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Rose Bowl likely, Paterno has hip surgery

Penn State coach undergoes successful hip replacement Sunday

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updated 6:10 p.m. ET Nov. 23, 2008

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Penn State coach Joe Paterno had successful hip replacement surgery Sunday, a day after the Nittany Lions clinched a tie for the Big Ten title and a likely trip to the Rose Bowl.

Penn State and Ohio State tied for the Big Ten title, and the Nittany Lions won the tiebreaker by their head-to-head victory.

The 81-year-old coach was resting comfortably at Mount Nittany Medical Center and was eager to return home, the team said in a statement.

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Paterno is expected back on his feet Monday, and resume coaching on Dec. 1, when players return to school following Thanksgiving break.

Paterno spent much of this season coaching from the press box because of the sore hip he injured while demonstrating an onside kick in August. Paterno said Saturday he plans to return in 2009.

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