No. 9 Penn State looks for another big offensive performance at home against No. 19 Illinois
Penn State tight end Tyler Warren (44) gains yardage while being tackled by Kent State linebacker Jayden Studio, left, during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in State College, Pa. Credit: AP/Barry Reeger
No. 19 Illinois (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) at No. 9 Penn State (3-0, 0-0), Saturday, 7:30 p.m. ET (NBC)
BetMGM College Football Odds: Penn State by 17 1/2.
Series record: Penn State leads 21-6.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Fresh off a gritty overtime comeback at Nebraska last week, the Fighting Illini are 4-0 for the first time since 2011. Now, they have a chance to turn an already promising season into something special if they can endure the droning cacophony of Beaver Stadium and knock off their third ranked opponent in four weeks. The Nittany Lions generated a program-record 718 total yards of offense against Kent State and want to keep that momentum going under the lights.
KEY MATCHUP
Illinois’ offensive line vs. Penn State’s pass rush. The Nittany Lions regularly field one of the nation’s best pass rushes, but they've managed just four sacks so far. That doesn’t mean they haven’t been close. They’ve got double-digit pressures despite teams using quick passing plays to mostly neutralize their edge defenders. If Illinois can keep QB Luke Altmyer upright, he can make plays down the field.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Illinois: Altmyer was harassed constantly in this matchup a year ago. He was sacked three times, tossed four interceptions and the Illini lost 30-13. Thankfully for Illinois, Altmyer appears to have taken another step and has started this season on a tear. He’s completing 71% of his passes and has thrown 10 touchdowns with no interceptions.
Penn State: TE Tyler Warren does a little bit of everything for the Nittany Lions and added to his arsenal of tricks with his first career touchdown pass last week. Through three games he’s got twice as many catches (16) than any teammate and is seventh nationally averaging 75.3 receiving yards per game.
FACTS & FIGURES
Illinois has started 4-0 just four times in the AP poll era (since 1936). … Illinois is playing its third ranked opponent in four games and is on track to play five ranked teams in a seven-game stretch. ... Penn State has won four of the last five against Illinois. ... This is Penn State’s first Big Ten opener at home since 2015. … Penn State and No. 5 Tennessee are the only two FBS teams averaging 250 or more passing and rushing yards per game so far.
