Penn State Football: Bill O’Brien Radio Show Recap

Every senior class is different, and few coaches know that better than Penn State head coach Bill O’Brien — especially after two senior classes that have significantly impacted his program. In 2012, the senior class fought to keep the program afloat. In 2013, the senior class stayed to ensure the program would continue to rebuild and succeed while under NCAA sanctions.

So for O’Brien it’s difficult to compare the importance of each class. But during his Thursday radio show at Damon’s Restaurant he was still open about what they mean to him personally.

“It’s hard, because people always ask me to compare both classes,” O’Brien said on Thursday. “Last year’s class obviously will go down as one of the most special classes in Penn State football. This class is just as special. To be honest with you, they’re the reason I came back here for the 2013 season, this senior class. They’re just a special group of guys. Work extremely hard, tough kids. These kids have laid on the line every week.”

All of those players will take the field in Beaver Stadium one last time this weekend when the Nittany Lions face Nebraska in a 3:30 contest.

Coach O’Brien also talked about current QB Christian Hackenberg and last year’s signal caller Matt McGloin.

Where the team is compared to earlier this year.

“We’re a different team. We’re going to be different every year. We’re going to try to do things that suit the certain skill set of our players. We’ve decided to run the ball, be play action, have a young quarterback who’s a really good player that has a chance to be a great player. We might be a little bit different next year, too.”

Watching Matt McGloin this past weekend.

“I watched the game and I have texted back and forth with McGloin. Anyone that’s surprised by anything Matt McGloin does is not a smart person. Take it from me, in 2009 we went on the road to Houston and they beat us bad. To go on the road and lead them to a victory against Houston, that says it all right there. He’ll continue to improve and they’ll continue to stick with him.”

Favorite game of the season.

“Obviously I loved the ones that we’ve won but the Michigan was a great win for our program. It meant a lot to me and a lot to our seniors and the guys on the team. So I would say the wins have been awesome. I was talking to the team and I was listing the things you love about football. But there’s no better feeling than a winning locker room.”

How much power does Hackenberg to change the play at the line.

“He has a lot of leeway. He’s earned that right over the first 10 games. I thought it was that best game against Purdue because he did a fantastic job of seeing what they were doing and getting us into the right play. When you really understand how to manage the game and get into the right runs and attack the defense in the running game, that really helps. And he’s doing that quite well.”