Penn State offense looks for new spark without Jahan Dotson

Facing a game without its engine, Penn State football’s offense will have to look elsewhere for a spark.

Wide receiver Jahan Dotson announced on Monday his decision to opt out of Saturday’s Outback Bowl game against Arkansas.

That leaves the Nittany Lions without their primary threat on offense. Dotson finished the regular season with 1,182 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Over the last two seasons, Dotson averaged 98.4 receiving yards per game, and found the end zone 20 times.

Adjusting to life without him won’t be easy, but offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich expressed optimism on Thursday in regard to his wideouts.

“There’s been great energy in that room,” Yurcich said. “That’s where it’s gotta start for us, with a mindset. Hats off to [WR Coach Taylor] Stubblefield with all he’s done and the hard work, the preparation and the meetings. You’re certainly starting to see a little bit more confidence.

“I think those guys have a really optimistic attitude, stepping up and really competing hard in practices and I’m looking forward to seeing how they compete.”

Sophomore starters Parker Washington and KeAndre Lambert-Smith will likely take on more work in Saturday’s bowl game, barring the unexpected.

Washington came on strong toward the end of the season after a quiet start. He surpassed the 60-yard threshold in four of Penn State’s last five games, including a 108-yard outburst against Ohio State. He scored against Rutgers and Michigan State to close out the season.

Lambert-Smith also showed flashes this season, with 447 receiving yards and two scores on his ledger.

Yurcich said he’s encouraging those players to stick to their own skillset. He doesn’t want them trying to replace Dotson by trying to replicate him.

“Jahan Dotson, that’s my guy, I know he’s going to do great things in The League, but at the same time, I’ve got a lot of trust in the guys here,” quarterback Sean Clifford said. “So, I’m really excited about ending this year off right.”

A possible candidate to emerge as Penn State’s third option at wideout this Saturday is redshirt freshman Malick Meiga.

At 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, Clifford said Meiga is the fastest wideout on the Nittany Lions’ roster. The Penn State signal-caller thinks his attributes make him a dangerous deep-ball threat.

Meiga was out injured at the beginning of the season, but came on to make an impact late. He caught three passes in the regular season, including a 67-yard touchdown in a win over Rutgers.

“Some guys, when you get back from an injury such as his, maybe there’s a little bit of hesitancy,” Yurcich said. “But we haven’t seen any of that from him. He’s been solid. He’s executed in games. And he’s done the same in practice. You’re going to see him get better and better with each rep.

“He’s a pleasure to be around and a pleasure to coach, and I’m looking forward to seeing how he performs as well.”