Some brought candles, while others held up their smart phones to take photos of the scene. The mood was somber, with no chanting or shouting.
Paterno's doctors say his condition has become "serious" after he experienced complications from lung cancer in recent days.
Paterno's son, Jay, tweeted, "Drove by students at the Joe statue. Just told my Dad about all the love and support--inspiring him."
The statue is just outside a gate at Beaver Stadium.
Students in State College are expressing concern for seriously ill former Penn State coach Joe Paterno.
Doctors say the 85-year-old legendary coach recently experienced complications from lung cancer. He has been hospitalized since January 13.
Sophomore Max Spangler says he's concerned that the stress of the Penn State sex abuse scandal has compounded Paterno's condition.
Paterno was fired in November amid accusations that he didn't do more to alert authorities about child sex abuse allegations against retired assistant coach Jerry Sandusky.
Spangler says, "I don't know how bad his situation is, but I hope it gets better. It's a lot of complications at his age."
Recent alum Ben Woodward says, "It has to be pretty heartbreaking to end on the note that it did, and not on his own terms."
