Penn State Football vs Illinois: Nittany Lions’ Reasons for Optimism, and Worry

Reason for Optimism – Illinois’ Run Defense

The biggest weakness for Penn State Football in 2021 is their running game, and that matches up perfectly against Illinois. What better reason for optimism heading into a game than your biggest weakness not being able to be exploited by the opposition?

Illinois is second last in the Big Ten and 87th nationally allowing 4.3 rushing yards per attempt. Against Wisconsin, the Badgers’ offensive line completely dominated the Illini’s front seven.

Obviously Wisconsin has a better running game than Penn State does, but it showed just how outmatched Illinois was by superior athletes. However, Illinois was able to load up the box against Wisconsin, as the Badgers ran a lot of 12 and 13 personnel and power-i formations…as they usually do.

Penn State Football may be able to gain in advantage in a different way. Wisconsin was hardly much of a threat to spread the field out and pass the ball a lot, but Penn State is. The Nittany Lions’ spread offense will open up the field and force the Illini to honor the passing game, and also force them to make tackles in space…something they struggle with.

Plus, if Ta’Quon Roberson plays, he is a threat to run as well, so the read option will allow he and the backs to pick up a lot of yards on the ground.

Nittany Lions might not rush for 300+ yards as a team, but it is certainly comforting to know that Illinois does not posses the ability to completely neutralize Penn State Football’s rushing attack.

This is especially important to be able to run the ball effectively to relieve some pressure from Ta’Quan Roberson and the passing game if Sean Clifford doesn’t play, or when he is taken out of the game if he does.

Penn State Football’s running game has been an issue for much of the season, but don’t expect that to be the case this week against an Illinois team that struggles mightily to stop the run.