Penn State Football Grades: Jahan Dotson’s career day leads decisive win over Illinois

RB Keyvone Lee

Grade: B+

Penn State Football was facing an Illinois defense that surrendered 411 yards on the ground the week prior to Northwestern so it figured we would see a lot of the ground game, and yet again freshman Keyvone Lee was rock solid as the lead back.

Lee rushed for 85 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, once again shoulder the brunt of the duties with sophomore Devyn Ford sidelined with an injury. As a team, the Nittany Lions rushed for 253 yards and four scores on the ground.

The Florida native is a stabilizing force for this offense, as he was crucial on two long scoring drives in the pivotal second quarter and it seems when all else fails offensive coordinator Kirk Ciarrocca feels comfortable sticking the rock in Lee’s gut and turning him loose.

At six-foot and 230 pounds Lee is a thumper, bowling over defenders and even lacking that top end speed is very effective when he gets going down hill north and south.

Due to injuries Lee has taken on a role that almost certainly nobody expected this season and has been stellar, rushing for 438 yards and four touchdowns this season.