Penn State report card for Illinois: Lions edge out Fighting Illini with two-touchdown win

What word would you use to describe undefeated Penn State’s 21-7 win over previously undefeated Illinois on Saturday night at Beaver Stadium?

Here is mine: Violent.

The 4-0 Nittany Lions physically dominated Bret Bielema’s Fighting Illini (4-1) at the line of scrimmage.

PSU’s defense was also too quick for the visitors’ offensive line.

As for the grades…

OFFENSE: B+.

Penn State’s wide bodies and running backs were the story against Illinois. … Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton combined for 196 yards and two touchdowns on 34 carries. … The Lions’ offensive line delivered good results despite the loss of guards Sal Wormley and JB Nelson. … The Lions’ running game was a key reason PSU had the ball 19-31 in the second half and outscored the Illini 14-0. … Tight end Tyler Warren was a weapon as a receiver (four catches, 34 yards) and a Wildcat quarterback (three-yard touchdown run). … Quarterback Drew Allar was mostly efficient (15 of 21, 135 yards) and the Lions converted 6 of 11 third-down opportunities.

1/60

DEFENSE: A.

I thought Tom Allen’s squad got the job done on every level. … The disruptive numbers (13 tackles for loss, seven sacks) were impressive. … Edge rusher Abdul Carter (four TFLs, two sacks, forced fumble) had his way with the Illinois O-line and Jaylen Reed (nine stops, sack, quarterback rush) looked like a first-team All-Big Ten safety out there team out. … Linebacker Kobe King (seven stops, 1.5 TFLs) was a key reason Illinois finished with 34 rushing yards on 32 attempts. … Illinois converted just 4 of 13 third-down attempts.

SPECIAL TEAMS: C.

Just an average night for the Lions. … Punter Riley Thompson wasn’t very busy (one punt, 48 yards). … PSU gets nothing from its punt return game. … Sander Sahaydak started Saturday as the Lions’ top option at placekicker. He then missed two 40-yard field goal attempts, and that explains why Ryan Barker was on the field for PSU’s final point-after try.

COACHING: B

The grade would be higher if there weren’t a few significant issues in the kicking game. … Andy Kotelnicki’s running game (239 yards, three touchdowns) was successful at Illinois for the second time in a row. … The Lions’ ability to consistently pursue Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (seven sacks) was a key storyline. Terry Smith’s cornerbacks neutralized dangerous wideout Pat Bryant (two catches, 33 yards).

OVERALL: B+.

Illinois did just enough to limit Penn State’s offense to one explosive play (20-yard catch). But the Illini gave up a lot of ground as they tried to contain PSU’s running game. Thanks to the inspiring work of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, the Lions had nine runs of 10 or more yards. Aside from two nail-biting quarters at home against Bowling Green, it’s hard to find fault with James Franklin’s team after four games.