Pat Fitzgerald has never shied away from his admiration of Penn State coach Joe Paterno. If Paterno couldn't get in Fitzgerald's good graces any more, what Paterno did Saturday night during the Penn State-Northwestern game may have put Fitzgerald's admiration over the top.

During halftime with Paterno coaching from the press box, Paterno asked to meet Fitzgerald's three sons. It was a significant moment that the boys may not have really understood, but it meant the world to their father.

"I haven't even had a chance to talk to them about it," Fitzgerald laughed. "They will as things go along. I get it. When I was a kid growing up you were a fan of Joe Pa and they'll understand it. Joe is so gracious. For him to go ask someone to go get the kids, just tells you what kind of guy Joe is."