PSU's O'Brien focused on key position battles

STATE COLLEGE - This time around, there are no "How excited are you for your first game in Beaver Stadium" questions for Bill O'Brien heading into the Blue-White Game.

But for those looking to get a glimpse at how the coach and his players look near the end of the school year, Penn State's spring tradition will carry on Saturday at noon.

The position battle capturing most of the attention is that of quarterback, currently between rising sophomore Steven Bench and rising redshirt sophomore Tyler Ferguson, with heralded recruit Christian Hackenberg waiting in the wings. At his most recent media availability on April 10, O'Brien said it is neck-and-neck.

"Really, I can't say that one guy has really stood out above the other guy. They have both had their moments," the second-year coach said.

O'Brien noted both have been working hard to catch up to veteran players who have been in the system longer than they. At the same time, O'Brien said he has expanded his offense, adding "quite a bit" to it.

He also noted that the pair have had the same amount of reps in practice.

Both Bench and Ferguson have yet to be made available to the media during spring practice season. Hackenberg will begin practicing with the team in summer.

Zach Zwinak, who came out of nowhere to rush for 1,000 yards in 2012, said during a Wednesday teleconference that he, Akeel Lynch and Bill Belton are seeing "even" reps in spring practice.

Each of the three brings a different strong suit to the table, according to O'Brien - rising redshirt junior Zwinak brings the brawn, rising junior Belton brings the speed, and rising redshirt freshman Lynch brings a mix of the two.

Zwinak said the goal is simple for the running backs in the Blue-White Game: "Run our plays the best we can and have a successful day running the ball."

O'Brien implemented an innovative, albeit confusing, scoring system for last year's game that pitted the offense against the defense. O'Brien said he the system makes it more about the fans, because "you win the game, you're Penn State" anyway.

"I don't see why it's a big deal," O'Brien said.

Here is the scoring breakdown:

Offense touchdown: Six points

Field goal: Three points

Big play (15 or more yards): Two points

Two consecutive first downs: Two points

Extra point: One point

Defense touchdown: Seven points

Turnover (unless TD): Six points

Sack: Four points

Three-and-out: One point

Tackle for loss: Two points

In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings on Monday, university officials are taking extra security measures for the game, according to a news release. No bags, backpacks or purses will be allowed into Beaver Stadium or anywhere else on campus that is hosting a Blue-White Weekend activity. There also will be a heavier police presence, and officials will conduct a security sweep of the stadium.