Penn State Football's key Players vs. Illinois start with Ta'Quan Roberson

Penn State Football’s key Players vs. Illinois start with Ta’Quan Roberson

STATE COLLEGE, PENNSYLVANIA - SEPTEMBER 11: Ta'Quan Roberson #2 of the Penn State Nittany Lions throws a pass for a touchdown against the Ball State Cardinals during the second half at Beaver Stadium on September 11, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

3 of 5

Brenton Strange #86 of the Penn State Nittany Lions (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

Penn State Football Tight End – Brenton Strange

Brenton Strange is one of my key players for the second half of the season, and he will also have a big impact this week against Illinois.

Strange will likely have some mismatch opportunities against linebackers in man coverage, so when he gets open, he will need to make plays.

The tight ends’ blocking is also important in the running game, which the Nittany Lions need to get going in this game (as well as the rest of the season) to take some pressure off of their quarterback.

If the tight ends, especially Strange, can execute on their assignments in terms of run blocking, it will help create running lanes for the running backs to have a field day against the Illini.

Expect Brenton Strange to have a bounce back performance against Illinois and play a big role for the Nittany Lions to pick up their sixth win of the season.

Home/Penn State Football