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Knockout blows: Penn State scores on long TD pass, punt return to pull away from Michigan State
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Penn State has broken this game wide open.
After trailing 21-10 at halftime, the Nittany Lions have stormed back to take a comfortable lead in the waning minutes of their game against Michigan State.
Penn State was leading 25-24 early in the fourth quarter when Sean Clifford hit Parker Washington for a 49-yard touchdown to put the Nittany Lions up by eight.
Here’s the play:
.@PennStateFball was once down 21-10.
They now lead 32-24, thanks to @cpw_3. ⚡ pic.twitter.com/bhjhaw5OTQ
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 12, 2020
That probably would have been enough, given how Michigan State’s offense has struggled in the second half. But the Spartans went back for more.
After getting a stop on the ensuing possession, Penn State returner Jahan Dotson caught the punt and took it 81 yards to the house.
Here’s that play:
81-YARD punt return for Jahan Dotson! 💥@PennStateFball | @H55ZY pic.twitter.com/MItwA6RVaS
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) December 12, 2020
Penn State has out-scored Michigan State 29-3 after halftime to take a commanding 39-24 lead.
Clifford has had one of his best passing games of the season, completing 17-of-27 throws for 232 yards and two touchdowns.
PSU is looking for its third win on the season but just its first at home.
Spenser is the news manager at Saturday Road and covers college football across all Saturday Football brands.