Penn State-Illinois: Kaytron Allen, Nick Singleton and defense dominate in 21-7 win

STATE UNIVERSITY – Penn State's Kaytron Allen, Nicholas Singleton and defense performed well Saturday night, leading the Nittany Lions to a 21-7 victory over Illinois at Beaver Stadium.

The No. 9-ranked Nittany Lions overcame penalties, special teams issues and a less explosive aerial attack to thwart the No. 19-ranked Illini and improved to 4-0 on the season.

Allen and Singleton were immense, combining for 196 yards and two touchdowns. Tyler Warren once again demonstrated his versatility with four catches and a rushing touchdown. And Tom Allen's defense played brilliantly with seven sacks, 13 tackles for loss and two timely takeaways.

Here were the highlights of the Nittany Lions in their “White Out Energy” win over Illinois.

Turning point: fourth quarter election

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer started the season with zero interceptions on Saturday. Penn State corner AJ Harris changed that in the biggest moment of the game.

On fourth-and-six play from the middle of the field with less than six minutes left in regulation, the Illini needed a first down to push for a game-winning touchdown. Harris had other ideas. The Georgia transfer was in the right place at the right time and intercepted Altmyer's pass over the middle.

Harris' first pick in a Penn State jersey could have been a game-changing play. The former SEC speedster returned the interception for a touchdown. The ball was called back after a completely unnecessary block in the background by fellow cornerback Zion Tracy.

But the change of possession that Harris provided was enough. Penn State's ground game shortened the clock and secured the W.

Offensive plaything: The running backs

In four games, Illinois' defense had not allowed a rushing touchdown. Last week, the Illini traveled to Nebraska and limited the Cornhuskers to 48 yards on 33 carries (1.5 yards per attempt). However, on Saturday night, Singleton and Allen ran through the Illini.

Singleton used his speed and lower body strength to rush for 94 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Allen's strength and patience paid off with 102 yards and a score on 18 carries. Both Allen and Singleton ran hard. They ran away in anger. They ran with purpose in the Big Ten opener.

When the passing game looked a little disjointed – the friction lanes weren't clean, the protection wasn't perfect, etc. – the Nittany Lions leaned on the back of their bellcow. And they answered the call.

Defensive play ball: Kobe King

There were a few candidates there. Harris' election was monumental. Zane Durant was a threat inside. Kobe King made his presence felt as a linebacker. Jaylen Reed played with fireworks in both the secondary and blitz for Chaos.

But Abdul Carter, what a night. The converted linebacker was a problem for Illinois' offensive line. In his best game as a defensive end, Carter had 3.5 TFLs (1 1/2 sacks), a forced fumble and countless QB pressures. He was also held all night.

Sure, he was a little nervous again. He has to clean this up. But that's the type of edge rusher Carter can be for this Penn State team — and, ultimately, a lucky NFL team.

Special Teams Plaything: Nobody

Penn State has a kicker problem. Sander Sahaydak missed two field goals, both from 40 yards. The first attempt cost Penn State a 10-7 lead in the second quarter. The second miss hurt even more; That would have put the Nittany Lions up by two points, 17-7, with 8:54 left.

Sahaydak lost his job in Week 1 last year to Ivy League transfer Alex Felkins, who was no longer eligible to play. This year, he won the job in camp over Tulsa transfer Chase Meyer and walk-on Ryan Barker. It's pretty clear that the foosball competition is set to reopen this week.

Unsung Hero: The Crowd

No, it wasn't an official white out. But fans, even if they didn't necessarily need to be encouraged to lose their minds on a fall night in Happy Valley, heard James Franklin this week: They brought a “White Out energy” to Beaver Stadium and made life difficult for the Illini .

The deafening noise caused Illinois to issue several procedural penalties before the snap. From what it seemed, the fans — particularly the student section — had influence on a crucial botched snap that pushed Illinois out of chip-shot field goal range at the end of the first half. And further down the line, as the offense stopped finishing and the special teams needs became even greater, the defense needed a boost. And the crowd at Beaver Stadium made sure of it.