Time to leave the den

If Homecoming showed me one thing, it's that old people love to party like they're still in college. \nEveryone has seen the alumnnus at the house party, sticking out like a sore thumb. He's the guy who obviously graduated years before, but spins his Cubs' hat around, throws on his "Hep Got Me" shirt and busts out the Pabst Blue Ribbon. He tailgates like a student and drinks like a student, but everyone knows his secret identity. Then, when Monday rolls around, he heads back to his cubicle and e-mails all his buddies telling of his crazy drunken weekend. \nAt least that's what is supposed to happen. At Penn State, that guy has been around for almost 40 years.\nThe oldest of old college town guys is Penn State's head coach Joe Paterno. Lovable Joe was in his prime Saturday in his team's 17-10 win against then-No. 6 Ohio State. As his team stormed the field to celebrate its win, JoePa had that goofy grin of a little kid on Christmas across his face. \nAnd that was all it took for the coach to have his proof. All the critics who said he was too "old school" to lead his team back to the nation's elite were silenced. All those who had asked him to "please give it up already!" left with nothing to say. But Saturday's win wasn't validation for Paterno, but rather his best reason yet to walk away.\nBefore the season started, off-season chatter was filled with debate over whether Joe Pa should step down and let his team move on. And because the administration at Penn State could never fire a legend, it is basically up to Paterno when he wants to retire. But if I was a Nittany Lions fan, I would be calling for this to be Joe's last go.\nPaterno stepping down at the end of the season would be the best thing for Penn State as a the team and the school as a whole.\nAfter the win against Ohio State, there are probably five more elite coaches who would consider taking the Penn State job if it opened up today -- that's five more than would have considered taking the job last season. In 2004, the Nittany Lions finished a dismal 4-7, their fourth season in the last five years with five wins or less. Only Ron Zook would take over a program with that complete lack of potential. \nBut this year, the Lions have the potential and they have the players. Whether it's JoePa or just the talent, Penn State is playing as well as it has in a long time, rising to No. 8 in the latest AP poll -- its highest ranking since 1999. \nWhat could be a better ending for JoePa then going out on top? How about taking his team to a BCS bowl game, winning and then stepping down. The phones would be ringing off the hook with candidates wanting to take over one of the country's most talented young teams.\nEveryone knows what Paterno has contributed to Penn State. The man exemplifies Pennsylvania football, but if he really wants to leave a lasting legacy, he'll make this his last year. Otherwise, he'll be the awkward, old guy who sticks around long after the keg has gone dry.