Fla.

Other players might be selected to play in the East-West Shrine Classic (Jan. 11) and Hula Bowl (Feb.1).