The contrast in coaches is so stark that even television has caught on. At the annual Kickoff Luncheon, where the locals (shoes and shirt required) get to eat, drink and be merry with the participants, ABC play-by-play announcer Brad Nessler had this to say:
“I always think of Joe (Paterno) as a meat-and-potatoes type guy. You think of a basic staple, something everyone likes, something that sets well with everyone. That’s Joe Paterno. That’s Penn State.”
And then there is Florida and Steve Spurrier.
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“I guess Steve is an acquired taste, like hot Mexican food. It gives some people indigestion, really spices things up and the next day you don’t know what hit you.”
Spurrier, who can dish out the mirth but is not so willing to take it, fired back.
“When I was at Duke, Brad was just a young broadcaster trying to get started in the business. I asked him if there was one person you would model your career after. He told me, `The guy I want to be just like is Marv Albert.’ “