They always say that any conference win is a big win in the Big Ten. A hard-nosed, well Coached Illinois squad came into Beaver Stadium Saturday with upset on their mind. The first half ended in a 7-7 draw, but the Nittany Lions broke through in the second half. A strong defensive effort coupled with a solid offensive ground attack equaled a 21-7 Big Ten win for Penn State over Illinois (3-1, 1-1).
Penn State (4-0, 1-0) averaged over five yards per carry on the ground for the game. Both Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton scored TDs. Allen and Singleton became only the second tandem of PSU backs to rush for over 2,000 yards Franco Harris and Lydell Mitchell were the only other tandem. Drew Allar was efficient through the air but only passed for 135 yards. The glaring weak spot for PSU was the kicking game. Two misses on very makable field goals. and a turnover on downs where a field goal attempt was in order are issues that will need fixing.
Coach Franklin praised the fans influence on the game. Coach said that there were seven plays that the fans caused time outs to be called, or penalties were flagged. Coach Franklin said that a late defensive stand at the Penn State two in the first half was THE KEY to the game. From that point in the game, Coach Franklin said Illinois was held to ONLY 39 total yards by the Nittany Lions.
Both teams came out very effective in quarter one. Illinois’ opening drive was a time-consuming drive to make it 7-0 on a short TD toss by QB Luke Altmyer. Penn State answered right back. Tyler Warren took a direct snap in for a score. The Illini did a great job the rest of the first half in controlling the clock. Penn State was limited to only three more first half possessions and no scores.
Out of the locker room, Penn State marched down to take the lead in quarter three. A direct snap to Tyler Warren again, but this time he handed off to Nick Singleton for a four-yard TD at the 8:38 mark. Two third quarter possessions by Illinois yielded no points. Penn State’s only other third quarter possession was not productive and stalled ending with a turnover on downs at the Illinois 15.
It was a key interception by Penn States AJ Harris that led to the final PSU TD in quarter four. Kaytron Allen finished the scoring with a end zone dive with 1:55 left. 21-7 was the final.
UCLA comes to Happy Valley next week. Illinois is on a bye.
