The first of 409

Joe Paterno in 1966 at Penn State

Before Joe Paterno wins all of those football games as Penn State’s head coach, he actually finds himself trailing in his debut 59 years ago today in front of a Saturday afternoon crowd of 37,270 at Beaver Stadium.

To be exact, Paterno is losing 7-0 early to Maryland, thanks to a 15-yard touchdown run by a running back originally from Lower Paxton Twp. named Ernie Torain.

Torain’s first-quarter score, though, is the Terrapins’ lone highlight as Paterno and PSU rally for a 15-7 victory.

Another 408 victories follow for Paterno, who remains as Penn State’s head coach until late in the 2011 season.

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