If Penn State is to avoid its first 0-2 start to a football season since the 2001 campaign, several issues that derailed a strong start against the Ohio Bobcats must be eliminated next Saturday when the Nittany Lions head to Charlottesville to take on the Virginia Cavaliers.
No one really wanted to think about it, but everyone knew in the back of their heads that it could happen. Despite all of the morale and excitement leading up to today, there was a real chance that Penn State could drop its season opener for the first time since 2001. Those fears turned into reality as the Nittany Lions (0-1) fell to the Ohio Bobcats (1-0) 24-14.
Good morning from Beaver Stadium. Football is a few hours away as the Penn State Nittany Lions are set to take on the Ohio Bobcats in the season opener. Below is all of the information and media coverage for the day.
For the first time in nearly half a century, the Penn State Nittany Lions will play the opening game of a football season under a head coach not named Joe Paterno. For the first time in nearly a decade, their opponent on the first Saturday of the college football season will be rather formidable. The Ohio Bobcats are not your typical cream puff opponent that high profile programs often schedule in the opener.
Details are beginning to emerge regarding the Athletics Integrity Agreement that Penn State was required to enter into as part of the NCAA sanctions. First, former Senate Majority Leader George Mitchell was appointed by the NCAA to serve as Penn State's integrity monitor for the next five years while the athletic department is on probation. Yesterday, terms of the agreement were posted on the progress.psu.edu website.
Bill O'Brien's mouth tells the media that the first year Penn State head coach is nervous heading into Saturday's opener against the Ohio Bobcats. His demeanor sure isn't showing it. To be fair, he isn't really showing anything, but he and his players are ready for actual football.