Penn State received the opening kickoff of the second half, nursing a 16-7 lead with an opportunity to “double dip” after nailing a field goal right at the halftime buzzer. Instead, Illinois forced the Nittany Lions into a three-and-out and returned the ensuing punt all the way to their own 39-yard line, giving themselves solid starting field position for their first drive of the second half, with a golden opportunity to make this a true ball game with a touchdown.
On the second play of the ensuing drive, Luke Altmyer fired a pass near the left sideline for his favorite target, Isiah Williams, who proceeded to make an excellent grab and give Illinois a fresh set of downs at the PSU 25.