Illinois

Ride the Skokie Swift

Junior running back Rashard Mendenhall is fresh off a career performance and brimming with confidence. Although Penn State has done a great job of slowing the rushing attack, when faced with an exceptional running game last week against Michigan, the Nittany Lions showed some weaknesses. Even though Penn State is more than aware of Illinois’ running game, the Illini will need to pound the PSU defense regardless.

No “More” scoring

Senior quarterback Anthony Morelli has NFL-caliber talent but can be stopped. Luckily for the Illini, he isn’t nearly as mobile as some of the quarterbacks they have faced. But he is by far the best true passer they will probably see all year. If the Illini defense can play the way it has been and limit the Penn State ground game to make it one dimensional, the Illini stand a chance.

Penn State

Spread the love

The Nittany Lions have a very talented group of skill players that can cause problems for opposing linebackers and secondaries. While the Illini have athletic starters, their depth has yet to be tested extensively. Penn State has a potent offense that was stifled last week and won’t to be shut down again. Expect a balanced attack with a lot of players contributing offensively, especially from the receivers.

Take a page from the Illini’s notebook

Last week against Indiana, the Illini forced Kellen Lewis to beat them with his arm. Penn State should look to force Juice Williams to do the same thing. Although Juice has been playing better of late, he has been the least consistent part of the Illini offense. Penn State should try to isolate that by making him throw.