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Penn State Football: Quarterback report post Illinois 2018

By Collin Wieder

CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 21: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs the ball as Bennett Williams #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reaches for the tackle during the game at Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL - SEPTEMBER 21: Trace McSorley #9 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs the ball as Bennett Williams #4 of the Illinois Fighting Illini reaches for the tackle during the game at Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
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Another too close for comfort win for Penn State football. But, QB Trace McSorley made sure to come up clutch at the right time yet again.

After a worrisome first half and early third quarter, Penn State football exploded for a 42-0 run to blast Illinois, 63-24. PSU running back Miles Sanders was the star on offense, but in between his great runs, Trace McSorley provided the hesitation from the Fighting Illini on the zone read. McSorley shook, smashed and escaped Illinois defenders for most of the night, especially early causing Illinois to focus on the senior QB.

Once he averted the opposing defense’s attention, Sanders had a field day. Penn State didn’t need the passing game to come out with a win, but it did complete clutch passes. McSorley threw three TDs on the night, the biggest of which came on a third-and-12 scramble and laser to Juwan Johnson.

On the night, he completed 12-of-19 passes for 160 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. He added 92 yards on the ground off 15 carries. He made correct reads all night through the air and on the ground. The biggest play came off the read, as he held the mesh point for so long before pulling it and leaving the defense confused.

Again, he avoided any major turnovers. His interception in the first half did give Illinois a late field goal to cut the PSU lead to 21-17. But, Penn State’s going to take chances – that’s the potential of this offense. Through four games, he’s turned over the ball just two times and piled up almost 1,000 total yards and 14 touchdowns in the process. McSorley also surpassed 8,000 career passing yards to complete a solid night.

Next. Penn State Football: Miles Sanders, Nittany Lions run all over Illinois. dark

His biggest test to date comes up next Saturday versus Ohio State. He’ll be asked to do more than any other game this season, but it’s always been this way for McSorley. The team has asked more of him than any other player in the James Franklin era. In three years he’s outplayed expectations.

McSorley SEASON STATS: 58-of-107, 764 yards, eight touchdowns, two interceptions; 235 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns; 999 total yards, 14 total touchdowns

McSorley CAREER STATS: 26-5 career record, 8,133 passing yards, 61.0 completion percentage, 67 touchdowns, 20 interceptions; 1,134 rushing yards, 24 rushing touchdowns; 9,267 total yards, 91 total touchdowns

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