The Lions' Pride

Also can be viewed on ESPN2 if you're at home and want to watch.

Greenberg: I think you could make the argument for coach of the year for Bill O'Brien. I was rooting for you every game except this last Saturday (NW grad).

O'Brien: Laughs. NW led by Pat Fitzgerald is a great football team, lot of respect for what he's done there. Our bunch of seniors are resiliant, practice hard, and a lot of those guys contributed to the 4th quarter comeback.

Golic: After 0-2, thought process?

O'Brien: Frustrated, but with Ohio we knew we lost to a good football team, 6-0 now. Virginia was tough, left a lot of points on the board. What impressed me was the Monday following Virginia we had our best practice. Toughest stretch of the football season coming up.

O'Brien: Lot of respect for the kids who stayed, they had nothing to do with what went on. They practice hard, play hard, go to class. 25,000 seat student section has been filled, they've been loud and were important for us against NW, been impressed with them too.

Golic: What's the motivation with no Big Ten title and Bowl game?

O'Brien: We've got a great fanbase, been on national TV every game, play in front of 100K people every week. Thousands of letterman and fans who expect us to go out there and play hard. Senior class comes to practice every day very hard and they've set the tone.

Greenberg: Going for it on 4th downs, 3rd & 5 you're not in a position where you need those five yards in one play, how's it different?

O'Brien: Third down becomes second down, as long as it is a well constructed play it is manageable. Most of the fourth downs we've gone for have been in plus territory, which makes for an ideal opportunity. Our defense has also played very well and eased the decisions.

Greenberg: Think there might be more coaches following this philosophy going forward?

O'Brien: We're only halfway through the season, we've gone for it 20 times and made it a few times, so we'll see where we are at the end of the season.

Schlereth: Let me end it, would you rather have a kicker who was automatic inside the 50, Bill? (laughs)

O'Brien: I've researched it with our staff, when you go for it on fourth down in plus territory we've seen the odds of making it are very good. We've got good players and we're making good play calls, so why not go for it.

Greenberg: Yes! I want to come over there and see some of that data. He's doing a great job at Penn State under unprecedented circumstances, 4-2, with the exception of last Saturday congrats on the season.

No need to call them a good team because they aren't. I respect BOB and how he doesn't really beat around the bush. He tells it like it is. I respect that and that's how I do things too.

He's direct, but respectful. Cannot praise the leadership of this senior class enough.

In fact, his whole staff are great interviews. They always give direct thoughtful responses to questions. You may not like the answers, but they are truthful and direct. It's one change I am very happy to see from the past staff. Open and direct.

Carry on guys. The fan base is happy because of the winning streak. Easy interviews too. There are some tough losses coming up. Especially if we sustain some injuries. But I expect the staff to remain the same. This is all a transition period for them. Good luck.

Bingo, love this guy. PSU is not going to get many kudos from likes of ESPN but winnimg cures alot. Given time and people like Costas coming out about Freeh report, discussion will change.