Godwin's first TD catch helped spark Lions

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - Chris Godwin collapsed into the end zone when he caught the ball.

It was Penn State's first touchdown of a memorable night for the Nittany Lions, who would go on to beat Michigan State, 45-12, and clinch a spot in the Big Ten championship game.

The seconds after the ball left quarterback Trace McSorley's hands felt like years, Godwin said.

"I knew that I had beaten [Michigan State safety Montae Nicholson]," Godwin said. "I was just waiting for the ball to come down. It felt like it was in the air forever. But once it came down it was just make the catch and fall into the end zone."

Godwin finished with 135 yards and two touchdowns, that 34-yard catch and a 59-yard reception, both in the third quarter.

"Chris did awesome. He is one of our leaders," running back Andre Robinson said. "He really made big plays today and really helped us out. He really helped us out at a crucial time."

One person who wasn't surprised by Godwin's game was tight end Mike Gesicki, who himself caught a 45-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter.

Gesicki shook his head when asked whether he has seen Godwin grow.

"This is what Chris has been doing the whole time he has been here," Gesicki said. "He has always been a playmaker."

"I'm not surprised by him. I'm not surprised by 26," Gesicki added, referring to running back Saquon Barkley. "I'm not surprised by any guys on this team."

All season, Godwin has been jelling with first-year quarterback McSorley, who on Saturday went 17 for 23 for 376 yards and four touchdowns.

Godwin has seen that chemistry build for a while, he said. But it isn't special to just him and the signal-caller, he insists.

"I think we have great chemistry as a unit. The receivers, the tight ends, I think that is a testament to the hard work we put in in the offseason," Godwin said. "It is nothing really surprising to us because of how much work we put in."

@ErinMcPSU