(7) Penn State defeats Illinois 30-13, improves to 3-0

It wasn’t pretty at times, but Penn State found a way to win another B10 opening game on the road to start the season. A game that was 16-7 at half really took a turn in Penn State’s favor during the mid to late third quarter.

“There were a lot of positives to build on,” Penn State head coach James Franklin said.

TURNOVERS

Manny Diaz’s defense had a field day against this Illinois offense. Luke Altmyer threw four interceptions to four different Nittany Lions which were Abdul Carter, Cam Miller, Johnny Dixon and Daequan Hardy.

Penn State also forced a fumble via Dominic DeLuca that was recovered by Kobe King.

LAWNBOYZ

Both Kaytron Allen and Nick Singleton found the end zone for Penn State. Allen’s was a 4-yard rush in the second quarter as Singleton had a 16-yard rush to put the game out of reach in the fourth quarter.

Third string running back and transfer from Minnesota Trey Potts threw a touchdown to Tyler Warren in the third quarter to open the scoring in the second half.

FELKINS

Over the past two seasons kicking has been a problem at Penn State with Jake Pinegar last year and Sander Sahaydak missing two field goals in week one which left an opportunity for Alex Felkins.

A transfer from Columbia, Felkins hit two field goals of both 20 and 45 yards early in this game when Penn State couldn’t find the end zone.

Additionally, Felkins hit a 28 yarder to give Penn State a two possession lead heading into the half.

“Just like any other game obviously, you don’t necessarily expect four field goal attempts in the first half,” Felkins said.

Even with getting a 52-yard field goal blocked this afternoon, Felkins is 14/14 on extra points and 4/5 on field goals.

“It feels great. I’m just doing my job,” Felkins said.

ALLAR

The 5-star quarterback didn’t have his best statistical day as Allar went 16-33 for 208 yards with 0 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. The big thing here is that Allar has not thrown a collegiate interception in 148 attempts.

WHATS NEXT

Illinois (1-2, 0-1) will host FAU at 3:30 PM next week as Penn State (3-0, 1-0) will host 25th ranked Iowa in the annual “White Out” game at 7:30 PM.