Prepare for bright lights, loud music and screaming fans. No. 9 Penn State’s tilt with No. 19 Illinois (4-0) on Saturday is one expected to generate a massive crowd for the team’s first night game of the 2024 season. And rightfully so: This game’s a big one as both teams look to remain undefeated for another week.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. EDT with the broadcast designated to NBC. As of Thursday, the Nittany Lions are 18-point favorites, a significant margin against a Fighting Illini team that has a ranked road win already under its belt.
Here’s a preview, keys to victory and predictions for this weekend’s highly anticipated affair.
PREVIEW: James Franklin’s first true roadblock on the route to his debut in the College Football Playoff comes against Bret Bielema’s most complete team of his four-year Illinois tenure. The Fighting Illini are led by quarterback Luke Altmyer, who has thrown 10 touchdowns without allowing a turnover.
Their sturdy defense, especially in the secondary, is one that should test Penn State offensive coordinator Andy Kotelnicki and quarterback Drew Allar.
PLAYERS TO WATCH:
WR Omari Evans
Evans currently leads the Big Ten with 25.6 yards per reception. He’s been the big-play target Allar so desperately needed last season, and caught four receptions for 116 yards and a touchdown against Kent State last week. Franklin said Illinois’ secondary will be a “challenge” for his wide receivers, who can use this game to prove that they really are improved from 2023.
CB A.J. Harris
The Nittany Lions intercepted Altmyer four times in last year’s meeting, a 31-13 victory. Putting pressure on Altmyer both in the pocket and in the secondary will be a major key this time around, as well. Harris was dealing with a stomach bug against the Golden Flashes, but should be good to go on Saturday. He’s been the team’s best cornerback thus far and should be essential to stopping Altmyer and wide receiver duo Pat Bryant and Zakhari Franklin.
KEY TO VICTORY:
Explosive offense
Kotelnicki has worked to keep each opposing defense on its toes, an essential aspect to finding a win against the Fighting Illini. Penn State was anything but explosive last season, but can rewrite the script against a ranked opponent this weekend. Illinois has been exceptional defensively, but questions remain about the durability on big pass plays. Kotelnicki should take advantage of that.
PREDICTION: Penn State 31, Illinois 17
