MIAMI — Penn State coach Joe Paterno wasn't about to give kicker Kevin Kelly the boot, even though the freshman missed two potential game-winning field goals in the Orange Bowl.

Even though Kelly could have ended the game LONG before 1 a.m. Wednesday.

Kelly rewarded his coach's faith by finally hitting a 29-yard field goal in the third overtime in No. 3 Penn State's 26-23 roller coaster of a win over No. 22 Florida State.

Paterno patted Kelly on the helmet after the kicker missed a 29-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter. Paterno said Kelly apologized after missing a 38-yarder after regulation.

"I said don't let me know you're sorry," Paterno said Wednesday. "If we get another chance to win the game, just get you're head on right to hit the next one.

Using backup kicker Matt Waldron, another freshman, wasn't an option, Paterno contended. Teammates offered encouraging words on the sidelines before the third kick, Kelly said.

"It was just a matter of getting my chance again," Kelly said.

Paterno has often said his squad was a "good" but not a "great" team, an adjective he uses to describe teams like Southern Cal, Texas and Virginia Tech.If greatness equals a Top 5 ranking, No. 3 Penn State would fall into that category as well."I thought that they showed some greatness last night," Paterno said about the Orange Bowl early Wednesday morning over the Seminoles. "That was a tough football team."Paterno also said he may have brought his team to Florida too early to start preparations for the bowl. The Nittany Lions came down on Dec. 20, and by early this week, Paterno was worried about his team's sluggishness in practice."I think the way handled it against a team that played great football ... I think we're pretty darned good," he said.

Paterno isthankful that all his assistants stayed with him after last year's down season, and he's hoping the same thing happens this year."If I can keep my staff together ... so many of them have good opportunities for other things," Paterno said. "If I can keep them together. We'll be better. We won't be great, but we will be good."

After meeting with the mediaone last time this season on Wednesday, Paterno had some kind words for reporters. He hasn't had the best of relationships with them. "We've had our ups and downs. I know sometimes I've been a pain and vice versa," Paterno said. "I appreciate all your interest in this program ... I know how interested you are in this program, so Happy New Year to you all."