Penn State at Illinois: Prediction Roundtable

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STATE COLLEGE, PA – SEPTEMBER 15: Johnathan Thomas #20 of the Penn State Nittany Lions scores a touchdown against the Kent State Golden Flashes during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 15, 2018 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Collin Wieder, Co-Site Expert

The last two weeks continue to trend upward for Penn State football. The offense still needs to find its complete stride but against Illinois, the Nittany Lions will run roughshod again. Trace McSorley needs to simply avoid turnovers again and rack up scores through the air and on the ground. He’s scored at least three total touchdowns in each game. Expect him to do it once more on the Fighting Illini.

For the defense, Shareef Miller and the pass rush must apply early pressure and force turnovers. Illinois’ two quarterbacks that have seen action can make plays with their legs. The defense needs to contain them like it has done to opposing offense, excluding week one.

If Penn State executes even half as well as it’s capable, this will be a track meet in one direction. Illinois surrenders almost 500 yards per game on defense and more than six-yards per play. With the explosive playmakers this offense boasts, it’ll burst the game open. The pass defense gives up more than 300 yards through the air giving McSorley and company a free run at the secondary.

Penn State 52
Illinois 14

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