Jones expects Penn State to be in contention

Despite their loss to USC in the Rose Bowl this past January, Penn State play-by-play announcer Steve Jones believes the Lions have the talent to make another run at a national title.

Jones has been a Penn State basketball announcer for 28 years and has been involved with Penn State football for 18, the past 10 as its play-by-play announcer.

Penn State was selected to finish second in the Big Ten this season, behind preseason favorite Ohio State.

"When you play in the Big 10, you're automatically going to have a tough schedule," said Jones, who attended an event through the Williamsport Nittany Lion Booster Club at the VFW in Duboistown. "When you do this, every single week, because of how college football is, it's almost like a 12-game playoff to get to the promised land."

Penn State begins the year with four straight home games, including a showdown against Iowa, which handed the Lions its only regular-season loss last year. The Lions, who will need to build depth through the non-conference portion of the schedule, can't afford any major injuries as they face the stretch run.

"I think if you can keep guys healthy, they have the opportunity to be one of the better teams in the country. especially when you start at quarterback with Daryll Clark," Jones said. "Clark's a special player, I think he has the chance to get even better. And the key is to keep him healthy because you have a true freshman behind him (Kevin Newsome) and you're talking about an invited walk-on who was a very good quarterback (Matt McGloin). But still, neither one has game experience outside of the Blue and White game."

The Nittany Lions have a solid defense backed by a solid pass rush and strong linebacking core, according to Jones.

Penn State has Ollie Ogbu and Jared Odrick at defensive tackle and Jerome Hayes returning at defensive end to help anchor their defensive line.

At linebacker, Sean Lee is returning from an injury and Navorro Bowman hopes to build off a breakout season.

As for its secondary, Penn State is just as talented. Drew Astorino played last season as nickelback, and Jones feels that he has the instincts to play as an every down safety and be the heart of their secondary. A.J. Wallace has already proven himself as well as being a one of the better shutdown corners in the conference.

Jones though isn't too sure about the rest of that secondary, but there is the talent there to put together a great unit.

Cedric Jeffries, Gerald Hodge and Andrew Dailey will all be competing for the position. The remainder corner spot could go to Knowledge Timmons or D'Anton Lynn.

The offensive line is another group with talented players, but limited gameday experience.

"You need to have a good solid offensive line infront of (Clark) and I think they have the makings to have a good offensive line," Jones said.

The Nittany Lions moved around their offensive line this year. Stefen Wisniewski switched from guard to center, a position Wisniewski played in high school. The move also allows for Matt Stan-kiewitch to attempt to get some playing time, a move which Jones thinks is a smart decision.

"Dennis Landolt is going to be one of the better offensive lineman in the conference to begin with," Jones said. "Then there's DeOn'tae Pannell, who last year played some as a true freshman. He's a true sophomore, has good feet, not a lot of experience. I think they'll have to make a decision as to what player they'll want at left tackle because at the end of the spring they took Landolt and moved him to left tackle and that's critical for a right handed quarterback."

Behind their offensive line is a great running duo - senior Evan Royster and junior Stephfon Green. Royster's ability to see the hole and make the quick cut and Green's receiving ability make them a potent pair.

Penn State lost a trio of productive receivers from last year, leaving opportunities for others to make an immediate impact.

"Brett Brackett has a lot of playing experience and has made big plays in big games," Jones said. "Chaz Powell got a lot of experience last year and he'll take the Williams' spot and he'll do so with some speed."