Bill Belichick surely had an eye on at least one college football score Saturday. It was Belichick's former assistant against the school where the Patriots head coach first learned to coach under his father as Penn State faced off against Navy.
Bill O'Brien got the first win of his head coaching career as the Nittany Lions clobbered the Midshipmen 34-7 at Beaver Stadium in University Park. The former Patriots assistant took what might have become the toughest job in college football back in January, replacing embattled Penn State legend, Joe Paterno.
O'Brien and the Nittany Lions were off to a tough start even before the season began with recruits and star players dropping out of the program like flies. Junior running back Silas Redd was the most notable player allowed to leave the program without penalty, due to the sanctions against the team following the Jerry Sandusky trial. When the Lions started the season losing their first two games, it seemed that all hope was lost in Happy Valley.
Quarterback Matt McGloin lead the way for the Nittany Lions with 231 yards and four touchdowns in the school's first win since Nov. 19 of last year.
Sophomore wide receiver Allen Robinson was McGloin's top target, hauling in five receptions for 136 yards and three touchdowns.
The Penn State defense held the Midshipmen scoreless for three quarters before allowing Gee Gee Greene to score on a twelve yard scamper into the end zone.
O'Brien was a Patriots assistant coach for five years following a two-year stint at Duke as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. O'Brien was officially named offensive coordinator for only one season in 2011 after the role had been vacant for two years.
