Penn State Football: 5 Things O'brien Must Do to Right the Ship

In the wake of the biggest scandal in NCAA history, unprecedented penalties, and players/recruits leaving almost daily it's safe to say Penn State is in a sink-or-swim scenario. As fall camp is underway these are 5 steps head coach Bill O'brien must take in order to ensure Penn State football doesn't fade away for the foreseeable future:  

courtesy of onwardstate.com

1. Recruit, Recruit, Recruit!- This is a never-ending job for any head coach, but O'Brien has to take it more seriously than most. He doesn't have the capabilities of other programs in light of the NCAA's sanctions, and he's going to have to refine Penn State's sales pitches. The Nittany Lions can't promise the postseason, but they can offer other things. A quality education, NFL dreams and excellent college community are all things to like about Happy Valley. O'Brien must lean on what's left to draw recruits to campus.Penn State will struggle with this. The future success of its program relies on O'Brien's ability to lure blue-chip talent.


2. Balance the Offense- Matt McGloin can't carry an offense, and he doesn't have much help left. Silas Redd is gone, and he was easily Penn State's best offensive weapon. O'Brien has to make sure his offense remains balanced. The run game isn't strong enough to move the chains consistently, and McGloin can't do it all himself. They must keep defenses off balance and get creative.This may be the toughest part until we see what O'Brien is working with for the coming years.


3. Stay Positive-  This is simple. O'Brien, even if the Nittany Lions are losing games, must stay positive. We've already seen Penn State's players doing countless interviews speaking about their family-like atmosphere and dedication to the university. O'Brien must confirm those feelings and make sure they don't waver during hard times.The Nittany Lions are going to lose some games over the next four, or more years. O'Brien has to make sure his players keep their heads on straight and keep their mission in mind.


4. Focus on New Legacy-  No one is saying the words forgive or forget. That isn't necessary, and that would be a dangerous thing to do. But Penn State players must separate themselves from Joe Paterno's broken legacy and create their own.O'Brien and his players are in the same boat. Each side is working with a clean slate, and neither side is expected to succeed on the field. Penn State's program needs to find a new direction, and O'Brien has to make sure it has definite differences from Paterno's years in Happy Valley.

courtesy of thematadorsports.com 

5. Keep Saying the Right Things- This, in my opinion, is the No. 1 priority. O'Brien must establish himself as a rallying point for the "new" Penn State football program. As an outside product, he must be the shining light at the end of a very dark tunnel in Happy Valley. O'Brien has a way about him that's both "real" and positive. He has an unquestionable energy and a valiant, "glass half full" approach. There's nothing fake about him, and he truly believes what he says. O'Brien's attitude and energy is the best thing about him. Even if the talent on Penn State's sidelines doesn't produce wins right away, Penn State fans know O'Brien's head is in the right place.