Blue White Illustrated

JUDGMENT CALLS The best and the rest from Penn State's overtime defeat of Illinois PLAYER OF THE GAME Allen Robinson's knack for coming up with the biggest plays hasn't diminished a bit this season. His 165 yards on 11 receptions moved him into fifth place at Penn State for career receptions and fourth for career receiving yards with 2,085. PLAY OF THE GAME Christian Hackenberg's 15-yard touchdown strike to Kyle Carter on a crucial third-and-long in overtime. It was not only the winner, but as head coach Bill O'Brien explained, it was a perfectly placed pass. BEST RUN Bill Belton was impressive all afternoon as he earned a career-high in rushing attempts (36) and yards (201). Still, it was Hackenberg's diving 9yard TD scramble in the second quarter that may have been the most surprisingly impressive carry of the day. BEST CATCH Once again, Robinson demonstrated his remarkable leaping ability on a dramatic 39-yard reception toward the end zone near the end of the game. Though the drive ultimately stalled on Belton's fumble at the goal line, Robinson's penchant for the dramatic catch continues. BEST SACK The two teams tallied only one sack apiece, but Anthony Zettel's sack, which dropped Illinois QB Nathan Scheelhaase for an 11-yard loss to end regulation, certainly gets the nod. BEST HIT On a third-and-long late in the first half, Jordan Lucas pounded Illinois wideout Martize Barr on the sideline, jarring loose what would have been a first-down reception. BEST KICK Though Sam Ficken botched a 37-yard field goal attempt in the first half, his critical 35-yarder with 41 seconds remaining in the game sailed through the uprights and tied the score. BEST DECISION Sticking with Belton following his fourth-quarter fumble. That was a key moment for O'Brien and the junior running back. Belton responded with another 29 yards on four carries to help the Nittany Lions claim the victory. WORST DECISION Shouldn't Illinois head coach Tim Beckman have taken a safety instead of punting the ball back to the Nittany Lions from the Illinois end zone near the end of regulation? His punter's 46-yard effort was fine, but it still gave Penn State the ball at the 50-yard line with ample time to move into field goal position for the equalizer. MOST TELLING MOMENT As ugly as the Nittany Lions' win may have seemed at times, there were no melancholy faces among them after Ryan Keiser's critical interception in overtime. The entire team surrounded Keiser, as they jumped up and down and the remaining crowd in Beaver Stadium roared. – NATE BAUER Get 15% OFF each time you visit your student Li n Co io untry L odging n .com .c lioncountrylodging.com PE ParentNN STATE Discoun t Plan n o V e m b e R 2 , 2 0 1 3 4 b l u e w h i t e o n l i n e . c o m

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