Dani Dennis-Sutton helps Penn State stifle Spartans

By Greg Pickel

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith has no problem saying the quiet things out loud. And, so, it was no surprise that he did exactly that when talking about one of the star players, defensive end Dani Dennis-Sutton, in the Lions’ 28-10 win over Michigan State on Saturday at Spartan Stadium.

“I’m super proud of him,” Smith said. “He’s been working really, really hard. He’s one of our leaders. In today’s times, on some teams, guys like that are opting out. And his effort today — two sacks, blocked punt — is incredible. His relentless pressure, he just plays so hard. He gives everything. I really appreciate it, and his leadership means everything to me, to us and to our defense.”

Smith is right. While Dennis-Sutton’s NFL Draft stock might not be as high today as it once was, he’s still the kind of veteran, highly skilled talent that could have packed it in as the Lions’ losing streak turned to three, and then four, and then five, before ultimately stopping at six. Instead, he did the opposite. His 2 sacks on Saturday were part of a suffocating Penn State defensive effort. And, his first-half punt block has him tied for the most in the nation with 3 and with Jack Ham and Andre Collins for the most as a Nittany Lion.

The Maryland native does not take plays off. Is he perfect? No. As impactful as expected? Perhaps not always. But in this game, against a vulnerable offensive line, he took advantage of the opportunities he had.

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“I made a dedication to this team, to this program, to come back for my senior year, no matter what it was,” Dennis-Sutton said. “Whether we win every game, lose every game. I was never born a quitter. My family never instilled that in me. And Coach Terry made a quote when we started losing: ‘Once you’re a quitter, you’re always a quitter.’ And that sort of resonated me. So I never want to be looked at as a quitter. if I’m healthy, I’m going to go out there every single play and give them my all.”

Dennis-Sutton did give it his all on this day. He has been accountable after wins and losses. When he plays well, he basks in the moment like on this night. When he doesn’t, he owns that, too. His play on this night earned him a game ball from Smith. His leadership this season has helped keep this Penn State team together through an unexpectedly brutal season.

“Whatever I need to do to help the team win, that’s what I’m willing to do,” Dennis-Sutton said. “So it feels great to have a good game and help the team win. But the biggest thing is to win. Everybody’s a lot happier and feels better about themselves.”