Bill O’Brien Quarterback Genius Seen in Matt McGloin

October 6, 2012; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Matt McGloin (11) celebrates during the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-US PRESSWIRE

It’s easy to be a quarterback genius for a coach working with Tom Brady. One of the NFL’s all-time greats, Brady made Bill O’Brien’s job as New England Patriots offensive coordinator less ulcer-inducing than his new role as head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions.

O’Brien inherited the worst situation in college football history, all things considered. Absolute least of the hurdles O’Brien had to clear was building an offense for Year One with last season’s leading producing, running back Silas Redd, joining the wave of transfers out after NCAA sanctions. Establishing a philosophy with a quarterback outlook that could conservatively be called bleak became O’Brien’s challenge.

He’s met the challenge and then some, demonstrated in the development of Matt McGloin.

The once maligned McGloin led Penn State to its fourth win Saturday, rallying to defeat previously unbeaten Northwester, 39-28. McGloin threw for two touchdowns and completed 68.8 percent of his passes. He had no interceptions, and showed an unflappable demeanor in leading the Nittany Lions on three scoring drives in the decisive fourth quarter.

Is this the same player who just last season looked incapable of throwing a ball more than 15 yards? Is this veteran leader the same quarterback who just 10 months ago, fought a teammate before a bowl game to earn a suspension? Is the best passing quarterback in the Big Ten the same Matt McGloin who came to Happy Valley as a walk-on?

It’s all true. His complete turnaround is nothing short of astonishing. Certainly O’Brien deserves the lion’s share (pun intended) of credit, but McGloin is worthy commendation for executing the coach’s vision.

His late season meltdown a year ago is understandable. Being a college sophomore thrust into the firestorm that was Penn State is a difficult proposition. Other Lions seemingly handled it better, but few others were the same targets of derision. Perhaps the lowered expectations are benefiting McGloin, though it’s certainly less of a benefit than O’Brien’s genius.

McGloin isn’t merely excelling as the result of having an offense built around him. Penn State continues to employ a Pro Set, but a more modernized version that actually calls for more production from its quarterback than the Nittany Lions’ old system. The vote of confidence O’Brien’s given McGloin by opening a more complex playbook to him seemingly ignited a fire.

Penn State is now the winner of four straight, and playing perhaps the best football of any team in the Big Ten.