Big Ten Conference Game With Huge Implications
No. 9 Penn State Football will seize to keep momentum in the right direction Saturday night when the Nittany Lions hosts No. 19 Illinois at Beaver Stadium in what James Franklin and staff are calling for “White Out Energy.” Both Illinois and Penn State come into this game undefeated. Now, we will preview the game.
No. 19 Illinois Fighting Illini
Illinois comes into this game with an undefeated 4-0 record. The Illini have played three games at home and one on the road. Further, Illinois is coming off a thriller on the road at Nebraska which went into OT with the Illini coming out on top, 31-24. The Fighting Illini are 4-0 for the first time since 2011. Further, Illinois is currently playing their third ranked opponent in a four week span.
Outside of that, Illinois is on track to play five ranked opponents over a seven game span. Illinois hasn’t been ranked this early in the AP top-25 poll since 2008. Illinois has been battle tested against Kansas and Nebraska.
No. 9 Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State football bounced back against literally the worst team in college football, the Kent State Golden Flashes. So far, The Nittany Lions offense has focused on the run game and explosive plays have been up. Offensive Coordinator Andy Kotelnicki has already opened so eyes while running the Penn State football offense. However, that doesn’t mean fans and general college football spectators have seen anything just yet. While Singleton and Allen have maintained a strong backfield duo. Drew Allar has shown signs of growth and development at quarterback.
Liam Clifford, Omari Evans and Tyler Warren have provided some equal balance through the air to help alleviate the pressure of solely relying on the running game to get stuff done. Furthermore, Penn State is No. 7 in the country with 537.7 yards per game. Although tonight is not the official White Out game, Beaver Stadium will be rocking as if it is. Overall, Penn State football is 62-32 all-time in night games. Specifically, the Nittany Lions are 21-11 in night games at home. Lastly, Penn State is in the final stretches of a month-long slate of games at home. Penn State looks to keep the momentum rolling.
Kickoff And Betting Lines
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 at Beaver Stadium. Also, the game will be televised on NBC as part of Big Ten Football Saturday Night. Right now, the odds makers have the Nittany Lions as -19.5 point favorites.
