University Park

Vote for winning touchdown catch as nation's 'Game Changing Performance'

Williams' game-winning touchdown catch vs. Northwestern a candidate for the "Pontiac Game Changing Performance"

University Park, Pa. -- The dramatic 36-yard touchdown pass from Penn State senior quarterback Michael Robinson (Richmond, Va.) to freshman wideout Derrick Williams (Greenbelt, Md.) with 51 seconds to play at Northwestern is one of four candidates for the "Pontiac Game Changing Performance" of the week, a poll conducted by ESPN benefiting a school's scholarship fund.

With the Nittany Lions trailing, 29-27, Robinson tossed the ball to Williams, who made the catch near the 5-yard line, stopped and ducked to avoid a defender and dashed into the end zone with his first collegiate touchdown and the decisive points in Penn State's thrilling 34-29 victory.

Fans wishing to vote for Williams' game-winning catch may do so until 11:59 p.m. ET on Wednesday at: http://r.espn.go.com/espn/contests/05GameChangingPerformance online.

This week's winning performance will be announced at halftime of ESPN's Thursday night college football telecast, with the winning institution receiving a $5,000 contribution from Pontiac to the school's general scholarship fund. By the end of the season, Pontiac will have contributed close to $200,000 to NCAA institutions across the nation.

The nation's top rated prep player last year at Eleanor Roosevelt High School in suburban Washington, D.C., Williams has made a significant impact for the Nittany Lions, who are 4-0 for the first time since 1999. A starter in all four games, he is tied for the team lead with 11 receptions for 187 yards (17.0), with a long catch of 41 yards. He also has nine carries for 47 yards (5.2) and is fifth in the Big Ten in kickoff returns with a 23.9 yard average on his nine returns, with a long of 56 yards.

Williams leads the Nittany Lions in all-purpose yards and is ninth in the Big Ten with 449 yards for a 112.2 per game average. He is averaging 15.5 yards on his 29 touches this season.

Coach Joe Paterno's Nittany Lions host No. 18 Minnesota (4-0) on Saturday in Beaver Stadium. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. for the ABC regional telecast.

A limited number of tickets are available for the Minnesota clash and can be purchased online at http://www.GoPSUsports.com online. Tickets also are available by calling (814) 865-5555 or (800) 863-3336 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Last Updated March 19, 2009

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