By Frank Bodani
First, the Nittany Lions lost a huge game on the road in the final second, their first loss of the season.
Then, they lost four spots in the Associated Press poll, falling to 12th.
Now, they have also lost their most dazzling freshman playmaker — maybe the best big-play threat on the team.
It turned out that receiver Derrick Williams did break his arm after being tackled on a fourth-quarter kickoff return in the excruciating loss to Michigan on Saturday.
He will miss the rest of the season.
He will be sidelined three to four months, according to Dr. Wayne Sebastianelli, Penn State’s director of athletic medicine.
Before the injury, Williams had made a season-high six receptions for 59 yards, returned two kickoffs 22 yards and run for 8 yards against the Wolverines.
The nation’s top-rated high school player in 2004, Williams leads the Lions with 22 catches for 289 yards and a touchdown. He also has 22 carries for 105 yards and three touchdowns and has returned 13 kickoffs for a 21.1 average.
A starter in his first seven college games, Williams’ biggest moment was his 36-yard touchdown reception from Michael Robinson with 51 seconds left to beat Northwestern on Sept. 24. The play was selected the "Pontiac Game Changing Performance" of the Week. He also ran for PSU’s first two touchdowns in the 44-14 victory over Minnesota.
It is the third key season-ending injury to a Lions offensive player. Receiver Mark Rubin dislocated an ankle during preseason drills and tackle John Wilson injured a knee before the Ohio State game.
Don't look back! If the Lions keep their focus on each game, determined to win with the intensity and preparation they've displayed to date, they'll be where it counts at the end of the season and will have done their best, much to our delight.