HIGHLIGHTS: Penn State uses second half surge to win Big Ten opener

Penn State football hosted Illinois in a primetime matchup on Saturday night. The Nittany Lion faithful listened to James Franklin and brought the ‘White Out energy’ to Happy Valley. But found themselves in a slugfest with one of the most improved teams in the Big Ten in Illinois. The defense stepped up in the second half and running backs Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen ran the ball well. Leading to a 21-7 Penn State win over No. 19 Illinois.

© Matthew O’Haren-Imagn Images

It started with the Fighting Illini taking the opening drive down the field on an 11-play 75-yard drive. It was capped off with a Luke Altmyer touchdown pass to tight end Carson Goda. The defense looked out of sorts during the opening drive but found a way to rebound, not allowing another point for the remainder of the first half.

For Penn State football, it was a direct response. On their first offensive possession of the game, the Nittany Lions took eight plays to drive 75 yards for a touchdown. This was capped off by Tyler Warren who took a direct snap and scored from three yards out.

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Both Penn State and Illinois swapped punts and missed field goals for the remainder of the first half for a 7-7 tie at halftime.

© Chris Eutsler / Basic Blues Nation, 2024.

Following halftime Penn State received the opening kick to the second half. They took advantage of the possession driving 75 yards on 12 plays. Andy Kotelnicki did what all fans were asking for at halftime, he chose to run the football. This drive was capped off by a Tyler Warren handoff to Nick Singleton from four yards out. This gave the Nittany Lions a 14-7 lead.

The Penn State football defense stepped up in the second half shutting out Illinois. On offense, it was a Kaytron Allen five-yard touchdown that capped off the night that led to the 21-7 victory for the Nittany Lions.

Penn State:

Total yards – 374

Rushing yards – 239

Passing yards – 135

Individual leaders:

Passing – Drew Allar: 15-21, 135 yards, and zero touchdowns

Rushing – Kaytron Allen: 18 carries, 102 yards, and one touchdown

Receiving – Harrison Wallace: 4 receptions, 50 yards

Tackles – Jaylen Reed: nine tackles (six solo)

Illinois:

Total yards – 219

Rushing yards – 34

Passing yards – 185

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