Penn State Football: What Nittany Lions Must Do to Rebound from Tragic Season

No one needs any more reminders of how terribly sad the 2011-2012 football season was for Penn State University.

What we do need to remember is to look forward.

Bill O'Brien has taken the reins as the university's 15th head coach in its storied history. He will be leading the New England Patriots during this week's Super Bowl in his last game as their offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.

The Nittany Lions' future doesn't shine like the stars in the heavens, but there is certainly potential. Here are five things Penn State must do to make next season a successful one.

Continue Investigation Regarding Jerry Sandusky

A brand is at stake here, but it is much more than that. Trust is unequivocally one of the greatest things a football program needs.

There is much to be said about the protection of young people from sexual predators, and I will continue to leave that to more knowledgeable people. But even from a football standpoint, continuing with this investigation makes a big difference.

People need to know that this organization is safe.

Establish Clear Communication Lines Between Bill O'Brien and Quarterbacks

Could Bill O'Brien's arrival at Penn State possibly signal the end of the Big Ten "grind-it-out" style that seems to be all the Nittany Lions know?

I doubt it will be that drastic, but with Urban Meyer at Ohio State, it does seem like the Big Ten is getting a new look.

Bill O'Brien has been Tom Brady's quarterback coach for the last three years, and during this year has even been the offensive coordinator. If the Patriots' Super Bowl appearance and Tom Brady's numbers are any indication, this guy does his job well.

So, whether it is Rob Bolden, Matt McGloin or (hopefully) Paul Jones, it should be exciting to see what O'Brien does with this position.

Freshman quarterback Steven Bench also committed on Wednesday.

Develop the Tight End Position

Sure, this comes from seeing what Aaron Hernandez and Rob Gronkowski have done in New England, but why not give it a try in Happy Valley?

Bill O'Brien has turned the Patriots offense into some kind of magic machine in which tight ends are crucial to its inner-workings. Could he possibly have something similar in mind for PSU?

The Nittany Lions are losing Derek Moye, but they do have other options as receiving targets. Justin Brown and Devon Smith are certainly capable of picking up the slack, but it would be nice to have something new in the red zone.

No returning tight end had more than three catches last year, but two freshman committed on Wednesday, and I'm kind of jealous of them.

Build a New Offensive Line

Unfortunately, Penn State is only returning one of its starting offensive linemen from 2011.

Fortunately, it's their center, Matt Stankiewitch.

He is a force and should be even better in his final season with the Nittany Lions.

It is going to be somewhat of a mystery as to who pops up into these empty spots, but this is clearly a huge concern for PSU, since the quarterback situation isn't nearly secure, either.

As Always, Feed off of the Defense

Penn State should never move away from its mojo, which is its fierce linebacker corps.

In 2012-13, the entire starting group is back and should lead to a successful season on the defensive side of the ball. Glenn Carson, Gerald Hodges and (if he's healthy) Michael Mauti will lead the way.

Mike Hall, Khairi Fortt and Ben Kline could all figure into the picture as well.

Pete Massaro should be back from an ACL injury and could start at defensive end opposite Sean Stanley, who had 4.5 sacks this past season.

I am excited to see what the Penn State defense can do to take some pressure off of its young and insecure offense.