Penn State fan Gary Buck of West Grove, Pa., hugs a statue of former Penn State head coach Joe Paterno at Beaver Stadium before the football game between University of Nebraska and Penn State on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011 in State College, Pa. Penn State i
Penn State fan Gary Buck of West Grove, Pa., hugs a statue of former Penn State head coach Joe Paterno at Beaver Stadium before the football game between University of Nebraska and Penn State on Saturday, Nov. 12, 2011 in State College, Pa. Penn State is playing for the first time in decades without former head coach Joe Paterno, after he was fired in the wake of a child sex abuse scandal involving a former assistant coach. (AP photo, The Omaha World-Herald, Rebecca S. Gratz) MAGS OUT; NO SALES The Associated Press
By Associated Press

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Penn State is playing football without Joe Paterno, but his presence is everywhere on campus.

There was a quiet calm Saturday outside his home near the center of campus. A small clutch of reporters and TV cameras stood watch.

Whether Joe was inside is uncertain. His son, Jay, didn't know where or with whom his father may be.

On the lawn a pair of homemade signs faced the windows — one read "We Love You Joe, Thank You" the other, "Thanks Joe." Nearby a small American flag was planted in the yard.

View Comments

But inside the Paterno Library, biology students were studying. The peach ice cream flavor named for him was scooped out at the Creamery. And work continued on the Catholic student life center named for his wife, Sue.

Join the Conversation
Looking for comments?
Find comments in their new home! Click the buttons at the top or within the article to view them — or use the button below for quick access.