Penn State 21-7 Illinois (September 28, 2024) Game Recap

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Nick Singleton ran for 102 yards and a touchdown, Kaytron Allen added 94 yards and a score and No. 9 Penn State pulled away in the second half to beat No. 19 Illinois 21-7 on Saturday night.

Penn State (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) took a 14-7 lead on Singleton’s 4-yard touchdown run on its first possession of the second half. The Nittany Lions then went into lockdown mode.

Penn State forced four punts, recovered a fumble and AJ Harris intercepted Luke Altmyer’s pass late in the fourth quarter.

After easily scoring on the first drive (4-1, 1-1), the Illini managed just 25 rushing yards the rest of the way. They were targeted 13 times behind the line of scrimmage and allowed seven sacks.

Both teams scored on their first possession before things sputtered for the rest of the first half.

The Illini calmly marched 75 yards through the lingering smoke of the pregame fireworks, converting two third downs and getting help from a late score to set up a 4-yard touchdown pass from Altmyer to Carson Goda.

The Nittany Lions needed just eight plays over 4:02 to tie the game. After big runs from quarterback Drew Allar and Singleton, tight end Tyler Warren jumped over the line of scrimmage from three yards out.

Penn State crossed into Illinois territory again late in the second quarter, but fumbled at the 23 and Sander Sahaydak missed a 40-yard field goal.

Illinois missed its best shot to regain the lead late in the second half.

After directing his offense to Penn State’s 2, Altmyer was forced to retreat as the first-down snap sailed over his head. He then lost 3 yards to a keeper before being sacked and calling for an intentional grounding on third down.

As the noise increased, the Illini jumped early for their field goal attempt and kicker David Olano missed the retry from 45 yards.

THE TAKEAWAY

Illinois: Illinois started fast but was unable to make the necessary adjustments as the game progressed to escape Penn State’s defensive speed. Still, Illinois is off to its best start and has a lot to be proud of heading into the bye week.

Penn State: The Nittany Lions have one of the best rushing games in the country. Singleton and Allen bounced off tacklers and dragged others all night, and Tom Allen’s defense made enough adjustments to stifle the surging Illini offense.

NEXT

Illinois: Host Purdue on Oct. 12.

Penn State: Hosts UCLA on Saturday.

—— AP College Football: Get poll alerts and AP Top 25 updates throughout the season. Sign up here. AP College Football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football