Big Ten Media Days: Penn State Coach Joe Paterno

Penn State Coach Joe Paterno provided a little bit of levity when a reporter asked him about an intestinal problem.

Paterno scrunched his face and didn't want to answer. Then he said, "It was a little bit below the intestines."

"The problem I had was not having control of things ... and not getting in a situation where I embarrassed myself."

"The rumors of my death are greatly exaggerated."

Thoughts on Nebraska: "We have played Nebraska before we got in the Big Ten and we had some great, great games with them....  I think it's a really good addition to the Big Ten and we're looking forward to being part of it."

On potential eastern expansion: "I think really the Nebraska thing was a real good move for the Big Ten. I think we ought to leave that in the hands of Jim.

"Obviously if it's in the best interests in the Big Ten, I would hope we look at a couple of schools in the East."

On playing at Alabama: "I think it's a good game for us. We have a young team; obviously we've got some growing up to do."

Paterno said Alabama might be the best team in the country and has a "hostile" environment.

"I think it will be a good experience and we'll be a good football team for it."

On divisional alignment: "There's a lot of different combinations that would be good."

On potential successor: "I think they would (ask for Paterno's opinion). I don't expect to name it. If I decide to get out of coaching, I would hope when they starting looking at somebody to succeed (me), if they did nothing but throw something out ... I would hope there's some kind of dialogue but no commitment."