Paterno Still Remembered In O'Brien Era

STATE COLLEGE, CENTRE COUNTY - Penn State's fourth quarter comeback against Northwestern was arguably the team's biggest victory under first-year coach Bill O'Brien, but memories of former coach Joe Paterno still echo in and around Beaver Stadium on game day.

Fans, students and alumni are still bringing signs and symbols of remembrance to honor Paterno.

Often, they're placing the remembrances where the statue of Paterno once stood just outside the stadium.

It's something older grads are trying to keep in perspective as O'Brien navigates through his first season.

"I think it's always going to happen," said Greg Petrowski, class of 1984. "But I don't think it's anything that should be looked on or reflected negatively on Coach O'Brien."

Petrowski also added that he felt fans bringing remembrances of Paterno to the games was simply part of the grieving process.

First-year Penn State student Alexandra Hogan says she understands the importance of remembering Paterno's time at Penn State, but she's excited to be witnessing the beginning of a new era.

"They loved Joe Paterno," she said. "But they're accepting of Bill O'Brien right now and they're really happy he's the new coach."

Under coach O'Brien, Penn State now has a 4-2 record, and not only is he answering to players, fans and media, with all the reminders of Paterno, it seems like he's also answering to Penn State's past.