COLLEGE FOOTBALL: AROUND THE FBS
PLAYER OF THE WEEK
Will Levis, Penn State: The junior continued to shine in his role as part of Penn State’s two-quarterback system.
The Madison native and Xavier High graduate was 3-for-3 passing for 54 yards while running the ball 15 times for 36 yards and a touchdown as the Nittany Lions defeated Michigan State 39-24.
Many of Levis’ carries came as Penn State attempted to run the clock in the fourth quarter.
Levis, throwing just his second pass in four weeks, completed a tight-window throw to Jahan Dotson for a 36-yard gain on a crucial third-quarter drive.
Later in the third, Levis had a 6-yard rush and then a 1-yard touchdown dive, giving the Nittany Lions a 25-24 lead they would not relinquished.
“I’ve always had the confidence in myself to do whatever is asked for a quarterback in this offense,” Levis said in the post-game press conference. “It’s good to have the ability to throw the ball downfield a little bit today. I know the coaches trust me as well, and it’s just a matter of finding situations where it can work for us. I’m always just going to do whatever the team needs me to do to win. If that means to run the ball, great, if it means to throw the ball, great, if that means to do both, even better.”
GOING PRO
Windsor’s Jason Pinnock announced his decision to leave Pittsburgh and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft.
In August, the NCAA Board of Governors approved a measure that will
grant an extra year of eligibility to all fall sports athletes whether they played a season or not.
Pinnock will forgo the extra year of eligibility as he moves on.
The senior cornerback has 53 tackles and 5 interceptions in his 42-game career.
This fall, he leads the Panthers with 3 interceptions, including one in his final game against Georgia Tech.
Pinnock released this statement Friday evening on Twitter: “First and foremost, I want to give all glory to God! This game of football started on the pavement in the street and I’ve been in love with it ever since. Football has provided so much for me, with the potential of even more in store. With that in mind,
and after countless conversations with my family, I have decided to forgo my last year of eligibility to officially enter the 2021 NFL Draft.”
“To my coaches: I can’t thank you all enough. The lessons you’ve taught me from the age of 17 will be carried with me far beyond football. I want to personally thank Coach Narduzzi for discovering a small town kid from Windsor, CT and giving him a chance. I also want to thank Coach Collins and Coach Sanders for allowing me to grow and mature in front of their eyes without any judgement. You two believed in me even when I didn’t believe in myself. To the rest of the coaches, both past and present, I am grateful for you!”