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Three defining moments from Penn State football's win over Rutgers

IMG_1698 5 (1)by:David Eckert•11/20/21•

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Penn State football wide receiver Jahan Dotson carries the ball during Saturday's game against Rutgers (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images))

The first half was ugly for Penn State, but a sparkling second half showing from true freshman backup quarterback Christian Veilleux ensured the Nittany Lions came away with their seventh win of the season.

Leaning on a dominant defensive performance, Penn State claimed a 28-0 win over the Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Saturday at Beaver Stadium.

Let’s break down the three defining moments from Penn State’s final home game of the year.

1. A needless penalty leads to Penn State’s first points

The Scarlet Knights blew up a Penn State rushing play in the backfield on second-and-one, forcing Noah Cain out of bounds for a loss of three yards on the play in the second quarter.

It seemed the Nittany Lions would face a third down try from midfield as they looked to extend one of their more promising drives of the first half.

But Rutgers defender Drew Singleton made that third down attempt unnecessary, giving Cain a little extra shove out of bounds. That earned him a 15-yard personal foul penalty and moved the Nittany Lions to the Scarlet Knights’ 34-yard line.

Penn State didn’t waste the gift.

True freshman quarterback Christian Veilleux — who entered in the game in the first quarter for Sean Clifford — delivered a great pass to wideout Jahan Dotson in the right corner of the end zone on third down.

The touchdown gave the Nittany Lions a 7-0 lead — plenty of cushion for a Penn State defense that limited the Scarlet Knights all afternoon.

2. Go up and get it, Parker Washington

Penn State earned itself some breathing room late in the third quarter, thanks to a terrific play by Parker Washington.

The Nittany Lion wideout fought through pass interference to come down with what amounted to a jump ball from Veilleux, the freshman signal caller.

Veilleux also did well to handle a low snap from center Juice Scruggs on the play before making the throw.

Punter Jordan Stout played his role in setting up the touchdown, as well. He pinned the Scarlet Knights inside their own 5-yard line, and the Nittany Lion defense held them there.

That set Penn State up with excellent field position at the Rutgers 42 for the scoring drive, and the Nittany Lions took full advantage.

3. O, Canada…

Penn State’s third touchdown came courtesy of our neighbors north of the border.

Veilleux found fellow Canadian Malick Meiga over the middle of the field, with nothing but green grass in front of the redshirt freshman.

Meiga scampered 67 yards all the way to the end zone for his first career touchdown. It was Veilleux’s third touchdown pass of the game. He finished 15-24 with 235 yards through the air in his collegiate debut.

This touchdown totally put the game to bed, with the Penn State defense having limited the Rutgers offense throughout the afternoon.

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