STATE COLLEGE — Kaytron Allen, Nicholas Singleton and Penn State’s defense delivered Saturday night, leading the Nittany Lions to a 21-7 win over Illinois at Beaver Stadium.

The No. 9 Nittany Lions overcame penalties, special teams woes and a less-than-explosive aerial attack to thwart the No. 19 Illini, improving to 4-0 on the season.

Allen and Singleton were huge, combining for 196 yards and two touchdowns. Tyler Warren again showed his versatility with four catches and a rushing TD. And Tom Allen’s defense played sharp with seven sacks, 13 tackles for loss and two timely takeaways.

Here were the highlights from the Nittany Lions in their “White Out Energy” win over Illinois.

Turning point: fourth quarter choice

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer entered Saturday with zero interceptions on the season. Penn State corner AJ Harris changed that in the biggest moment of the game.

On fourth-and-6 from about midfield, with less than six minutes left in regulation, the Illini needed a first down to push for a tying touchdown. Harris had other ideas. The Georgia transfer was in the right place at the right time and collected Altmyer’s pass over the middle.

Harris’ first pick in a Penn State uniform could have been a game-changing play. The former SEC speedster returned the interception for a touchdown. It was called back on a completely unnecessary block in the back by fellow corner Zion Tracy.

But the transfer of ownership that Harris offered was enough. Penn State’s ground game evaporated the clock and set up the W.

Offensive game ball: the running backs

Through four games, Illinois’ defense had not allowed a rushing touchdown. Last week, the Illini went to Nebraska and limited the Cornhuskers to 48 yards on 33 carries (1.5 yards per attempt). But Saturday night, Singleton and Allen tore through the Illini.

Singleton used his speed and lower body strength to rush for 94 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Allen’s strength and patience paid off with 102 yards and a score on 18 carries. Both Allen and Singleton ran fast. They ran away angrily. They ran with purpose in the Big Ten opener.

When the passing game looked a bit disjointed – the rub routes weren’t clean, the protection wasn’t perfect, etc. – the Nittany Lions leaned on their backs. And they answered the call.

Defensive game ball: Kobe King

There were a few candidates here. Harris’ choice was monumental. Zane Durant was a threat on the interior. Kobe King made his presence felt at linebacker. Jaylen Reed played with his hair on fire, both in the secondary and during the blitz.

But Abdul Carter, what an evening. The converted linebacker posed a problem for Illinois’ offensive line from the edge. In his best game as a defensive end, Carter had 3.5 TFLs (1 1/2 sacks), a forced fumble and numerous QB pressures. He was also held all night.

Sure, he was a little nervous again. He has to clean that up. But that’s the kind of edge rusher Carter can be for this Penn State team — and ultimately for a lucky NFL team.

Special teams game ball: Nobody

Penn State has a kicker problem. Sander Sahaydak missed a pair of field goals, both from 40 yards. The first cost Penn State a 10-7 lead in the second quarter. The second miss hurt even more; it would have given the Nittany Lions two scores, 17-7, with 8:54 to go.

Sahaydak lost his job in Week 1 last year to Ivy League transfer Alex Felkins, who was declared ineligible. This year, he won the job in camp over Tulsa transfer Chase Meyer and walk-on Ryan Barker. It’s pretty clear that the kicker competition should be reopened this week.

Unsung hero: the crowd

No, it wasn’t an official White Out. But the fans, even if they didn’t necessarily need to be encouraged to go crazy on a fall evening in Happy Valley, heard James Franklin this week: They brought a “White Out energy” to Beaver Stadium and made life difficult for the Illini .

The deafening noise prompted Illinois to issue several preliminary procedural penalties. It appeared the fans – especially the student section – had an impact on a crucial botched play that pushed Illinois out of field goal range late in the first half. And later, when the offense couldn’t wrap its head around and the special teams’ problems worsened, the defense needed a boost. And the crowd at Beaver Stadium made sure of it.