The rain came down hard. James Franklin could have moved Wednesday’s practice inside, but opted not to. With a chance for showers in Saturday’s tilt with No. 19 Illinois, Penn State is attempting to replicate a realistic game environment.
Weather does not wait for Big Ten football season.
The Nittany Lions are undefeated through three games, but the Fighting Illini haven’t lost through four, most recently knocking off then-ranked Nebraska this past weekend. The bright lights of Beaver Stadium will serve as the witness in what will be the most challenging matchup of the year for both programs.
Here are some notes and observations from Wednesday’s practice viewing session as Penn State prepares for its first ranked contest of 2024.
Rain or shine
Ever try catching a wet ball off a Jugs machine? It’s not easy. But neither is football, so the Nittany Lions’ linebackers attempted to catch high-speed passes off the robot as the rain poured down on their white helmets.
Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer has yet to throw his first interception of the season. Last year, he threw four against Penn State. Rain or shine, the Nittany Lions will look to take away Altmyer’s first and repeat their dominating pass defense.
Another efficient quarterback in his own right, Drew Allar didn’t seem to have any trouble hitting his wide receivers and tight ends in stride on Wednesday. Some receivers, however, did have trouble holding onto the damp ball as it hit their gloves.
“Eyes to your hands, eyes to your hands!” wide receivers coach Marques Hagans yelled toward Tyler Johnson after he dropped a perfect, short-range pass from Allar. Johnson tried the rep again, this time locking eyes with the pigskin for a clean catch.
Absences
Penn State starting linebacker Dominic DeLuca was absent from the viewing session, days after exiting after halftime against Kent State. DeLuca, a team captain, has tallied two tackles across three starts this season. His status, whether it be inactive or limited against the Fighting Illini, could mean increased time for Tyler Elsdon, Ta’Mere Robinson, DaKaari Nelson and Anthony Speca.
On the offensive side of the ball, running back Cam Wallace was also absent. Wallace was carted to the locker room in the fourth quarter against the Golden Flashes. He’s taken 18 carries for 63 yards and a touchdown as the third-string behind Nick Singleton and Kaytron Allen this season. If he misses time, freshman Quinton Martin likely gets the promotion.
