PSU Preview: Illinois

Game 5

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Saturday, September 27th. 8 p.m. est. Beaver Stadium

Saturday night’s game begins the true test of your 2008 Penn State Nittany Lions. It is then that Big Ten conference games begin, it is then that PSU starts a ridiculously tough 8 game stretch, and it is then that we will hopefully show everyone that we are every bit worthy of a top-ten ranking. The test begins in primetime, under the lights, and surrounded by a whiteout.

Knits’s Breakdown:

When PSU in on offense: First off, Illinois’s defense is probably the weakest unit on their team. They are last in the Big Ten in scoring defense and are giving up a whopping 4.4 yds per rush. That doesn’t fare well against a PSU offense that’s first in the Big Ten and top-ten in the nation in scoring, and has obliterated opposing defenses on the ground. That being said, look for a heavy dose of Royster/Clark/Green running the ball to get Illinois to commit to the run. Once that happens, the passing game could open up, and open up widely. Illinois does, however, like to blitz a lot and from different places. That could prove difficult for the PSU offense if it’s not controlled, but could prove fatal to Illinois if it’s not effective. In short, if PSU limits turnovers and mistakes, this could be another banner day for the Penn State offensive machine.

When PSU in on defense: This is the matchup that will decide the outcome of the game. Illinois’s O, led by ultra-mobile Juice Williams, will test our defense with its ability to do many different things. Beside Williams, Illinois’s other playmaker is WR Arrelious Benn, who killed PSU last year catching, running, and returning. The good news is that Williams has always had trouble throwing the ball, which hinders Benn’s ability to catch it. The bad news is that Williams knows he's not a good passer and will take off running very quickly. Therefore, the PSU defense must play disciplined ball, while also attacking Williams. Look for speedy LB Bani Gbadyu to “spy” Williams, and for PSU to go after him. PSU’s D will be bolstered by the return of Mo Evans and Abe Koroma. A good defense just got a lot better, and just in time.

When you're hiding in Honduras, and you’re a des-per-ate man: Send lawyers, guns, and money. The shit has hit the fan. Haaaya!

Bottom line: Night game. Primetime. Whiteout. Solid defense. Explosive offense. A much more competitive opponent, but one that will have to do everything right to win. The first test should be a good one, but one that PSU will pass with little trouble.

Knits Pick…

Illinois: 14

PSU: 42

Game notes:

1. The return of Evans and Koroma. They won't start, but will get plenty of playing time.

2. The return of Herbstriet and AJ Hawk's boyfriend Musberger. They get the call on Saturday night.

3. The return of the lime green vest.

Let's Go State!