2009 Week 5

The Penn State Nittany Lions traveled to the Illinois Fighting Illini yesterday in a battle of Top 25 teams This was a close game the whole way with Penn State pulling out the victory in the 4th quarter.

The Illini got the scoring started early in the 1st quarter with a 20 yard field goal from M. Eller. Penn State marched down the field and took the lead with a 1 yard run from Evan Roster. The Illini wasted little time answering with a touchdown pass from Juice Williams to A. Benn. After the 1st quarter Illinois lead 10-7.

Penn State would snatch the lead back with a quick score to start the 2nd quarter scoring. Daryl Clark found Graham Zug on a 5 yard TD pass. Illinois would score 2 straight TD's when Williams found the TE and Jeff Cumberland on back to back drive. Penn State would answer with a TD right before the half as Clark found Chaz Powell for a 20 Yard TD. Score at the half Illinois 24 PSU 21.

Penn State and Illinois traded field goals to start the 3rd quarter. Penn State scored a TD on a 21 yard pass from Clark to Brett Brackett. At the end of the 3rd quarter Penn State led 31-27.

The Illinois would take the lead on another TD pass from Williams, this one to Zach Becker. On the ensuing drive Royster injured his ribs and would miss the rest of the game. Michael Zordich stepped in because Stephon Green was still nursing his dislocated ankle. Zordich would prove to be huge down the stretch. After the teams traded punts, Zordich led the team down the field and punched in from a yard out. Penn States defense held the Illini on 4th down and ran out the clock to end the game. Penn State 38, Illinois 34.

Evan Royster will be back next week when the Lions take on the Tar Heels on North Carolina. After X-rays were taken on Evan's ribs, they were found to be just bruised. Stephon Green should also return next week as long as no set-backs occur during practice this week.

On the recruiting front, the Nittany Lions did not pick up any commitments but did make progress.on several recruits. They have scheduled about 15 or so recruits to come visit during week 7 and another 10 or so week 10 versus Ohio State.