Blue-White Game Has State College Buzzing Over Bill O’Brien

From memorabilia to welcome signs to hot dog shops, State College has been preparing for months, waiting with great anticipation to see where Tom Brady’s former position coach will take their Nittany Lions.

At 2 p.m. on Saturday, the Blue-White Game will officially launch a new era, a road not traveled by the Penn State faithful for more than 60 years. A new head coach is in place, and that means new formations, new plays called, and a new face in the community.

On Monday, ‘Billieve’ was painted onto the windows of the West College Avenue Dunkin’ Donuts, and shirts with the same message are on display at The Family Clothesline.

Newly nestled on Beaver Avenue sit’s Billy O’s, a new hot dog joint named after O’Brien. Even Moyer Jewelers got in the spirit, with a welcome sign hanging above the store, welcoming to town the first new head football coach in more than 60 years. 

O’Brien has spent his non-practice s time in State College talking to people in the community.

On Friday night, he rallied the crowd at the Blue-White Carnival. On Saturday morning, he’ll be at the Nittany Lion in pre-game to talk to fans, along with some other Penn State coaches. 

Those same Penn State coaches are rooting for him, too.

On Friday, Penn State basketball head coach Patrick Chambers tweeted, who won’t be in State College this weekend this weekend, tweeted, ‘Getting field ready for Blue/White Weekend…can’t be around…’

‘but hope @Nittany_Nation has a great time watching Coach O’Brien’s 1st appearance in #BeaverStadium #weare.’ 

Despite AccuWeather’s forecast of possible thunderstorms Saturday, kickoff it set for 2 p.m., and Bill O’Brien will enter a crowded Beaver Stadium and take his place on the sideline as head coach. 

Related coverage:

• Video: Bill O’Brien Guarantees Victory in Blue-White Game (April 20)