Penn State senior defensive tackle Fred Hansard issued an apology Monday to Maryland quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa for pushing Tagovailoa to the ground on the Nittany Lions’ sideline Saturday.
Tagovailoa was briefly shaken up and wanted to stay in the game, but Big Ten referee John O’Neill said he had to leave the field for one play. No penalty was called on the play during Penn State’s 31-14 win.
“I would like to extend my sincere apologies for the unfortunate incident that took place on the sideline Saturday,” Hansard wrote on social media. “It was truly an act of impulse, and not malice. I did not and would not intentionally try to hurt another player.
“I believe in the integrity and the rules of the game. My actions were not in line with the expectations we have for ourselves as a Penn State football program. Please accept my apology for any unsportsmanlike behavior.”
Hansard also apologized to Penn State offensive tackle Rasheed Walker, who people on social media confused with Hansard. Both of them wear No. 53.
“I would also like to apologize to my teammate and brother, Rasheed Walker,” Hansard wrote. “Not only did my actions make you the subject of false public criticism on Saturday, but I also misrepresented what it means to wear #53 for Penn State football.”
Dotson, Brown recognized: Penn State’s Jahan Dotson and Ji’Ayir Brown were recognized Monday by the Big Ten for their performances in the Nittany Lions’ win at Maryland.
Dotson, a senior wide receiver, was named the Big Ten Co-Offensive Player of the Week for the first time in his career. Purdue senior quarterback Aidan O’Connell shared the honor.
Dotson tied a career high with 11 catches for a school-record 242 yards and three touchdowns. His 86-yard scoring reception, tied for the fourth-longest completion in school history, broke a 14-14 tie in the fourth quarter.
Dotson also caught TD passes of 38 and 21 yards and became the second Football Bowl Subdivision player with at least 240 receiving yards and three TDs in a game this year.
It was the 10th 100-yard receiving game of Dotson’s career.
Brown, a senior safety, was named the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week.
He accounted for two takeaways for Penn State, recovering a fumble at the Lions’ 12-yard line in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, he intercepted Taulia Tagovailoa’s pass and returned it 87 yards for a touchdown, the fifth-longest pick-six in school history.
Brown made a team-high nine tackles, including eight solo stops. He has four interceptions, which is tied for the Big Ten lead.
Illinois senior punter Blake Hayes was selected the Special Teams Player of the Week, and Wisconsin running back Braelon Allen was chosen the Freshman of the Week.
Kickoff times: Penn State’s home finale Nov. 20 against Rutgers will have a noon kickoff and will be televised by the Big Ten Network, it was announced Monday.
The Nittany Lions will face Michigan this Saturday at noon at Beaver Stadium. The game will be televised by ABC.
Source: Berkshire mont
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