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 on Saturday night.

Penn State (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) took a 14-7 lead on Singleton’s 4-yard touchdown run on the first possession of the second half. The Nittany Lions then went into lockdown mode.

Penn State forced four punts, recovered a fumble and AJ 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 possession before sputtering 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 Altmyer’s 4-yard touchdown pass to Carson Goda.

The Nittany Lions needed just eight plays in a span of 4:02 to tie the game. After big runs from quarterback Drew Allar and Singleton, tight end Tyler Warren leapt over the line of scrimmage from three yards out.

Penn State drove into Illinois territory again late in the second quarter, but stalled at the 23 and Sander Sahaydak missed a 40-yard field goal.

Illinois botched its best shot to regain the lead late in the second half.

After focusing his offense on Penn State’s 2, Altmyer had to retreat when the first-down snap sailed over his head. He then lost three yards on a keeper before being sacked and calling for an intentional grounder on third down.

As the noise swelled, the Illini jumped early on their field goal attempt and kicker David Olano missed on the new attempt from 45 yards.

THE TAKEAWAY

Illinois: Illinois started fast, but couldn’t make the adjustments needed to escape Penn State’s defensive speed as the game progressed. Still, Illinois is off to the best start and has plenty to be proud of heading into the bye week.

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 adjustments to shut down the surging Illini offense.

NEXT

Illinois: Hosts Purdue on Oct. 12.

Penn State: Hosts UCLA on Saturday.

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