Penn State Players, Coaches Don't Let Past Define Them

It’s been a tough couple of years for players and coaches alike. Penn State suffered one of the worst scandals in recent memory. Everyone obviously knows what happened in that situation so there’s no need to give Jerry Sandusky any more attention than I already have.

That being said, it’s time for the program to put those events behind them and move toward a healthy future.

Penn State has a rich history of winning, a great head coach in Joe Paterno and graduating athletes. They have an impressive past, but through the past two years with all of the horrid events coming to the surface, they are trying to overcome the bad.

You rarely hear how well the players are overcoming the adversity. The players who stayed with the program did so because they believed in a bright future. Guys like Matt McGloin stayed even though the future looked grim at the time and turned the program back into a national contender in just one season.

It’s not easy to come back and stay positive when 11 of your teammates transfer, including the starting running back, Silas Redd, and three other major contributors.

Bill O’Brien has brought positivity with him into the program. The players believe in him, they trust him and they want to win more than anyone in the country. They are resilient, they are persistent and they are Nittany Lions for life.

O’Brien has instilled his personality within his players and that is the reason they overcame adversity for a second place finish in the Leaders Division and an 8-4 record.

It’s obvious: Penn State has not let the past define them. They have taken positive strides and focused toward the future. Watch out for the program down the road.

Connor Muldowney is a College Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Connormuldowney, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.