Penn State Football: Bill O'Brien Starts Football Post-Joe Paterno at Penn State

We all know the story as long-time head coach Joe Paterno was fired in the midst of the Jerry Sandusky child abuse scandal. Things got ugly in State College, Pa. and the coaching search was not one that left most Penn State fans enthused as the school opted for a little known NFL offensive coordinator.

Bill O'Brien, the man who rebuilt the New England Patriots offensive attack in the last couple seasons, was not a hot commodity or a big name, but he is the guy at the helm for one of college football's biggest programs.

So now the picking up of the pieces and playing football starts as the Nittany Lions open up spring ball today in Happy Valley. On the field the roster is as solid as it was a year ago; not among the nation's truly elite, but one that has quality players and the ability to be successful in the Big Ten.

The quarterback issue is one that looms large as Matt McGloin and Rob Bolden both look to compete for the job. Penn State has also thrown their hat in the Danny O'Brien race, but that is something that won't be decided until the summer season.

In McGloin and Bolden we have two quarterbacks who have both seen their fair share of the action, but have still left plenty to be desired. Both have looked capable in spots, but neither has been efficient or effective on a game by game basis. Consistency at the quarterback spot is job one going into spring camp and that does not change, regardless of which quarterback pushes to the lead on the depth chart.

The plus is that Silas Redd is back in the blue and white; that gives a bit of security to the passing game as Redd is a quality back capable of getting the tough yards and pacing the offense. In order to avoid seeing eight in the box on a play-by-play basis, the Nittany Lions need to get more production from the receiver position.

Derek Moye is gone, leaving Justin Brown and Devon Smith to see even bigger roles. Shawn Kersey and Curtis Drake are in the mix and getting the rising juniors to step up will help make things easier for McGloin and Bolden.

O'Brien's hallmark for New England has been his inventive usage of the tight end and flex position to take advantage of situational mismatches, but Penn State returns just one tight end, Kevin Haplea, who caught a pass in 2011. However, early enrollee tight end Jesse James has a shot to compete for time and the 6'7" kid from McKeesport, Pa. is a mismatch waiting to happen.

While the offense will be job one for O'Brien and his new staff the keystone for Penn State throughout the years has been their defense. Last year, the Nittany Lions finished 20th in total defense and fifth in scoring defense, boasting a 15th ranked defensive FEI.

Now, folks in State College are watching to make sure that defense does not regress under new coordinator Ted Roof. Roof comes with less than stellar fanfare; if O'Brien was unknown coming into the job then Roof enters on a bit of notorious note. As in notorious for how Auburn's defense played during his tenure.

Auburn's linebackers, Roof's position group, struggled to get off blocks, and the defense as a whole gave up a lot of yards and points; even in their BCS title 2010 season. Watching what becomes of this defense will be interesting, but Penn State does have a plus in all of this as two long time assistants remain on staff.

Ron Vanderlinden and Larry Johnson will remain at the lead of the linebackers and defensive lines for Penn State and that means quality teaching is still in place. 

It is a good thing for this Penn State squad to get back on the field. Gives the players and coaches a chance to focus on the football as players are looking to win spots, understand the new schemes and get the program into the Big Ten Championship game.

With Ohio State barred from getting to the title game and Wisconsin looking for a quarterback the window is open for Penn State if they can put some of O'Brien's offensive flair with their sound defense.