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Ben Jones

Ben Jones

Joined: Aug 27, 2024

Ben Jones has been covering Penn State athletics for 13 years, having been to countless home and road games for Nittany Lion sporting events spanning from the Rose Bowl to the NCAA Tournament. He's also the author of the book Happy Valley Hockey. You can read his work at https://benjonesonpennstate.substack.com and follow him on X (Twitter) at Ben_Jones88

Penn State coach James Franklin looks on from the sideline during the fourth quarter against the Washington Huskies at Beaver Stadium.
Football

For Penn State's James Franklin, Another Pivotal Moment at Minnesota

James Franklin's Penn State teams have dominated unranked opponents since 2016. Can the Nittany Lions do so again vs. the Minnesota Golden Gophers?

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Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki talks with reporters during football media day in Beaver Stadium.
Football

How Andy Kotelnicki Brought His Minnesota Roots to Penn State

Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki once taught 3-year-olds to skate. Now, he's in charge of the Nittany Lions' entertaining offense.

Ben Jones
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Penn State coach James Franklin shakes hands with the fans upon team arrival prior to the game against the Washington Huskies at Beaver Stadium.
Football

How 18 Months Changed James Franklin's Career at Penn State

Penn State Nittany Lions coach James Franklin says he's getting "the type of support at a level that I think this place demands and should have."

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Ohio State coach Ryan Day shakes hands with Penn State coach James Franklin following the Buckeyes 20-13 win over the Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium.
Football

Yes, Penn State Has Been Great. Is That Good Enough?

After another loss to Ohio State, the Penn State Nittany Lions and coach James Franklin ask more existential questions of themselves.

Ben Jones
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Penn State coach James Franklin shakes hands with Ohio State coach Ryan Day after their 2022 game at Beaver Stadium. The Buckeyes won 41-33.
Football

Is the Penn State-Ohio State Game a Must-Win for the Nittany Lions?

The Penn State Nittany Lions have a huge opportunity against the Ohio State Buckeyes. But the College Football Playoff doesn't hinge on a Nittany Lions win.

Ben Jones
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Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton is pictured on a building in downtown State College.
Football

At Penn State, College Football's New Era Arrives on a Nicholas Singleton Billboard

Penn State running back Nicholas Singleton looms over a busy State Collge intersection as part of a Gatorade marketing campaign.

Ben Jones
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Penn State coach James Franklin hugs quarterback Drew Allar after the Nittany Lions' victory at USC in a Big Ten football game.
Football

How Penn State's Second-Half Schedule Sets up for a Playoff Run

The unbeaten Penn State Nittany Lions turn toward a finish that includes three Big Ten road games and a visit from Ohio State.

Ben Jones
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Penn State coach James Franklin stands on the field during a warmup prior to the game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Beaver Stadium.
Football

What if James Franklin Had Left Penn State for USC?

Three years ago, Penn State's James Franklin appeared to be among the favorites for the USC job. Now he's coaching against the Trojans in the Big Ten.

Ben Jones
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Penn State students cheer during the fourth quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Beaver Stadium.
Football

COLUMN: That Spontaneous Penn State 'White Out' Was a Banger

Penn State football fans made their own 'White Out' vs. Illinois, bringing a spontaneous energy that roared through Beaver Stadium.

Ben Jones
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Penn State coach James Franklin looks on from the sideline during the first quarter against the Bowling Green Falcons at Beaver Stadium.
Football

COLUMN: Penn State Will Define Its Season in the Next 40 Days

The Penn State Nittany Lions open a a decisive stretch of Big Ten games vs. Illinois. with Ohio State always looming.

Ben Jones
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Penn State's defense swarms to tackle Bowling Green tight end Harold Fannin Jr. during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium.
Football

COLUMN: How Penn State Can Create Value by Playing Kent State

What's the point for Penn State in playing Kent State as a huge favorite? The Nittany Lions can start by addressing bad habits.

Ben Jones
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Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Zane Durant (28) tackles Bowling Green Falcons tight end Harold Fannin Jr. (0) during the fourth quarter at Beaver Stadium.

Column: Is Penn State's Defense in Trouble? Fair Question

The Penn State Nittany Lions delivered a first-half defensive clunker vs. Bowling Green. They've done it before and won the Big Ten.

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