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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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Penn State head football coach James Franklin holds out his hands to greet the offensive back to the sideline after a 4-yard touchdown pass from Beau Pribula to Omari Evans against Delaware Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in State College, Pa. /

3) Penn State’s Coaching Staff will Make Adjustments

Give credit to the Penn State football coaching staff for getting their players involved and maintaining focus.

Penn State has a great tempo and poise so far this season. Head coach James Franklin and defensive coordinator Manny Diaz are very pleased with what they are seeing from their players.

Coach Franklin made some good adjustments during the second half of the game against West Virginia by putting in safeties King Mack, Mehki Flowers, and cornerback Elliot Washington II. They all collected tackles. Many of the defensive players got a piece of the pie when it came to picking up tackles.

Penn State is expected to have a big game against Illinois. It wouldn’t be shocking if Illinois could pull off an upset but Penn State is a very good team. They’re not soft. The coaching staff have shown that they can tweak things to make the game go their way. In terms of the Nittany Lions’ running game, I think they’re due for a huge breakout game. The running game should be better in this game compared to Weeks 1 and 2.

I expect Penn State to dominate, but they shouldn’t underestimate Illinois. You can’t take any teams lightly. Anyone can be beaten on any given Saturday.

dark. Next. Projected playoff rankings after Week 2

Penn State is projected to win at least 15 points against Illinois. I don’t disagree with this prediction based on what I’m seeing this season so far. I have Penn State winning this game 37-20 against Illinois. Penn State and Illinois will face off on Saturday, September 16th at noon EST.

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