Updated

As training camp nears, as well as his second season on the sidelines, coach Bill O'Brien believes Penn State is headed in the right direction amid NCAA-imposed sanctions.

O'Brien addressed the media on Friday, joined by Penn State athletic director Dave Joyner, on a conference call to discuss the Nittany Lions' first-ever international game — in Dublin, Ireland — on Aug. 30, 2014 against Central Florida.

But the tenor of the call quickly turned toward the bigger picture, as O'Brien continues to navigate through tough waters. Penn State faces four years of scholarship reductions and no postseason bowls because of the Jerry Sandusky child abuse scandal.

"I understand exactly why the sanctions are in place," O'Brien said. "It's about putting an end to child abuse and I get that."

After losing to Ohio at home in the season opener, the Nittany Lions rallied to go 8-4 last year, including a 6-2 mark in the Big Ten.