Nittany Lions RBs powered No. 9 Penn State past No. 19 Illinois with a decisive 21-7 victory on Saturday night, showcasing their strength on the ground. Nick Singleton led the charge with 102 rushing yards and a touchdown, while Kaytron Allen contributed 94 yards and another score.
After halftime adjustments, Penn State (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) took control of the game, pulling ahead 14-7 thanks to Singleton’s 4-yard touchdown run on their first possession of the second half. From that point on, the Nittany Lions’ defense tightened its grip.
The defense was relentless, forcing four punts, recovering a fumble, and securing an interception by A.J. Harris late in the fourth quarter against Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer.
Illinois (4-1, 1-1) started strong with an impressive opening drive, but managed only 25 rushing yards for the remainder of the game. They struggled against Penn State’s defense, suffering 13 tackles for loss and allowing seven sacks.
Both teams found the end zone on their initial drives, but the first half became a defensive battle. The Illini marched 75 yards through the smoke of pregame fireworks, converting key third downs and benefitting from a late hit to set up Altmyer’s 4-yard touchdown pass to Carson Goda.
Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton rushed for a combined 196 yards and 2 TDs (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Nittany Lions quickly evened the score, needing just eight plays and 4:02 to do so. Big runs from quarterback Drew Allar and Singleton set the stage for tight end Tyler Warren, who leaped over the line for a 3-yard touchdown.
Late in the second quarter, Penn State drove into Illinois territory but faltered at the 23-yard line, resulting in a missed 40-yard field goal attempt by Sander Sahaydak.
Illinois had a chance to retake the lead late in the game but failed to capitalize. After reaching Penn State’s 2-yard line, Altmyer faced a high snap that forced him to retreat. He lost yards on a keeper, was sacked, and then called for intentional grounding on third down.
With the crowd roaring, the Illini jumped early during their field goal attempt, and kicker David Olano missed the retry from 45 yards, solidifying Penn State’s victory.
