Illini defeats Penn State 33-13; So much win.

Yesterday was a very big day for Illini fans, the first win in Happy Valley, a the best defensive and offensive combined effort since 2007, a gem of a game from both Mikel LeShoure and Nathan Scheelhaase, and perhaps most of all  a win that changes the dynamic of this entire season.

I hardly no where to start, so why don't we put it in clear numbers just how great a game the Illini played in all phases, even considering the early special teams problems.

On offense the numbers themselves are pretty telling:

437 total yards to PSU's 235
282 rush yards to PSU's 65
23 total first downs to PSU's 7 SEVEN!
5-13 on third down to PSU's 2-14

It is a statistical domination that is reflected in the 20 point margin of victory for the Illini. But numbers alone don't accurately show just how fun this game was to watch. Something that perhaps the SBN patented animated drive charts could show...after the jump.

When you account for the fact that Illini basically handed PSU 1st and goal on two possessions, the defensive performance really comes into clarity. Corey Liuget had his way with the Nittany Lion offensive line, and was key to forcing a 38% completion rate from Robert Bolden and holding Evan Royster to only 35 yards.

Also key to the microscopic offensive production for PSU? The incredible play of all three Illini linebackers, with Martez Wilson exploding through blocks, and Nate Bussey getting pick sixes, along with the always solid play of Ian Thomas this is the best I have seen Illini LB's play since J Leman and Brit Miller were playing with a freshman 'Tez.

With the probability of Terry Hawthorne coming back for MSU and the improving overall quality of the secondary (Trulon Henry in particular) makes me get awfully greedy when I look down the remaining schedule for the season. (But more on that later.)

On offense, exactly what more could you ask of this unit, other than maybe a few more big plays. Nathan Scheelhaase did exactly what he needed to in this game to get the win. He was a model off efficiency, going 15-19 for 150 yards and a TD pass, and most importantly no INT's. He made key passes to keep drives alive and kept the defense honest enough to let Mikel LeShoure do his thing.

I have made the point that the Illini offensive line has had troubles pass protecting for Nathan Scheelhaase this season, but I have always maintained that this line is awesome at run blocking. Hey, when Troy Pollard gets in the game and starts rolling off 20 yard runs you know the O-line is getting some serious separation. In fact watching Illini offensive linemen have their way with a Penn State defensive line, well it is a thing of beauty.

Hell, even the problems that Jack Ramsey had  in returning punts was counteracted by excellent punting by Anthony Santella, and a 4 for 4 kicking day for Derek Dimke, which included a 50 yarder. With perhaps someone new fielding punts next week, our special teams will hopefully once again be a complete and effective unit.

This win changes a lot of things, and makes the possibility of a bowl that much more real. Three wins, with Indiana, Purdue and Minnesota still on the schedule, and all of the sudden, Northwestern looking a lot more beatable, this team could be on it's way to far surpassing all of our expectations, but maybe I am getting ahead of myself.
All I know is that whatever we are paying our new assistants, (its a lot) we are still getting a hell of a lot of bang for our buck. Petrino and Koenning have completely changed the trajectory of this team, and given where we were last December, that is amazing.