Penn State @ Virginia preview

Bill O'Brien's career at Penn State began in difficult fashion. The Nittany Lions, despite overwhelming support from fans who came out to back the players that stayed with the program in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky scandal, blew an 11-point halftime lead and fell to Ohio 24-14 in O'Brien's first game as coach. After starting 0-1 for the first time since 2001, Penn State will travel to Virginia on Saturday for its first road game under O'Brien. It will be a significant challenge for a team that needs time to find itself. The Cavaliers are coming off an easy victory over Richmond that showcased what could be a formidable passing attack.

TV: 12 p.m. ET, ABC. LINE: Virginia -8.5

ABOUT PENN STATE (0-1, 0-0 Big 10): Behind O'Brien's NFL-style offense, the Nittany Lions moved the ball well at times in the first half against Ohio, but were no match after halftime when they were outgained 301-115. Penn State lost starting running back Bill Belton with an ankle injury last week and is considered probable for Saturday. Quarterback Matt McGloin completed 28 of 47 passes for 260 yards and two touchdowns. The 28 completions are a career high and the 260 yards represent McGloin's highest total since Nov. 27, 2010, against Michigan State.

ABOUT VIRGINIA (1-0, 0-0 ACC): Quarterback Michael Rocco threw for 311 yards and a touchdown in a 43-19 rout of Richmond. Phillip Sims, a highly regarded transfer from Alabama, also got into the act by completing 5 of 6 passes on the Cavaliers' final drive. Virginia amassed 545 total yards, only the fourth time since 2005 that they have surpassed the 500-yard mark. Mike London has won all five of his season openers as a head coach, including two at Richmond and three since taking over at Virginia in 2010.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Rocco's father, Frank Rocco Jr., was a backup quarterback on Penn State's 1982 national championship team. Michael Rocco was recruited by Joe Paterno, but elected to attend Virginia after two other incoming freshmen quarterback verbally committed to Penn State.

2. The Nittany Lions won the last meeting in 2002, topping the Cavaliers 35-14 in Beaver Stadium. Virginia defeated Penn State at home in 2001 in a game that was moved from its original date because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

3. Virginia is scheduled to make a return trip to Happy Valley next Sept. 14.

PREDICTION: Virginia 24, Penn State 20.