No. 19 Illinois takes first loss of the season in tough road test

UNIVERSITY PARK, Penn. (WCIA) — Illinois had its chances to steal a game on the road in a hostile environment of 109,911 fans at Penn State.

Failure to convert just outside the end zone after a bad snap proved costly, as the Nittany Lions put together a 12-play, 74-yard drive to take what turned out to be a decisive lead.

The Illini had a chance to tie the game in the fourth quarter despite getting outgained on the ground, but AJ Harris’s interception would seal the deal with another score to follow.

The noise and energy at Beaver Stadium lived up to the hype online, leading to multiple pre-snap penalties. Illinois lost the game 21-7, its first loss of the season.

The Illini are now 4-1 with a bye week up next before returning home for a date with former defensive coordinator Ryan Walters, his first trip back to Champaign since taking the Purdue job.

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