Penn State passes the first test, the Lions dominate the battle line and more of what they say

STATE UNIVERSITY – Penn State failed to gain a lead of nearly three touchdowns against Illinois on Saturday. Still, there was a happy homecoming game in front of 109,911 fans at Beaver Stadium. The Nittany Lions pulled away late from Illinois en route to a 21-7 victory, their fourth of 2024. Running backs Nicholas Singleton And Kaytron Allen ensured the victory as everyone reached the end zone and the latter broke the 100-yard mark.

“I mean, they ran hard,” quarterback Drew Allar said. There were a lot of people they ran over today. I think that sets the tone for us as an offense. Of course, seeing that they are extremely physical runners, we know that both are capable of breaking longer runs. If they run over people, just put them on the ground and gain another three or four meters.

“This is a big help for our offense. We are able to be more aggressive and are ahead. They both did a great job tonight. It was great to see them get into the end zone and really seal the deal for us.”

Here’s what’s being said after the team’s win, both locally and nationally.

Penn State passes its first test

That’s the opinion of Yahoo Sports writer Ian Casselberry. Penn State faced its first-place opponent on Saturday, outscoring them 374-219 and allowing just 34 rushing yards.

“If this was a test, the Nittany Lions passed it with a 21-7 win at State College,” Casselberry writes. “The night game at Beaver Stadium was not officially a White Out (that will be Nov. 9 against Washington), although fans were dressed in white for the nationally televised prime-time matchup.

“However, coach James Franklin called for “white-out energy” Saturday night and Illinois’ response in that environment could indicate how well the rest of the season could go. The results weren’t particularly impressive.”

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Penn State dominated the line of scrimmage

That’s the opinion of PennLive’s Bob Flounders. The Nittany Lions defeated Illinois on offense with 239 rushing yards and just two sacks allowed. And the defensive line caused seven sacks and 13 tackles for a loss.

“The Lions (4-0, 1-0) were too physical at the line of scrimmage on both sides,” Flounders wrote. “Penn State’s offensive line has done its job dealing with injuries at the guard positions. Sal Wormley left the game on the Lions’ first possession and JB Nelson, Wormley’s replacement, was unable to finish the game. PSU worked in the fourth quarter with Vega Ioane and freshman Cooper Cousins ​​at the guard spots.

“Altmyer had 185 yards on 16 completions. But he wasn’t the problem for Illinois. Penn State’s play aided by the Lions defense was the problem.”

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Warren shines again

Tyler Warren remains committed to winning the Mackey Award as the best tight end in the country. He was a runner and a receiver that night and also excelled at blocking.

“Penn State tackled tight end Tyler Warren Wildcat three more times, with Warren scoring Penn State’s first touchdown of the game,” Mark Wogenrich writes for SI. “He jumped from 3 yards out into the end zone for his first rushing touchdown of the season. Warren has now received, passed and rushed for touchdowns in four games.

“However, Penn State may have tapped the well once too often, putting it in the Wildcat on a 3rd-and-7 play in the fourth quarter. Warren, who was not a threat to throw in this situation, handed the ball to Allen, who gained 3 yards. Sahaydak missed the ensuing field goal.”

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Penn State’s ground game rose to the occasion

We close with a look at the Lions game from BWI reporter Nate Bauer. Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen ran over and around Illinois defenders throughout the game to lead their team to victory.

“In collaboration with Singleton Kaytron Allen created a similarly painful style of play,” writes Bauer. “Allen’s 102 yards and a game-winning touchdown eclipsed the century mark on the ground and came on 18 carries.

“A pivot that Penn State deemed necessary as Illinois quickly abandoned its strong man coverage approach to defense, the copycat blueprint of a ground-and-pound attack became a weapon.”

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