Penn State Football: 3 Bold Predictions against Illinois

3. Penn State will score at least 50 points

Penn State has become an offensive powerhouse over the past few seasons, mainly due to Trace McSorley’s leadership. The Nittany Lions have averaged 489 offensive yards and 53 points per game this season.

Illinois’ defense has given 480 yards per game against subpar non-conference competition. Their pass defense is their real weakness with 325 passing yards allowed per game.

Illinois may come out hot on Friday night, but Penn State should quickly come back and blow this game open in the third quarter. The reserves should get to play again in Week 4 to rest the starters for Ohio State.

Fans will likely get to see backup quarterback Tommy Stevens play since he has reportedly recovered from his foot injury and is available this week. Sean Clifford may also get another chance to get some playing time on Friday.

In two games, Clifford has completed all four of his passes and has two touchdowns, including a 95-yard touchdown pass last week to Daniel George. Clifford has been very impressive in his redshirt freshman season, and he will likely be the starting quarterback in 2020.