As far as style points go, Penn State scored few today. The Nittany Lions did, however, manage to put enough actual points on the scoreboard to defeat Illinois 26-12.

Widely predicted to be a blowout, the game was far closer than what Penn State would have preferred.

Penn State registered a safety and a special teams touchdown in the game's waning minutes, adding to its late 17-12 lead.

A slow start for the Lions prompted coach Joe Paterno to tell his defense at halftime that it would have to win the game, because the offense wasn't doing anything.

Led by a 24-yard pass from Anthony Morelli to Deon Butler, Penn State moved the ball just into field goal range on its first drive of the game. Kevin Kelly's 49-yard kick was good, tying his career-long and giving the Lions a 3-0 lead.

Illinois' offense dictated the flow of much of the first half. Employing a no-huddle offense and more option than what Penn State anticipated, the Illini kept the defense guessing early on.

On the opening play of the second quarter, Illinois tailback Rashard Mendenhall took the pitch from quarterback Isiah Williams, broke through the line, then through sophomore defensive back Anthony Scirrotto's arm tackle. Finally brought down by Justin King at Penn State's 10-yardline, Mendenhall's 79-yard run was the longest rushing play against the Lions in more than three decades.

The Illini tailback finished with 161 yards rushing, averaging 11.5 per carry.

Like they had earlier in the half, the Illini settled for a field goal, taking the lead at 6-3.

On the ensuing drive, Morelli fired downfield to Jordan Norwood, but the receiver bobbled the catch, keeping the ball in the air long enough for Brit Miller to secure it and record the interception. The pick gave Illinois the ball at Penn State's 16-yardline, and the Illini converted on their good fortune, as Jason Reda hit his third field goal of the game, giving the visitors a 9-3 edge.

Penn State came back down the field on the next drive, but Kelly's 44-yard field goal try was wide right.

The Lions had 96 total yards in the first half and trailed 9-3 on the scoreboard.

Penn State's defense answered the call to duty in the second half, winning the field position battle and setting up opportunities for the struggling offense.

Helped out by great starting field position at the Illinois 34, Penn State marched down the short field and scored the game's first touchdown at the 7:33 mark in the third quarter. The key play on the drive was a third down pass to Terrell Golden, who stretched out and made the catch near the sideline. On the next play, Morelli hit Kevin Darling in the end zone on a play action pass.

Kelly's extra point gave Penn State a 10-9 advantage.

From there, the defense continued to put the clamps on the Illini.

Scrambling under extreme pressure on third down from the shadow of his own goal line, Williams tried to run outside the pocket but had the ball stripped by Paul Posluszny. The fumble was promptly scooped up by Tony Davis, who sauntered the few yards into the end zone.

And with that, the tide had officially turned.

On the next drive, Williams threw up a bomb that landed safely in Scirrotto's arms for his second interception of the game, and Williams his third turnover in as many possessions.

Williams attempted to lead a comeback in the game's final minutes, but his efforts were thwarted as Penn State recorded a safety and then Scirrotto returned the ensuing onside kick for a touchdown.