STATE COLLEGE, PENN. (AP) -- Penn State fans ushered in a new era in the football program with a raucous ovation as the team stormed the field for their first game under coach Bill O'Brien.
O'Brien, the former offensive coordinator with the New England Patriots, led the charge in the first home opener without Joe Paterno since 1949.
More than 80,000 fans chanted the familiar "We are .. Penn State!" shortly before kickoff against Ohio. After scandal rocked the program, the Penn State community is ready to put the focus back on football.
Penn State held a moment of reflection for all victims of sexual abuse. And all 31 Penn State teams and more than 600 athletes were invited on the field before the game as part of Penn State's "One Team" motto.
Not long after, the Nittany Lions lost the coin toss, but the Bobcats elected to kick first. So, the O'Brien era began fittingly, on offense.
However, Penn State lost to Ohio 24-14.
(Copyright ©2012 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
