Getting offensive: Rashard Mendenhall had 103 yards from scrimmage, 76 rushing and 27 receiving. Penn State quarterback Anthony Morelli threw for 298 yards.
On the defense: Kevin Mitchell recovered a fumble and ended Penn State’s last possession at the Illinois 9-yard line with an interception with nine seconds left. Justin Sanders had a sack and forced a fumble, and J Leman had an interception and broke up a potential TD pass.
The number: 53. Length of Eddie McGee’s run to set up Illinois’ final field goal.
They’re still talking about: Arrelious Benn’s straight-up-the-middle, 90-yard kickoff return that gave Illinois a 7-3 lead in the first quarter. The Illini never trailed again.
Sick bay: No major injuries reported.
Audible: The victory was the Illini’s first over a Top 25 team since they beat No. 25 Ohio State in ’01. … It was their first victory over a ranked Big Ten opponent at home since they beat No. 11 Ohio State on Oct. 12, 1991. … It was the Illini’s first victory over Penn State since ’01 and their first victory in a Big Ten home opener since ’01 (Minnesota).
Looking ahead: Illinois gets another ranked opponent Saturday when Wisconsin visits Memorial Stadium.