Former Blue Eagle soars Saturday at Happy Valley
Wide receiver Jahan Dotson, a Nazareth grad, rolled up 183 yards and two touchdowns in the first half Saturday as PSU clashed with Illinois.
Things have been difficult for Penn State this season. The Nittany Lions got off to an 0-5 start and fell out of contention for a College Football Playoff (CFP) berth and Big Ten Championship. Despite the struggles, the Nittany Lions quietly turned their season around in recent weeks.
On Saturday, Penn State closed out the 2020 regular season with a big 56-21 victory over Illinois at home. The Nittany
Lions finished on a four-game winning streak and built momentum heading into the 2021 season. The Nittany Lions’ offense came alive with 20 or more points in the last four games. Against Illinois, the offense reached its fever pitch from the opening snap.
Junior receiver Jahan Dotson, a graduate of Nazareth High School, set the tempo early with a 75-yard touchdown on the
first play from scrimmage. He took a five-yard passing route and made a defender miss before racing down the sidelines. Penn State took a quick lead and the offensive train was officially on its way.
However, Dotson was not done. He added a 70-yard touchdown reception in the second quarter. His speed was the true difference as he raced away from Illinois defenders all night. Dotson finished with six catches for 189 yards on the night.
It has been quite the week for Dotson. He earned Big Ten Special Teams Player of the Week honors for his performance against Michigan State. He added an 81-yard punt return to his ledger to go along with 108 receiving yards.
Illinois attempted to stay close in the first quarter. After Penn State grabbed the lead, the Illini matched the Nittany Lions touchdown for touchdown. However, the Nittany Lions offense just proved to be too much. Sean Clifford was terrificashewent13-for-16and threw for 262 yards and two touchdowns in the first half. Penn State also had a 100-yard kickoff return from Lamont Wade.