Tag: Ji’Ayir Brown

What Penn State players were named All-Big Ten for 2021?

What Penn State players received all-Big Ten honors or honorable mention from B1G coaches and media in 2021?

Award season is upon us, and a number of Penn State players are receiving Big Ten accolades. The Big Ten unveiled its all-Big Ten rosters for the 2021 season as selected by the coaches and media around the conference. The Penn State defense landed two first-team All-Big Ten players after a very strong season.

Jaquan Brisker was one of four defensive backs to receive first-team accolades by the Big Ten coaches. Brisker joined Michigan’s Dax Hill and the Iowa duo of Dane Belton and Riley Moss on the first-team list.

Defensive lineman Arnold Ebiketie also landed on the first team after an impressive fall season after transferring from Temple. Ebikeitie was listed on the first-team defensive line along with Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson, Ohio State’s Haskell Garrett, and Purdue’s George Karlaftis. That would be one monster of a defensive line, for sure.

Jahan Dotson was the only Penn State player to receive All-Big Ten recognition on offense. Dotson was named to the second-team All-Big Ten along with Garrett Wilson of Ohio State. Ohio State’s Chris Olave and Purdue’s David Bell took the first-team honors.

On special teams, punter Jordan Stout was named first-team All-Big Ten. Of course, that should have been expected after Stout was named the Big Ten’s punter of the year. Dotson also received a third-team nod for All-Big Ten as a return specialist.

PJ Mustipher and Ellis Brooks each appeared on the second-team defense. Brandon Smith, Ji’Ayir Brown, and Joey Porter Jr. all appeared on the third team All-Big Ten list.

Sean Clifford, Juice Scruggs, and Rasheed Walker all earned honorable mention for the offense by the coaches. Walker was named third-team All-Big Ten by the Big Ten media, while Brenton Strange and Mike Miranda received an honorable mention by the media. Defensive honorable mentions went to Tariq Castro-Fields and Jesse Luketa as well. Luketa received third-team All-Big Ten by the media. the media also gave honorable mention nods to Mustipher, Brooks, Brown, and Curtis Jacobs in addition to those appearing on the coaches honorable mentions list.

[vertical-gallery id=10568]

[listicle id=10794]

[lawrence-related id=10804,10789,10768,10688,10685]

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on Twitter and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion.

Jahan Dotson, Ji’Ayir Brown earn Big Ten weekly honors

The Big Ten honored Penn State’s Jahan Dotson and Ji’Ayir Brown for their big games against Maryland

Penn State wide receiver Jahan Dotson turned in a school-record setting performance in a win against Maryland this weekend, and the Big Ten certainly took notice. Dotson was named Big Ten co-offensive player of the week for his performance against Maryland. And he was not alone in receiving Big Ten honors in Happy Valley.

Safety Ji’Ayir Brown, who sealed the victory over Maryland with an interception returned for a touchdown in the final minutes, was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week. It was pretty clear that both players were deserving of their weekly honors from the Big Ten offices.

Dotson set a new school-record for the most receiving yards in a single game with 242 yards, and he added three touchdowns as well. The only other touchdown scored in the game by Penn State was by Brown with his pick-six.

Brown has been having a fantastic season this year for the Nittany Lions. In a year where Jaquan Brisker has been in the spotlight as the top player on the Penn State defense, it is Brown who leads the Big Ten with four interceptions, which is good for third in the FBS.

Penn State will hope to get more big moments from Dotson and Brown in Week 11 when the Nittany Lions host Michigan.

[lawrence-related id=9513,9456,9453,9418,9415]

[listicle id=9419]

[vertical-gallery id=9416]

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on Twitter and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion.

Here’s how Ji’Ayir Brown’s game-sealing pick-six sounded on Penn State radio

LISTEN: How Steve Jones called Ji’Ayir Brown’s big pick-six against Maryland on the Penn State Radio Network

Penn State’s defense has been coming up with big plays all season long, and Ji’Ayir Brown has been involved in a number of the big defensive moments this season for the Nittany Lions. Brown added one more highlight to his 2021 season with a pick-six against Maryland to put the game away in Penn State’s favor on Saturday. Brown’s long touchdown return capped Penn State’s 31-14 victory at Maryland, effectively serving as the final nail in the coffin for the Terrapins’ upset bid.

Brown played everything perfectly from reading the eyes of Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, timing the pass just right to step in front of the intended receiver and using his speed to make sure nobody could catch him along the way for an easy return for a touchdown.

[lawrence-related id=9456]

If you missed the moment live, here is how the play sounded on the FS1 broadcast with Dan Hellie on the call…

But of course, no signature moment of Penn State football is called any better than how Steve Jones captured the moment on the Penn State radio network. Here’s how Jones called the big play, and how Jack Ham broke it down afterward.

As Jones said, game, set, match.

Penn State clinched bowl eligibility with the win and now prepares for a big home game against the Michigan Wolverines in Week 11.

[lawrence-related id=9480,9511,9468,9463,9458,9456,9453]

[listicle id=9504]

[vertical-gallery id=9416]

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on Twitter and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion.

Inside the box score: The key factors in Penn State’s Week 10 win at Maryland

Inside the box score: Jahan Dotson’s record-setting day was just part of the story of Penn State’s win over Maryland

Penn State finished strong in a Week 10 win over Maryland. Clifford struggled in the first half but really turned it on in the second as Jahan Dotson was on his way to setting a school record for the most single-game receiving yardage in Penn State history.

Maryland had some momentum going their way as the fourth quarter got started, but the upset bid ran out of steam as Penn State came up with the big plays it needed on offense and defense to pull away for the win.

Let’s take a look at the box score and pick out the key players from both teams.

WATCH: Ji’Ayir Brown pick-six puts Maryland away

WATCH: Ji’Ayir Brown pick-six vs. Maryland slams the door shut on the Terps

The final whistle has yet to be blown, but Ji’Ayir Brown may have just dealt the knockout blow to the Maryland Terrapins. Stepping in front of a pass from Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, Brown timed his movement perfectly to pick off a pass in the red zone and there was nobody anywhere in the proximity to stop Brown from going the distance.

With Penn State up 24-14, Maryland was moving the football well and once again in a position to put points on the board as time was beginning to run thin. But Penn State’s red zone defense has been stellar all season long, and Brown has been a part of that success time and time again.

Brown timed the pass perfectly and had nothing but empty space in front of him with most of the Maryland offense already situated on the opposite end of the field in a red zone situation.

The Brown pick-six was the first Penn State touchdown not scored by wide receiver Jahan Dotson in the game. Dotson set a new school record for single-game receiving yardage (242 yards), with three touchdowns on top of it.

[lawrence-related id=9453,9418,9421,9415]

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on Twitter and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion.

WATCH: Penn State fumbles football right back to Buckeyes after defense gets a takeaway

WATCH: Penn State and Ohio State exchanged fumbles on back-to-back plays in the first quarter

Penn State’s defense came up with a big turnover on Ohio State’s opening possession of the game, but the Nittany Lions gave the ball right back to the Buckeyes one play later. In a quick roller coaster of emotions in Columbus, Penn State’s running game blew the golden opportunity at the start of the game as Penn State looks to score a major upset against the heavily-favored Ohio State.

On a 3rd-and-3, Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud completed a pass to Jeremy Ruckert. After Ruckert managed to stay on his feet after initial contact by Ji’Ayir Brown, Ruckert had the ball stripped from his hands by Brown who came back on the play as Ruckert battled for the first down yardage. Brown then came up with the fumble recovery.

Unfortunately for Penn State, taking the ball over at the Ohio State 46-yard line went down as a missed opportunity for the Nittany Lions. On the first play after the Ohio State fumble, Sean Clifford handed the ball off to Noah Cain. As Cain ran up the middle, he was stopped just behind the line of scrimmage and had the ball stripped out of his hands by Marcus Williamson, and Haskell Garrett jumped on the loose ball before Clifford could save the play.

Penn State’s defense managed to send the Ohio State offense off the field on the ensuing possession, keeping the game scoreless at the time.

Follow Nittany Lions Wire on Twitter and like us on Facebook for continuing Penn State coverage and discussion.

Penn State football: Injury report roundup

Let’s get all caught up on the Penn State injury situation during the bye week

Penn State has the week off, but we have seen a whirlwind of events transpire these past few days, especially on the injury side of the Nittany Lions. Penn State has been lucky enough to have a very limited injury report this season. However, that wasn’t the case last weekend against Iowa.

Report Card: Grading Penn State’s win over Indiana

The grades are in for Penn State following their Week 5 win over Indiana

Penn State defeated Indiana 24-0 at Beaver Stadium on Saturday night. Indiana struggled in every aspect of the game. On the other hand, the Nittany Lions were in full control of this game all night. There were plenty of key moments on both sides of the ball from Penn State.

Let’s take a more in-depth look at the performance by Penn State in Week 5 and grade how each area did.

Quarterbacks: A-

Despite throwing an interception in the first half, which really was just good coverage, Sean Clifford had a heck of a game Saturday night. Even though Indiana has been up and down all season thus far, Clifford still looked more confident than ever. He continues to put himself on the map as one of the best quarterbacks in the Big Ten.

Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

[lawrence-related id=7794,7766,7762,7758]

Next: Running Backs

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5

Report Card: Grading Penn State’s win over Villanova

REPORT CARD: Penn State’s passing game earned high marks in a win against Villanova while the running game can improve

Penn State defeated Villanova in fashion today 38-17, despite a scare in the end of what was almost a fumble recovery touchdown by the Wildcats. But all in all, there were plenty of positive for the Nittany Lions to reflect on. At the same time, there is clearly some room for improvement as Penn State returns to Big Ten play for the rest of the regular season beginning next week.

Let’s dive deeper and grade Penn State‘s performance

Quarterbacks: A+

Sean Clifford was on fire today. Several people and analysts were very hesitant as to how he would do the season. Through the first four games, he has not only looked more confident by the week, but he is also showing off his athleticism and the ability to get several of his weapons involved in the game.

Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

[lawrence-related id=7351,7348,7346,7341]

Next: Running Backs

Pages: Page 1, Page 2, Page 3, Page 4, Page 5

5 takeaways from Penn State’s Week 4 win vs Villanova

Penn State’s passing offense and defense were on point against Villanova, but the running game has to improve.

After starting off the 2020 season in abysmal fashion with a program-worst 0-5 start, Penn State has done nothing but win games since. Penn State’s 38-17 victory over Villanova on Saturday afternoon in Beaver Stadium was the eighth consecutive win for the Nittany Lions dating back to the midway point of the 2020 season.

Penn State head coach James Franklin can feel really good about his team jumping into Big Ten play for the remainder of the season knowing his offense has big-play potential but also has some things to improve on the rest of the way.

Here are five takeaways from Penn State’s latest victory.

Sean Clifford continues to impress

Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Penn State quarterback Sean Clifford became just the second passer in program history to throw for 400 yards in a single game (401 yards, officially). Clifford’s third career four-touchdown performance also saw him make a move up on the school’s all-time career touchdown passing list. Clifford’s Week 4 performance saw him moving up a few all-time passing lists in Penn State history, and he’s clearly not done yet.

Clifford continues to impress with his poise and decision-making. He was intercepted for the second time this season, but neither has come on a poor decision. His first against Auburn was a deep pass that was disrupted by contact from an Auburn defender as he released the ball in Week 3. His second, this time against Villanova was on a pass that was right to his receiver but bobbled. It certainly wasn’t Clifford’s fault. If Penn State continues to get play like this from Clifford, this offense will have more big plays on the way.

Parker Washington has cemented his status

Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

We sort of already knew Parker Washignton was likely to be the team’s second-best receiver this season. Washington was the team’s second-leading receiver last season behind Jahan Dotson, and it is looking like we are well on our way to seeing the same result this season. But on Saturday, it was the Parker Washignton show with a game-high 148 receiving yards on five receptions. Washignton also scored two touchdowns.

[lawrence-related id=7351,7346]

Next: Where the heck is the running game?

Pages: Page 1, Page 2