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Bowden, Paterno Duel Continues

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Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno seem to have a friendly competition going at this late stage of their careers.

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: December 18, 2008

Updated: 12/18/2008 12:44 am

Florida State football coach Bobby Bowden has insisted that ending up as college football's all-time winningest coach isn't a big deal to him.

Whether it is or isn't, Bowden and Penn State coach Joe Paterno should have another year to determine who comes out on top.

Paterno agreed to a three-year extension this week, although the contract allows for it to be shortened or extended.

Bowden, who is expected to sign a one-year extension after the Champs Sports Bowl, said he wasn't surprised that the Penn State coach agreed to an extension.

"Joe's always in pretty good health," Bowden said. "More power to him."

The 79-year old Bowden, with 381 victories, is two wins behind Paterno - who turns 82 on Sunday. Bowden is 79.

Pending action from the NCAA Committee on Infractions - which isn't likely to happen until January at the earliest - also could factor into what happens.

FSU President T.K. Wetherell said last week the NCAA could hand down sanctions that include vacating or forfeiting some games as a result of the academic-fraud case. That would come into play if the NCAA finds that FSU allowed players to participate in games after their involvement was determined by the university.

If the NCAA chooses to penalize FSU in that manner, it would likely involve some victories earned last season. That would further distance Bowden from Paterno as the all-time winningest coach in major college football.

INJURY UPDATE

Bowden expects FSU to be OK on the injury front for the Champs Sports Bowl.

"Overall, if we stay as healthy as we are now, we're in pretty good shape," he said.

Bowden doesn't expect to have FS Darius McClure available. McClure injured his knee against Boston College.

He is hopeful FB Seddrick Holloway will be back for the bowl game. WR Preston Parker has been hampered by knee and ankle injuries and hasn't participated in practice this week.

GARVIN HONORED

Senior Michael Ray Garvin landed on The Sporting News All-America first-team as a kick returner.

PK Graham Gano was named to the publication's second team on Wednesday.

Andrew Datko was named to another freshman All-America team - this time by Rivals.

Steve Ellis

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