BEAVER TOWNSHIP — For the past 31 seasons, Bob Hannon has brought radio listeners his play-by-play of Youngstown State football games emanating from his familiar catbird seat in the Stambaugh Stadium press box.

He broadcast his 379th game on Saturday — his first game was a 28-14 loss at the University of Maine on Sept. 2, 1989, and he’s missed just one during that span due to a family commitment — a 45-10 win over Robert Morris at the Ice Castle, telling the Curbstone Coaches during Monday’s weekly program at Avion Banquet Center that Penguins are right where they were expected to be heading into league play.

“We needed to be 4-0 going into Missouri Valley Conference action because the first two weeks of the league will tell us a lot about this team,” he said. “We travel to Northern Iowa on Saturday, a place where we haven’t won since 1999, then host South Dakota State on Oct. 12 in our annual homecoming game.”

Hannon feels that with eight wins, the Penguins’ will punch their first play-off ticket since 2016 when they finished as FCS runners-up to James Madison.

“At 8-4 overall, that should get us into the play-offs, and as we all know when we look back at ’16, anything can happen when a team gets hot at the right time,” Hannon added.

“Right now, we’re the most unknown, quality team in the MVC. We didn’t play an FBS opponent for the first time since 2004, and while we are a good team, we’re still untested.

“Northern Iowa on Saturday will be our first true test, plus we play in easily the best FCS league. Four teams from the Missouri Valley Conference are currently ranked in the top-10 and three of those teams we play at Stambaugh Stadium. We need to win at home and steal a win or two on the road.”

The Penguins will host two-time defending FCS national champion North Dakota State — which has won seven of the last eight national titles — on Nov. 2 and the Bison is currently ranked No. 1 in the nation.

In addition to No. 8 Northern Iowa and No. 3 South Dakota State, YSU will also play host to No. 9 Illinois State in the regular season finale on Nov. 23.

Hannon feels the Penguins are a playoff team for several reasons.

“We are better defensively, we’ve upgraded our offensive line and our quarterback play, beginning with Nate Mays, has been nothing short of outstanding.” he stated. “Defensive end Justus Reed is back from an Achilles injury, and in my opinion, is one of the very best pass rushers in the nation. DeMarko Craig is a redshirt freshman defensive tackle and the two remind me of ’16 when we had Derek Rivers and Avery Moss and the havoc they created defensively.

“Last year, our safeties were playing out of position due to injuries and this year’s back end is much better. Senior Kyle Hegedus, who had an interception this past weekend against Robert Morris, is back from a serious knee injury, and Zaire Jones, a transfer from the Vanderbilt University, has two picks as well. We currently have seven interceptions as a team through four games and had just three overall a season ago.”

He said the offense is coming around and at the right time.

“We always knew that Nate Mays could run, but his accuracy and decision-making under center thus far has been most impressive,” he noted. “He’s thrown five touchdown passes and is averaging over 200 yards of total offense a game, of which 150 yards is through the air. His passing has been pin-point.

“We upgraded the offensive line with the addition of Hubbard native and former West Virginia University center Matt Jones, who started 25 of 26 games the last two seasons for the Mountaineers. He’s a veteran and a huge upgrade who has gone through the Big-12 wars while adding much-needed stability.

“With four quality running backs and depth at wide receiver, we’re deeper overall in every area in this, (coach) Bo (Pelini’s) fifth season at the helm.”

Hannon also lauded local stars Joe Alessi, a running back from South Range, and quarterback Mark Waid of Girard High School.

“It’s great to see a local guy like Joe Alessi do well,” he said. “It’s impressive to see the patience that he has displayed, waiting for his turn when others might have quit or transferred. His stick-to-itiveness has paid off.

“Mark, on the other hand, has played in one game, looked good under center with two rushing touchdowns and with the new NCAA rules allowing a player four games played before redshirting, look for him to possibly redshirt and have four stellar years still remaining.”

Next Monday, Dan Deramo, a member of the Brookfield Warriors’ 1978 state championship football team will serve as guest speaker.