Illini falls to Penn State for the first time this season

For the first time this season, the Illini suffered a loss to undefeated Penn State.

The Illini were in a close game until midway through the third quarter when the Nittany Lions scored their second touchdown en route to a 21-7 victory. The Illini fell 4-1, while No. 9 Penn State remained undefeated at 5-0. Illinois was bidding for its first 5-0 start since 2011.

Despite the tough loss, Illinois showed impressive plays on both sides.

Sophomore Kaden Feagin had 64 yards rushing and 12 yards receiving. He has proven once again that he is a threat to defenses around the Big Ten. Feagin’s longest rush of the game was a 34-yard gain.

Luke Altmyer was sacked six times, had a fumble and threw his first interception of the season.

Despite that, he still had a decent game. Altmyer was 16 of 25 for 185 yards.

Zakhari Franklin, the leading receiver, had 49 yards,

Tight end Carson Goda scored the only touchdown, his first as an Illini.

The Illini defense also played a great game despite the loss.

With 71 total tackles and two sacks, the defense was led by Matthew Bailey, who had 9 total tackles tonight.

The Illini have a bye week ahead of them and then travel to the Purdue Boilermakers at home on October 12th.

Ella Walker is the author of Illinois Fighting Illini On SI. She can be reached at [email protected].

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