Illinois’ opponents have forced 13 turnovers this season, while the Illini have forced only six. In Saturday’s 53-point loss, one of Penn State’s touchdowns came on a runback of a fumble recovery and another on an interception return.
Penalties also contributed to the rout. A holding call against tight end Melvin Bryant forced the Illini to settle for Jason Reda’s 41-yard field goal after the Illini drove deep into Penn State territory on the first possession of the game.
Early in the second quarter a 7-yard run for a first down by punter Steve Weatherford on a fourth-and-6 from the Illinois 30 was wiped out because the Illini didn’t have the required seven players on the line of scrimmage.
Late in the first half, wide receiver Derrick McPhearson was ejected for throwing a punch at the Nittany Lions’ Anwar Phillips just before Penn State’s eighth TD.
