CHAMPAIGN, Ill — Needing a push to get its offense going, Penn State turned to its ground game, and a struggling offensive line came through.

Evan Royster and Stephfon Green punished Illinois on a windy and wet day, getting plenty of room to run behind the Nittany Lions' offensive line in a 35-17 victory.

Green had 120 yards rushing, Royster had 105 and Penn State rolled up a total of 338 on the ground Saturday.

"We just had a sense of urgency," quarterback Daryll Clark said about Penn State's attitude in the second half, when the Lions took control of the game. "We were able to convert a lot of third downs and the running game improved tremendously. I was real excited to see that."

Penn State (4-1, 1-1 Big Ten) goes back home Saturday to face Eastern Illinois before returning to Big Ten play Oct. 17 against Minnesota.

The Iowa loss left Penn State a game behind the conference leaders, and left doubts in fans' minds about how good the team could be.

Two big plays — one by Clark and one by Green — helped the Nittany Lions rebound from their first loss.

Green's was first, a 52-yard touchdown run that gave Penn State a 7-0 lead.

The sophomore back darted through a hole the size of a motor home opened up in the Illinois line. Illinois coach Ron Zook barked at his defense as they left the field.

It was an early sign that Penn State's line was wearing down the Illini. By the third quarter, the Nittany Lions were dominating up front — Penn State rushed for 146 yards in the third quarter on the way to opening up a 21-3 lead.

Penn State coach Joe Paterno praised the line's work.

"I thought that they were unfairly criticized a couple games because of the fact that the defense is loading up against the running game," he said. "I thought they did well today and I think we had a more balanced attack."

The second big play was a 51-yard run by Clark that set up Penn State's second touchdown.