Skip to main content
Penn State
Join Now

Penn State's Allen and Dennis-Sutton earn Big Ten Player of the Week honors

Mug-Shot 4x4by: Ryan Snyder2 hours agoRyanSnyderOn3
kaytron-allen-penn-state-football-on3
Michigan State's Wayne Matthews III, left, tackles Penn State's Kaytron Allen during the fourth quarter on Saturday, Nov. 15, 2025, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing.

Penn State had not one, but two players recognized by the Big Ten Monday for their play over the weekend, as edge rusher Dani Dennis-Sutton was named Defensive Player of the Week, while running back Kaytron Allen split the Offensive Player of the Week honors with Indiana quarterback Fernando Mendoza. This is the first time all season a Nittany Lion player has been recognized by the Big Ten.

Dennis-Sutton finished the game with two sacks and a blocked punt. It was his third blocked punt of the season, tying a Penn State season record. He was also credited with eight quarterback hurries, according to Pro Football Focus.

“I’m super proud of him,” Penn State interim head coach Terry Smith said on Saturday evening when asked about Dennis-Sutton. “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, a 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.”

Allen finished with 181 yards rushing against the Spartans, scoring two touchdowns. He averaged 7.2 yards per carry against the Spartans and played a major role in sealing the game, racking up 70 yards on just three carries with just over 3 minutes to play to give Penn State a three-score lead.

“Win by any means necessary,” Smith said after the game. “Between Kaytron and Nick Singleton, they have to touch the ball. I don’t know the statistics. You guys will know, however many touches they had, but I think it was close to 40. And I always say to you guys, if they’re touching the ball, it means we have a chance to win. And man, did we win today behind those guys. So we’re going to play Penn State football.

“This was an old-school Big Ten game. We dominated up front, and we threw the ball when necessary, and it was efficient. You know, the touchdown pass to Devonte [Ross] was huge. It was critical because it showed them that we can throw the ball down the field, and it backed them up just enough to allow us to run the ball.”