Paterno wants Clark to get more respect

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) — Joe Paterno wants some more love for his top players.

Defensive tackle Jared Odrick? Unappreciated, JoePa says, while standout linebacker Navorro Bowman gets overlooked because he was hurt early this season.

And don’t get Paterno started on quarterback Daryll Clark.

“I don’t think Clark’s gotten anywhere near the kind of credit he should have after the season he had last year and the kind of season he’s having this year,” he said this week.

All three players have been instrumental on a Penn State team playing its most inspired ball of the season. The No. 12 Nittany Lions (7-1 3-1 Big Ten) have a four-game winning streak heading into Saturday’s game at Northwestern (5-3, 2-2).

The Hall of Fame coach tries not to over-promote his players, so his recent pleas have stood out.

It could be part public relations ploy as national postseason award nomination lists get narrowed. Or the chatter could serve as motivation to players as they prepare for the regular season’s stretch run.

Penn State lost some national luster after a 21-10 defeat to Iowa at home in Week 4 dropped them out of the BCS title chase. But the offense has rebounded behind improved line play and a potent run-pass balance that keeps defenses guessing.

“I don’t think we feel disrespected,” said left tackle Dennis Landolt, another player singled out by Paterno as not getting enough credit. “We just know some games we’re not as good as we need to be. I feel that we’re making progress on that.”

And then some. The Nittany Lions have overwhelmed their last four opponents since Iowa by an average of four touchdowns (that includes a 52-3 rout of FCS school Eastern Illinois in Week 6.)

Clark bounced back from the subpar performance against the Hawkeyes, when he threw three interceptions, to toss eight touchdowns and one interception over the last four games. He’s also rushed for four 1-yard scores during that period.

Clark riddled Michigan’s secondary last week, going 16 for 27 passing for 230 yards and four TDs.

Paterno said afterward that Clark wasn’t getting his due. He reiterated the point on Tuesday — the day after it was announced that Clark was named a semifinalist for the O’Brien Award for the nation’s top college quarterback.

Working with a young receiving corps, Clark has led the way — much as he has done since taking over as starting quarterback in 2008. His 36 career touchdown passes are five short of tying the school record.

“Whether we’re being recognized nationally or not, as long as we’re winning it’s fine with me,” Clark said.