STATE COLLEGE — Derrick Williams and Justin King are as intertwined in Penn State football history as Joe Paterno and rolled-up khakis.

It's hard to imagine one without the other.

Williams and King made good on their billing as highly touted freshmen two years ago. They've looked far more ordinary for long spurts this season. On Saturday, flashes of their considerable talent re-emerged in a crucial 26-19 win over Purdue.

After getting burned the previous two weeks, King was credited for four tackles and five pass breakups after getting tested often Saturday.

Williams' contributions were more noticeable with a career-high 151 all-purpose yards and two touchdowns against the Boilermakers (7-3, 3-3 Big Ten).

"I think he pressed a little bit earlier and now he seems a lot more comfortable out there," Paterno said about Williams. "You get to the point where sometimes you start pressing and I think he might have been pressing a little bit."

On a day when Penn State (7-3, 4-3) honored their seniors in the final home game of the season, JoePa saw positive signs from juniors Williams and King that might bode well for the future.

Williams lined up in some unusual positions against Purdue, such as in the slot or alone in the backfield next to quarterback Anthony Morelli. They connected on several short passes in which the receiver was to able to gain extra yards after the catch with some elusive moves.

Was Penn State's goal to get Williams more touches?

"It wasn't a concerted effort at all," he said. "We just took what the defense gave us."

Like when Williams scored on a 12-yard touchdown off a reverse in the fourth quarter. The typically humble Williams gave all the credit to his blockers.

It wasn't the same Williams who took defensive backs by surprise his freshman year with downfield explosiveness, but his play may have reminded Temple, next week's opponent, of Williams' capabilities.

Purdue cornerback Terrell Vinson wasn't as impressed.

"Nothing special," Vinson said when asked what made Williams effective. "He just made a few plays. I don't think he stood out or anything like that."