Joe Paterno

SI: Quarterback was a big question mark last year. What are your hopes for the position in 2011?

JP: I'm not sure quarterback was as big a question mark as you might think. It took a good part of the season to do the kinds of things we wanted to do offensively. But it wasn't necessarily a quarterback issue. We would like for our quarterback situation to settle in some this season.

SI: HOW ARE YOU CONTEMPLATING THAT STRETCH AGAINST NEBRASKA, OHIO STATE AND WISCONSIN?

JP: I DON'T THINK ANYONE DID US ANY FAVORS, ESPECIALLY AT A TIME WHEN YOU'RE USUALLY BANGED UP. BUT IT GIVES YOU THE OPPORTUNITY TO SUCK IT UP, GO ON A RUN AND MAYBE GOOD THINGS WILL HAPPEN.

SI: What makes Devon Still so difficult to block?

JP: You would have to ask the opponents. Devon works at it and has the size and intangibles that make him difficult to deal with up front.

SI: You've won national championships and Rose Bowls. What would it mean to win the first Big Ten championship game?

JP: It would be great for our program, the fans and our alumni. We have a lot of work to get there, but I think we're willing to do it.