Illinois football has first loss of the season to Penn State

No. 19 Illinois football was handed its first lost against the No. 9 Penn State Nittany Lions, 21-7. 

By September 28, 2024 10:23 pm
Chambana TodayIllinois football loses their first game of the season at Penn State.

CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – No. 19 Illinois football was handed its first lost against the No. 9 Penn State Nittany Lions, 21-7.  Illinois had the chance to take a lead into halftime. They settled for a field goal attempt – which Illinois missed. Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer completed 16 of 24 passes for 185 yards and one touchdown. Zakhari Franklin had four receptions for a total of 49 yards.

Later in the game, Penn State missed a 40-yard field goal and Illinois had another chance to tie the game. Two downs later, Altmyer was intercepted which led to a scoring drive by Penn State. The running game sealed the deal, as Penn State out-rushed Illinois 239-34.

More than 109,000 fans witnessed the Big 10 matchup in College Township, Pennsylvania. Illinois has next week off, and next hosts Purdue at Memorial Stadium on October 12. Illinois has lost seven of the last eight games against the Boilermakers.