When Penn State hired Bill O'Brien, I had a one word response: "Who?" Now, after watching Coach O'Brien at the helm through his first seven games, I've moved from one word to three: "Thank you, Jesus."
The truth is, I've been developing a crush on Bill O'Brien all fall. Even after the early losses to Ohio and Virginia, I think I might have kissed him if I'd seen him. It wasn't just that dimple on his chin. It was the way he completely "gets" Penn State. Though he'd only been affiliated with the school since January, he seemed to immediately understand what made it so special -- the sense of community, the tradition, and the "can do" attitude that you see whenever you're up in State College. Every time he spoke, you could tell that he understood all that.
Most importantly, with each public statement that he made, Coach O'Brien stressed the importance of team unity and reminded us of the remarkable commitment that the players who'd stayed had made to the school. Additionally, he made it clear that no one associated with the football program was spending any time feeling sorry for themselves. Instead, they were going to outwork and outthink their competition. Hmmm. Good advice.
Watching Penn State thrash Iowa last night, my little crush became full-blown love.
It happened at the very beginning of the second half. Just before the second-half kick-off, the sideline reporter was doing a quick interview with Coach O'Brien. With Penn State already up 24-0, he was asked what his locker-room message to his team had been. Bill's response: "I told them it's 0-0."
OK. I get it. A lot of coaches would say something like that. After all, it's the easy thing to say. But, how many of them really mean it?
Bill meant it. He called a long bomb on the very first play of the half. It worked and, just one play later, Penn State was up 31-0. Game, set, match.
After the game, the same reporter caught up to Coach O'Brien on the sideline. His team had just won at Kinnick Stadium for the first time since 1999. They were 3-0 in the conference and winners of five straight games. Did he smile? Hell, no. He simply praised the toughness of his players, reminded us watching at home that there's another game next week, and then turned around and left the field.
Bill O'Brien is playing the hand he's been dealt and he's not complaining about it. He's getting the most out his players. It's truly remarkable to watch. Better yet, it's fun.
So, when I go to bed this evening and silently recite the reasons I'm thankful, Bill's going to be up there on my list. Just how high is my little secret.