The Wolverines' three-goal first period sunk the Nittany Lions' late comeback hopes.
After being out on rest last week, Ezeonu looked fresh, tallying 11 kills, three aces, and three total blocks while hitting .846.
Penn State's stellar defense wasn't enough to hold off Colorado.
"I want tough, competitive kids. I want kids that come here because they want to win."
Penn State was down by just three at halftime, but collapsed in the second half as the Fighting Illini pulled away.
Twelve different Nittany Lions contributed to the score sheet in the team's season opener against Bucknell.