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Penn State Football: Week 4 Studs and Duds against Illinois

By Corey Hunter

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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CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 21: Miles Sanders #24 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs the ball as Bobby Roundtree #97 of the Illinois Fighting Illini pursues during the game at Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
CHAMPAIGN, IL – SEPTEMBER 21: Miles Sanders #24 of the Penn State Nittany Lions runs the ball as Bobby Roundtree #97 of the Illinois Fighting Illini pursues during the game at Memorial Stadium on September 21, 2018 in Champaign, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Penn State again looked shaky to start, but went on the road and routed Illinois.   Let’s see who made the cut in this week’s Studs and Duds.

Is there such a thing as an uncomfortable near-40-point victory?  If it does exist, Penn State experienced it on Friday night as they defeated the Fighting Illini by a score of 63-24.

The final score belies the fact that Illinois was actually leading 24-21 nearly mid-way through the third quarter.  It was at that point the Penn State offense took control and the defense got back on track.  The Nittany Lions were able to force a couple of second half turnovers, and the offense was able to capitalize.

In his post-game press conference, (video courtesy of 247Sports.com) Penn State head coach James Franklin was blunt when asked if he knows his full complement of 11 defensive players.  “I don’t think we’re in a situation where we have 11 guys that we know on defense right now, – especially at the linebacker position” Franklin said.  “I think we got starters and guys that we are rotating in, but I don’t know if anybody has really separated themselves from the pack…having a guy you know is running the defense and can be an eraser for you, in terms of making plays – we’re not there yet.  I think we’re making progress, but we’re not there yet.”

So many Nittany Lions contributed to the road win Friday night.  The 63 points scored by Penn State represents the second straight game the Nittany Lions have scored at least 60 points since they accomplished the feat back in 1917.

Next up for Penn State is a titanic clash against Ohio State.  Before we turn the page and look at the huge matchup with Ohio State, however, let’s take a final look back at the Studs and Duds for the Nittany Lions against Illinois.

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