The Penn State Nittany Lions head to Illinois to face the Fighting Illini. The last time that these two teams faced off, it did not end well for the Nittany Lions. The team ended up losing the game in overtime despite being the favorites to win the game. This year they are once again favorites, but it can still not be assumed that the Nittany Lions will take the win. Here is what to look for in this week’s Penn State game against Illinois, their first Big Ten opponent of the season.
What to Watch For
The composure late in the game will be important to watch in this game. If Penn State plays how they have been, they should have no problem beating Illinois. The issue will be late in the game, no matter what the score is. Last weekend, Illinois looked pretty bad to start the game. They then started to make a comeback despite not getting the win. Even if Penn State is up by 30 at the half, they need to keep their composure and continue to play hard until the final whistle.
Penn State RB Kaytron Allen (13) – Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
Who is getting the start at running back? In week one, it was Nicholas Singleton, but in week two, it was Kaytron Allen. The good news for the Nittany Lions is that no matter who starts, both will get a chance, and both are studs. Head coach James Franklin does want both of his players to understand that they are important and that both players are good enough to be starters. It will be interesting to see which Penn State running back is that starter against Illinois.
There can be more improvement to the special teams unit, specifically when it comes to the punt returns. The team has averaged 4.7 punt return yards per attempt, according to ESPN. This is not the worst weakness for a team to have. If they could get at least one solid punt return this weekend, the momentum would be huge for this team against their first Big Ten opponent of the season.
Penn State DE Chop Robinson (44) – Scott Taetsch/Getty Images
Penn State Players to Watch
Chop Robinson
On the defensive line, Chop Robinson had a strong 2022 season. So far, in two games, his name has not been called often. So far this season, he has had just three solo tackles and one tackle for loss, according to Sports Reference. Robinson can be an explosive player; it just has not happened yet in 2023. While it may not be a home game, the energy within the team will be high this weekend. It is time to watch for Robinson to make a big play against Illinois.
KeAndre Lambert-Smith
Heading into this season, it was expected that KeAndre Lambert-Smith would be the main target for the Nittany Lions. He has already shown that this season. He was a bit beat up last weekend after an awkward tackle, but he should be fine against Illinois. This season, he has had ten receptions for 187 yards and two touchdowns, according to Sports Reference. Quarterback Drew Allar told the media that he is feeling much more comfortable out there, and it will be fun to watch the Allar to Lambert-Smith connection this weekend.
Liam Clifford
While Lambert-Smith is looking like Allar’s top target, fans should keep an eye on wide receiver Liam Clifford this weekend. He has only had four receptions for 27 yards, according to Sports Reference, but he has been a solid target for Allar. He is averaging 6.8 yards per reception, which is clutch when moving down the field. If Clifford can take some of the pressure off of Lambert-Smith, this offense will continue to be strong this weekend.
Penn State WR Liam Clifford (82) – Matthew OHaren/USA TODAY Sports
Week 3 Prediction
The prediction is that the Penn State Nittany Lions will take the win this weekend as the favorites, but do not think that Illinois will not put up a fight. A good score prediction could be 39-14. Penn State will take the lead early, but Illinois will play until the last second. As long as the Nittany Lions do not let go of the gas pedal, they should be just fine. The game will take place this Saturday, September 16th, at noon Eastern in Illinois.
