Illinois Finally Wins Over No. 7 Penn State in 9th Overtime

Oct 23, 2021; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Artur Sitkowski (9) runs with the ball past Penn State Nittany Lions linebacker Jesse Luketa (40) during the first half at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

Illinois outlasted No. 7 Penn State in a 20 – 18 nine-overtime game. This was a first ever in NCAA history.

The teams were tied at 10 after regulation, exchanged field goals in the first two overtimes, then began to alternate 2-point attempts in the third OT as part of a format tweaked ahead of the season.

In the ninth OT, Sean Clifford’s pass to Parker Washington was broken up by linebacker Khalan Tolson. Peters then found Washington near the back of the end zone for the winning completion.

– Ella Breedlove