On Tuesday, Mickey Mouse turned 75.

On Dec. 21, Penn State head coach Joe Paterno turns 77.

How are these two connected? Both have managed to bring smiles to the faces of their fans, both are known throughout the United States and both are really, really old.

Over the years "Joe Pa" has been a key ingredient in the Nittany Lions' recipe for success. But this year's 3-8 (1-6 Big Ten) record is causing boos, threats and even Web sites from Paterno's critics. The Web site www.firejoepa.com claims that, at 76-years-old, Paterno doesn't have the youthful spunk to keep a team going.

Junior quarterback Zack Mills said Paterno's mentality and knowledge of football have not changed as he gets older.

"He hasn't changed one bit - he really hasn't," Mills said. "He's still the same coach. Even in games, he's walking up and down the field; he's in people's faces and putting his 2 cents in."

Besides, who said you can't be successful in your career once you break into the senior-citizens category? Scotty Bowman was 68 when the Red Wings won the Stanley Cup in 2002. The 2003 World Series Champion Florida Marlins' manager Jack McKeon turns 73 on Nov. 23.

At 76, Paterno is the oldest active Division I-A coach. In his 38th season with the Nittany Lions, Paterno has posted a 339-108-3 record. He has two national titles and five undefeated seasons under his belt and was voted coach of the year four times.

"He's a legend. He's a guy that a lot of coaches in this profession have on their walls," Spartans head coach John L. Smith said. "He's the kind of guy you look up to for what he's done for the game and what he's done for that university.

"My personal belief is, it's his option to step down when he wants to. I'd tell him to hang around for another year."

Despite this year's statistics, unsatisfied fans and media criticism, Paterno said he is vibrant and ready to take on another year.

"I'm going to coach next year. I don't see a reason not to," Paterno said. "I feel I'm in good health. I've got a good young team and a great coaching staff.

"We've had a tough year, obviously, but we've been in every game."

Paterno recruited MSU senior quarterback Jeff Smoker when he was in high school at Manheim Central High School in Manheim, Pa. As he prepares for Saturday's game, Smoker said Paterno deserves more respect.

"I don't think that it's fair what's being said about him," Smoker said. "With as many people that are calling for his head, there's that many other people that don't think it's right and that he should be able to stay as long as he wants for all that he's done for that program."

MSU leads the series against Penn State, 10-9-1, and the Nittany Lions are coming off a 52-7 victory over Indiana last Saturday.

Paterno said he is eager to conclude the season against a kinetic Spartans football team.

"Lansing is a great place to play, and I think we'll play as well as we know how to play," Paterno said. "Whether that's good enough to be competitive with what I think is a good Michigan State team - that's debatable. But I think we'll be OK."