Two Penn State seniors earned Big Ten player of the week honors for their performance in the Nittany Lions’ win over Maryland on Saturday.
Safety Ji’Ayir Brown was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week as he played a big role in holding the Terrapins to 14 points. Brown had an 87-yard interception return for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter that ended any hope of a Maryland comeback. He also recorded nine tackles.
Brown is the second Nittany Lion to earn defensive player of the week honors this season. Linebacker Brandon Smith also earned the award after his game against Auburn on Sept. 18.
Wide receiver Jahan Dotson was named Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week, joining Purdue’s Aidan O’Connell.
Dotson set a school record with his 242 receiving yards to go with 11 catches and three touchdowns Saturday. He is the second Nittany Lion to earn the offensive award this season. Quarterback Sean Clifford was named player of the week after his performance against Villanova.
Brown and Dotson are the first Penn State teammates to win the offensive and defensive awards in the same week since 2017, when Saquon Barkley and Jason Cabinda won it following the Nittany Lions win over Michigan.
