The Bill O'Brien era officially gets underway on Saturday as the Penn State Nittany Lions play host to the Ohio Bobcats.
For Penn State, the goal is relatively clear. O'Brien hopes to turn the page on the horrendous Jerry Sandusky scandal that has left a black eye on the school's past successes, as well as the legacy of the then-revered, now-divisive Joe Paterno. O'Brien is tasked with the difficult job of winning football games and putting the actual focus back on football, rather than scandal.
Ohio, meanwhile, should provide Penn State quite the challenge. Though not a top-tier football program, the Bobcats were solid in 2011, going 10-4, including notching a bowl win in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl, defeating Utah State.
It's almost imperative that Penn State comes out and plays well. O'Brien, being a Bill Belichick disciple, should have his Nittany Lions ready to go. At long last, it's time for football in Happy Valley.
Game time, TV channel: 12 p.m. ET, ESPN
Point spread: Penn State favored by 6½
For news, discussion and more:
For more on Ohio University football, visit MAC blog Hustle Belt.
For more on Nittany Lions football, visit Penn State blog Black Shoe Diaries, plus Big Ten blog Off Tackle Empire, SB Nation Pittsburgh and SB Nation Philly.
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