Penn State run game carves up Illinois when it matters most in battle of Big Ten unbeatens
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Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) throws a pass against Penn State during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (15) throws a pass against Illinois during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (15) throws a pass against Illinois linebacker Gabe Jacas (17) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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llinois running back Kaden Feagin (3) gains yardage past Penn State linebacker Tyler Elsdon, bottom, during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State tight end Tyler Warren (44) is upended by Illinois defensive back Miles Scott (10) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State quarterback Drew Allar throws a pass against Illinois during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State quarterback Drew Allar (15) throws a pass against Illinois during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Illinois tight end Carson Goda (84) catches a touchdown against Penn State during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Illinois head coach Bret Bielema talks with an official during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game against Penn State, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer (9) throws a pass over Penn State defensive tackle Dvon J-Thomas (91) during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Illinois running back Kaden Feagin (3) runs with the ball while pressured by Penn State safety Jaylen Reed (1) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State cornerback A.J. Harris, right, returns an interception while pursued by Illinois wide receiver Zakhari Franklin, center, during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State running back Kaytron Allen (13) runs past Illinois defensive back Miles Scott (10) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State cornerback A.J. Harris (4) celebrates after an interception with Abdul Carter (11) during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Illinois, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State tight end Tyler Warren (44) scores a touchdown against Illinois during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
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Penn State cornerback A.J. Harris (4) celebrates an interception against Illinois during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, in State College, Pa. (AP Photo/Barry Reeger)
STATE COLLEGE — Nick Singleton ran for 102 yards and a touchdown, Kaytron Allen added 94 yards and a score and No. 9 Penn State pulled away in the second half to beat No. 19 Illinois 21-7 Saturday night.
Penn State (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) took a 14-7 lead on Singleton's 4-yard touchdown run on its opening second-half possession. The Nittany Lions then went into lockdown mode.
Penn State forced four punts, recovered a fumble and A.J. Harris intercepted Luke Altmyer's pass late in the fourth quarter.
After scoring easily on their opening drive, the Illini (4-1, 1-1) managed just 25 rushing yards the rest of the way. They were tackled 13 times behind the line of scrimmage and allowed seven sacks.
Both teams scored on their first possessions before sputtering for the rest of the first half.
The Illini calmly marched 75 yards through the lingering smoke of pregame fireworks, converting a pair of third downs and getting help from a late hit to set up a Altmyer's 4-yard touchdown pass to Carson Goda.
The Nittany Lions needed just eight plays over 4:02 to pull even. After big runs from quarterback Drew Allar and Singleton, tight end Tyler Warren leapt over the line of scrimmage from 3 yards out.
Penn State drove into Illinois’ territory again late in the second quarter, but stalled out at the 23 and Sander Sahaydak missed a 40-yard field goal.
Illinois botched its best shot to retake the lead late in the second half.
Having directed his offense down to Penn State’s 2, Altmyer had to retreat as the first-down snap sailed over his head. He then lost 3 yards on a keeper before he was sacked and called for intentional grounding on third down.
With the noise swelling, the Illini jumped early on their field goal try and kicker David Olano missed on the retry from 45 yards.
Penn State: The Nittany Lions have one of the best rushing games in the country. Singleton and Allen bounced off tacklers and dragged others all night, and Tom Allen’s defense made enough tweaks to snuff out what had been a surging Illini offense.
Penn State hosts UCLA on Saturday.
