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Penn State Dominates Defensively in Win Over Illinois

Tagged under: Penn State, Pennsylvania Colleges, pfn

| September 29, 2024

If you ask anyone in August if Penn State vs Illinois would be a marquee matchup, the masses would call you crazy. But, as the days of September waned down, it became apparent that the under-the-lights match-up would be one of the most crucial of the BIG10 season.

So far in 2024, the Nittany Lions of Penn State have seen basically everything. Penn State has been a part of a hostile road environment, a close game, and just last week won in a blowout. Having this level of variety in just three games seems like a massive upper hand on the majority of Power-4 Football teams. Although this is Penn State’s third home game of the year, this feels like the true home opener. There is no discredit to Bowling Green or Kent State, but a top-2o BIG10 opponent to kick off conference play feels like the real home opener.

Although we are still in September, Illinois has one of the best resumes in the country. So far, they have two wins over top-25 opponents in Kansas and Nebraska. QB Luke Altmyer entered the game with a 10-0 TD-INT ratio after four games, Altmyer has been a huge catalyst in the undefeated start. In a conference with the likes of Ohio State, Oregon, USC, Michigan, and Penn State, Illinois has sure gotten the attention of the BIG10 and the country.

The week leading up to the game, there was no “bulletin board material” by Illinois Coach Bret Bielema. If it was opposite day, these statements would all be true, but it’s not. Bielema, now famously asked what “White Out Energy even means” and 107k were eager to show him. Although not an official White-out, there was still an excess of white scattered throughout Beaver Stadium.

Illinois got the ball first in the hostile environment and didn’t blink. With the 2nd-largest stadium’s fans against them, Illinois scored on the opening drive with an Altmyer pass to Carson Goda.

On PSUs first drive, they had no trouble getting down the field. The running game got them down inside the 5-yard line. Their do-it-all Tight End Tyler Warren dove into the Endzone to have the game tied at 7.

The rest of the 1st half saw great defensive play. Nobody would score to end the first half after both teams scored on their opening drives. Illinois had held its own and survived one-half in Happy Valley. Both teams pride themselves on their defensive play and were playing phenomenally.

The second half told a different story. Penn State got the ball in the third quarter and looked sharp. They embarked on a 12-play, 74-yard drive that took over 6 minutes off the clock. Nick Singleton finished the drive with a TD run, and PSU led 14-7.

Penn State had Illinois in a perfect spot. The incredible PSU pass rush was playing from the lead. The fluid, calm, poised Illinois offense had transformed into a troubled bunch. They simply could not formulate drives that could stick. Penn State did not allow them to establish a rhythm, and Illinois hated it. Kaytron Allen put a button on the game with a TD run to make it 21-7 late into the fourth quarter. Illinois QB Luke Altmyer got stripped by Abdul Carter, and Penn State was able to kneel on a 21-7 win.

Illinois played their 3rd ranked opponent in just 5 weeks and suffered their first loss. They had just 43 rushing yards against the Penn State front. The Inability to run the ball caused problems for Illinois all night. Luke Altmyer threw his first interception of the season to PSU’s A.J. Harris. Illinois is home after their bye against Purdue on October 12th.

The story of the season for Penn State: A suffocating defense. This marks back-to-back games allowing less than 10 points. More specifically, the 2nd-half defense has been the real story in 2024. Through four games, they have allowed just over 2 points per game in the 2nd half. Many say Runningbacks get better as the game goes on, but this PSU defense gets better as the game goes on. The suffocation has made it near impossible for other teams to establish anything, run or pass. Speaking on the win, Nittany Lions Head Coach James Franklin said, ” Our defense made a huge play to end the second half, from that point on our defense dominated. We challenged our D-line vs their O-Line, and their D-Line on our O-Line, and they were great.” Penn State is home next week vs UCLA at noon.

ALL PHOTO CREDIT TO PAUL BURDICK

Follow PA Football News on Twitter @PaFootballNews

 
 
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