Quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase was efficient and the Illinois defense was stingy in a 33-13 victory over Penn State in a Big Ten Conference matchup.

Penn State came in having won 36 of its last 40 at Beaver Stadium but was no match for Illinois (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten), which won at Penn State for the first time in seven tries.

Scheelhaase completed 15 of 19 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown. He connected with A.J. Jenkins for an 18-yard touchdown early in the second quarter to put the Illini ahead 7-3.

Illinois took a 20-13 lead at the half and the Penn State offense, which has had trouble generating points all season, was unable to get anything going.

Illinois held a 274-65 edge in rushing yards and a little over a 15-minute edge in time of possession. The Nittany Lions (3-3, 0-2) managed only seven first downs and have now scored only 19 points in their three losses this season.

With the defense shutting Penn State down, Illinois could pound the ball on the ground and did so, rushing 54 times, including 27 for 116 yards by Mikel LeShoure.

Derek Dimke kicked three field goals for Illinois, including a 50-yarder in the second quarter.