Penn State scored three touchdowns of 70 or more yards in its dominant win over Illinois.
The Nittany Lions join a number of programs, including Pitt, Virginia Tech, and Kansas State, in ending their season early.
Dotson's 239 all-purpose yards was exactly what the Nittany Lions needed.
"Coach Pry was pissed. He talked to us in the huddle, and after that we just had a mindset that we were not being denied."
Penn State won its fourth consecutive game Saturday night, setting itself up well for a bowl invite.