Big Ten: One Joe leaving, the other won't say yet

By KENT YOUNGLOOD, Star Tribune

Last update: November 20, 2008 - 7:57 PM

So long, Joe. Or is that Joes?

When Purdue plays host to Indiana on Saturday -- a game between two Big Ten teams that won't qualify for a bowl-- it will be the final game for retiring Boilermakers coach Joe Tiller. He's the man who brought the spread offense to the conference and put Purdue back on the map.

But will Saturday also be the final regular-season game at Happy Valley for Joe Paterno?

Paterno won't say for sure. He says he's worried only about the Nittany Lions' opponent, Michigan State, and the battle for a conference title. But he will turn 82 on Dec. 21, is in the last year of his contract and is facing hip surgery. He might have the surgery after the MSU game, hoping to be ready to return for a Jan. 1 bowl. Considering Penn State's successful season, it's likely Paterno will be back for another season or two if he wants.

But back to Tiller, whose retirement tour will be complete after Saturday's game ends. He has tried to make it just another week, but nobody is cooperating. At the weekly luncheon with the quarterback club, Tiller walked in to see everybody holding placards reading, "Thank you, coach." Tiller, touched, still joked that the signs probably were left over from the Gene Keady's retirement. Tiller didn't want the ado, but he appreciates it. The result has been an early onset of emotion.

"It's starting to set in because of the events that are surrounding what we've done here at Purdue," he said. "I don't care for it that much, but I appreciate it immensely."

In 12 seasons at Purdue, Tiller is 86-62, 52-43 in Big Ten games. The Boilermakers went to 10 bowl games under Tiller, including the 2001 Rose Bowl.

"Joe has done an amazing job," Indiana coach Bill Lynch said. "Having coached in this state I know the impact he's had in Indiana, in the Big Ten and on the national level. I'm sure it will be an emotional day for them."

Losing luster?

Michigan is 3-8 in Rich Rodriguez's first season, so there isn't the usual luster surrounding the Michigan-Ohio State game. But don't tell that to Buckeyes coach Jim Tressel. "When you say they don't have anything to lose, that's not true," he said of Michigan. "Because the biggest thing in the season is the Ohio State-Michigan game.''

Championship at a glance

If Penn State beats Michigan State, the Nittany Lions are conference champions. If Michigan State and Ohio State win and finish tied, the Buckeyes would get the nod based on a victory over the Spartans. The only way the Spartans win the title is if they beat Penn State and Michigan upsets Ohio State.

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