Penn State Football: Way Too Early Big Ten Football Power Rankings

Way Too early B1G Football power rankings: Where does Penn State Football stand?

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 03: James Franklin, head coach of the Penn State Nittany Lions, celebrates with the Big Ten Championship trophy after Penn State beat the Wisconsin Badgers 38-31 at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 3, 2016 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

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Head coach Bret Bielema of the Illinois Fighting Illini (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

807. Scouting Report. 10. . player. Pick Analysis. . Illinois Fighting Illini

2021 Record: 5-7 (4-5)

Bret Bielema is turning Illinois into Wisconsin south. 2021 was the first year for Bielema back in the college ranks and his philosophy has not changed. The philosophy worked great in the nine overtime upset over a ranked Penn State team.

Illinois leaned on a vastly improved defensive unit last season. The defense was able to hold opponents to 21 points a game. The running game was also better than years prior and was the bright spot on an otherwise lame offense.

Bielema has his schemes in place and is building Illinois in his image. The offensive line and running game are falling into place. The problem Illinois has is they need a quarterback.

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