What word would you use to describe undefeated Penn State’s 21-7 victory over previously undefeated Illinois Saturday night at Beaver Stadium?

Here’s mine: Violent.

The 4-0 Nittany Lions physically dominated Bret Bielema’s Fighting Illini (4-1) at the line of scrimmage.

PSU’s defense was also too fast for the visitors’ offensive line.

As for the numbers…

VIOLATION: B+.

Penn State’s wide bodies and running backs were the story against Illinois. … Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton combined for 196 yards and two touchdowns on 34 carries. … The Lions’ offensive line performed despite the game’s losses of guards Sal Wormley and JB Nelson. … The Lions’ run game was a big reason why PSU had the ball at 19:31 of the second half and outscored the Illini 14-0. … Tight end Tyler Warren was a weapon as a receiver (four catches, 34 yards) and a wildcat quarterback (three-yard touchdown run). … Quarterback Drew Allar was mostly efficient (15 of 21, 135 yards) and the Lions converted 6 of 11 third-down opportunities.

1/60

DEFENSE: A.

I thought Tom Allen’s bunch could get the job done on any level. … The disruptive numbers (13 tackles for loss, seven sacks) were impressive. … Edge rusher Abdul Carter (four TFLs, two sacks, forced fumble) had his way with the Illinois O-line and Jaylen Reed (nine stops, sack, quarterback rush) looked like a first-team All-Big Ten safety team. … Linebacker Kobe King (seven stops, 1.5 TFLs) was a big reason why Illinois finished with 34 rushing yards on 32 attempts. … Illinois converted just 4 of 13 third-down attempts.

SPECIAL TEAMS: C.

Just an average night for the Lions. … Punter Riley Thompson wasn’t very busy (one punt, 48 yards). … PSU gets nothing from its punt return game. … Sander Sahaydak started Saturday as the Lions’ top option at placekicker. He then missed a pair of 40-yard field goal attempts, which explains why Ryan Barker was on the field for PSU’s final point-after attempt.

COACHING: B.

The grade would be higher if it weren’t for a few key issues in the kicking game. … Andy Kotelnicki’s run game (239 yards, three touchdowns) delivered for the second straight year at Illinois. … The Lions’ ability to consistently pursue Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer (seven sacks) was a major storyline. Terry Smith’s cornerbacks neutralized dangerous wideout Pat Bryant (two catches, 33 yards).

OVERALL: B+.

Illinois did just enough to limit Penn State’s offense to one explosive play (20-yard catch). But the Illini gave up a lot of ground in their efforts to contain PSU’s run game. The Lions had nine rushes of 10 or more yards, thanks to the inspired work of Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton. Really, outside of two nail-biting quarters at home against Bowling Green, it’s hard to find much criticism for James Franklin’s team after four games.