By IlliniGuys Staff

September 28, 2024

(Cover photo courtesy Illinois Athletics)

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. - #19 Illinois' efficient offense ran into a stifling Penn State defense that allowed just 219 yards, only 99 coming after the first quarter, as the Nittany Lions posted a 21-7 victory Saturday night.

The 9th ranked Nittany Lions, who entered the game as an 18-point favorite, controlled the line of scrimmage for most of the night.  They rushed for 239 yards, led by 102 from Keaton Allen and 98 from Nicholas Singleton. Meanwhile, the Illini managed just 34 rushing yards on 32 attempts.  They are 0-4 under head coach Bret Bielema when they fail to rush for 50 yards in a game.

Illinois (4-1, 1-1) took the opening drive 75 yards, resulting in a Luke Altmyer to Carson Goda 4-yard touchdown pass. But those would be the only points the Illini would score.

Illinois played their favored nemesis straight up in the first half. The Illini held Penn State (4-0, 1-0) to just a single touchdown - a Tyler Warren three-yard run on the Nittany Lions' first drive - and had an opportunity to take a 14-7 lead in the final minute of the first half when they were 1st down with goal to go from the 2-yard line. But an errant snap that resulted in a nine-yard loss, a three-yard loss by Altmyer on a quarterback keeper, an intentional grounding penalty when Illinois receivers fell down en route to the end zone, and a false start penalty all resulted in a missed 45-yard field goal attempt by David Olano and no points for the Illini.

After Penn State took the opening drive of the second half down the field for a go-ahead touchdown and forced Illinois into a three-and-out on its first possession, the Nittany Lions appeared on their way to another score. But Miles Scott made a crucial solo tackle on 4th down to keep wide receiver Julian Fleming short of the marker.

However, the Illini offense couldn't capitalize. They managed just 44 yards and only three first downs after halftime, as Penn State recorded four of their six sacks of Altmyer in the second half. Illinois also hurting itself by being hit with 50 penalty yards as a team in the final 30 minutes of play.

Altmyer finished 16-of-25 for 185 yards and threw his first interception of the season. He came into the game as the only quarterback in the country with at least 10 touchdown passes and no interceptions.

Illinois enjoys a bye next week before hosting Purdue (1-3, 0-1) at Memorial Stadium on October 12th.

Stay with IlliniGuys.com for complete postgame coverage.