JUDGMENT
CALL
John Beale
I
n his first year at Penn State, Bill
O'Brien developed a reputation as
a gambler.
That perception isn't entirely accurate. A gambler takes risks in
hope of defying the odds – hardly an
apt description of O'Brien's managerial style. While he admittedly made
a few decisions from the gut last
year, his philosophy for the most part
is that of an extremely meticulous
coach who thinks through every facet
of the job.
But understanding the odds has
been – and will continue to be – a
huge part of Penn State football as
the program grapples with the impact of the NCAA sanctions. And
that's not only the case for O'Brien
and his staff, but also for fans.
After last season's remarkable 8-4
finish, in which the team overcame
an 0-2 start to reel off five wins and
eventually take down the Big Ten's
Rose Bowl representative in a
thrilling season finale, optimism is
everywhere in Happy Valley.
