Prediction, Game Preview, and Odds for Penn State vs. Illinois

Oh no, everyone be careful… A White Out is going on at Penn State.

It is likely that Illinois will still show up, even if everyone wears plain t-shirts.

It won a great game in overtime against Nebraska to get off to a great 4-0 start. In two weeks, they play Purdue in a layup.

When the Illini win this, they will be known all over the country.

The 56-0 loss to Kent State could have been much worse for Penn State. It also needed work after beating Bowling Green 34–27. If they win this, they will almost certainly be 5-0 before going to USC, where they play UCLA next.

Penn State vs Illinois Preview

Penn State vs Illinois How to Watch
Date: Saturday, September 28, 2024
Game Time: 7:30 pm ET
Venue: Beaver Stadium, University Park, PA
How to Watch: NBC
Penn State (3-0), Illinois (4-0)

Why Illinois Will Win

The passing game is still working well.

Luke Altmyer is not Shedeur Sanders, but the experienced quarterback has been doing a great job. He throws for over 200 yards per game, has not picked off anyone yet, and makes 71% of his throws. This is not a very strong move, but it works.

It is all too simple. Do not lose the ball, but make a lot of people lose it, start a pass rush, and make big plays at the right time on both sides of the ball.

This team looks like it is played a lot and will not be rattled, but…

Why Penn State Will Win

That thing about Penn State not being able to throw downfield goes away.

Penn State’s passing game did not mess up last year—30 touchdowns and only two interceptions—but being careful often made them unable to move.

Drew Allar only threw for 6.8 yards on average, and the team as a whole only got 11.36 yards per pass. This showed that no one thought anything was going on down the field.

This season, Penn State has the second-best average of 17.3 yards per pass in the country.

It is okay to pack up against Penn State’s running game. Allar will make big plays that will open things up. Going up against Kent State might help with that, but Illinois’ defense will have to work a little harder.

Penn State vs Illinois: Who Will Win

They are a good, tough team that will be hard to beat.

The lines will hold up, and Allar will be hit a few times by the defenders. The fight will last for an hour. But Penn State’s increased power will show up in the second half when they need to and take over the game.

It will be the boring third down, move the chains play that gets done, even with the flash.