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Penn State Football: 3 Reasons Why Nittany Lions Will Beat Illinois

By Miguel Mike Medina

Delaware defensive lineman Ethan Saunders dives to take down Penn State quarterback Drew Allar as offensive linemen Caeden Wallace (left) and Sal Wormley (77) - the Smyrna High graduate - follow the play in the Delaware's 63-7 loss at Beaver Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023.
Delaware defensive lineman Ethan Saunders dives to take down Penn State quarterback Drew Allar as offensive linemen Caeden Wallace (left) and Sal Wormley (77) - the Smyrna High graduate - follow the play in the Delaware's 63-7 loss at Beaver Stadium, Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023. /
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Sep 2, 2023; University Park, Pennsylvania, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions quarterback Drew Allar (15) signals from the line of scrimmage during the first quarter against the West Virginia Mountaineers at Beaver Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

2) Drew Allar-Keandre Lambert Smith: QB-WR Connection

Quarterback Drew Allar has been on a mission throughout the first two games so far. He’s thrown for over 500 yards and has completed 78% of his passes. He hasn’t thrown any interceptions.

Wide receiver Keandre Lambert Smith is close to reaching 200 yards this season. He had a big game against West Virginia and an okay performance against Delaware. He didn’t score a touchdown, but he added 74 yards, and he’s still a good receiver for Penn State football.

If Allar can throw the ball more to Smith especially early in the game, then it would be a recipe for success on offense. I expect Allar to throw at least three touchdowns (two of them to Smith). When you play against Penn State’s offense, the defense can’t miss a beat. You have to pick up every inch against the Lions.

Illinois could’ve given Penn State problems last year, but this year’s Illinois team is different and feels different. Illinois coaching staff might expect to rely so much on their quarterback, which should raise some concerns. Illinois was better constructed last season than this season.

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