Illinois took the lead 24-21 with 10:36 remaining in the third quarter against a blue-chip ratio, top-10 ranked Penn State. This wasn’t like the USF game where Illinois was outplayed and only in the game because of several huge gaffs from the Bull. Illinois was playing well. The offense was running the ball as well as I’ve seen them since Mikel Leshoure destroyed the Wildcats at Wrigley Field. The defense was struggling a bit, but hey, it’s Penn State. Illinois was in this. They made this a game.
Unfortunately, after that point, Illinois was outscored 42-0 and Penn State ended up with a 63-24 victory, easily covering the four touchdown spread.