Penn State Football: Why This Will Be Joe Paterno's Last Year

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For the last 45 years Joe Paterno has led the charge as head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions.

But at 83 years old, and with increasing concerns about his health and his age, how much longer can he man the ship?

Both school and coach need to do what's best for their football team and part ways. 

Penn State will be facing a very tough schedule in 2010. And that means Paterno could call it a career.

Yes folks, this could very well be Joe Pa's last year. Here's why.

Game One: Youngstown State

Division 1-AA team Youngstown State took Penn State by surprise when they took a 7-3 lead on the Nittany Lions after one quarter in their home opener.

Though Paterno's team eventually took a 16-7 lead at the half, they were only able to notch one touchdown against the Penguins after two quarters.

It's almost certain that they'll win this matchup, but that rough start is only the beginning of a very tough season.

In their last three home openers, Penn State has dominated their "mid-major" opponents: winning 31-7 against Akron in 2009, 66-10 against Coastal Carolina in 2008, and 59-0 against Florida International in 2007.

Game Two: At Alabama

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Nick Saban's Alabama team ran the table last year with a perfect season culminating in with a national title. 

Penn State faces that team ranked no. 1 by the AP in their second game of the season. 

This game will definitely be one of the toughest games they'll play this season.

Quarterback Greg McElroy is a proven leader that is well protected by his offensive line. And, despite losing Heisman winner Mark Ingram to injury, the Crimson Tide still have Trent Richardson, who is ready to play more minutes at runningback.

Game Four: Temple

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Temple head coach Al Golden played tight end for Joe Paterno from 1987-1991 and was a member of JoePa's coaching staff in 2000.

Now he's got a rising Temple team matching up against his former coach and mentor.

The Owls have a stud sophomore running back in Bernard Pierce, who is capable of striking fear in the hearts of any opponent.

Temple started their season with a dramatic comeback win over Villanova 34-27 on Friday, proving that they expect to continue the terrific run they started last season.

Game Five: At Iowa

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The Iowa Hawkeyes are ranked no. 9 on the preseason AP poll. 

And they have a defense that is capable of overpowering the Nittany Lions.

The Hawkeyes shut them down in last year's game. After taking a 10-0 lead to start the game, Penn State was shut down by Iowa. 

Iowa took the win 24-10.

Game Eight: Michigan

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It's true, Rich Rodriguez and this Michigan team have had a lot of controversy to deal with all season.

However, they still provide a tough matchup for Joe Paterno.

Last season Penn State had an easy time defeating Michigan in Ann Arbor 35-10.

But this is a more talented Michigan squad this year and Rich Rod just might lead them to a win in this matchup.

Game 10: At Ohio State

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The Nittany Lions face preseason no. 1 Alabama in their second game of the season and have another tough opponent in Ohio State.

Terrelle Pryor and the Buckeyes start the season ranked no. 2 on the AP Poll.

OSU was the first team to score on Penn State in all four quarters last season.

Iowa and Ohio State were the only two teams to defeat Joe Paterno's team last year.

Four Losses?

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It's a real possibility that this team could have at least four losses at the end the year. 

With tough top-ranked opponents and some surprising losses, they'll finish their schedule 8-4.

That's a tough reality when you consider that over the last two seasons Penn State has a combined four losses.

Several at Penn State are seemingly trying to find a reason to get rid of Paterno almost every year.

And with at least four losses, it might be time to turn the page.

Time To Retire

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JoePa has earned three Big Ten titles during his long extended run as head coach.

His last two came in 2005 and 2008 after critics were already calling for him to retire.

Back in 2005, Paterno defended himself by saying that if he did have a bad season he would retire. But he found a way to win.

Now the questions will come again if he has a bad year in 2010, and that could finally be it for his career.

Or, Will They Fire Him?

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The last time Joe Paterno and the Nittany Lions won a national title was 1986.

It's been over two decades since his team actually won a championship.

He did win Big Ten titles twice in the last five years, but how much longer can he keep it up?

Penn State knows better. Instead of firing Paterno, they'll most like just force him into retirement. 

Change Can Be Good

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This is true now more than ever. After a tough schedule, and with JoePa not getting any younger, it will be a good time for both sides to make a change.

This will be the year that the Paterno chapter will end for the Penn State program.

This season Paterno will likely surpass 400 wins in his career and earn a 39th winning season. But JoePa is not immortal.

He needs to ride off into the sunset and let 2010 be his final year.