SAN ANTONIO — Texas A&M officials have apologized to Penn State administrators for a student leader's references to needing a "casket" for coach Joe Paterno.

One A&M yell leader, during a pep rally Thursday night, told the crowd that Paterno was "on his death bed" and "someone needs to find him a casket."

Paterno turned 81 last week. Penn State faces A&M on Saturday night in the Alamo Bowl.

Paterno said he was backstage with Aggies interim coach Gary Darnell when the comments were made, but did not hear them.

"I think everybody has to take things with a grain of salt," Paterno said. "Some young guy went up there, trying to be funny. Maybe he's accurate, I don't know."

By The Associated Press