University Park, PA – Silas Redd rushed for a three-yard 7 win over Illinois and secure an historic win for Joe Paterno.
Anthony Fera hit a 30-yard field goal earlier in the fourth quarter for the Nittany Lions (8-1, 5-0 Big Ten), as Paterno earned his 409th career victory to become the winningest coach in Division I history, passing late Grambling State coach Eddie Robinson.
Following Redd's touchdown run, the Illini (6-3, 2-3) drove into PSU territory, but Derek Dimke's 42-yard field goal attempt bounced off the upright as time expired.
Matthew McGloin completed just 9-of-24 passed for 98 yards and an interception, but was under center during the game-winning drive for Penn State, which has won seven straight games for the first time since 2008.
Meanwhile, Nathan Scheelhaase threw for 63 yards and a touchdown and ran for 89 yards for Illinois, which has dropped three in a row.
