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BWI Live: Five Things to watch in Penn State vs. Illinois

Headshot 5x7 reduced qualityby: Thomas Frank Carr09/15/23ThomasFrankCarr
Penn State Football On3
Penn State's offensive line has paved the way and kept quarterback Drew Allar upright for two games. Can they go toe-to-toe with one of the best defensive lines in the country this weekend? (Photo composition: Thomas Frank Carr/BWI)

Penn State football takes on the Illinois Fighting Illini on Saturday at Beaver Stadium. To get you ready for the game, we’re breaking down five things we’re watching for during the game. Join the BWI Live Friday show to discuss the upcoming game and what Penn State needs to do to get a victory. 

It’s a full weekend of Penn State sports action, starting at 9 a.m. with the Penn State Football Tailgate Show, presented by 7 Mountains Media and broadcast on the Blue White Illustrated YouTube Channel. Join us for 90 minutes of discussion on the matchup against Illinois and how we see that playing out later in the day. 

Then join the BWI Live postgame show coming up immediately after the conclusion of Penn State and Illinois. Sean Fitz joins the show to give you his perspective on the game’s outcome and answer your questions. Subscribe to the Blue White Illustrated YouTube Channel so you don’t miss any of the action! 

Penn State vs. Illinois

Earlier this week we discussed the three things that we still want to learn about the Penn State football team. Some of those thoughts are the bedrock of today’s show. Will we learn more about key aspects of the Nittany Lions team that we haven’t yet? 

However, we start with a look at the Illinois defense, which has faltered through the season’s first two weeks. What’s the issue? We’ll explain how things have shaken out for the Illinois secondary. 

Next, we discuss areas that Penn State’s defense needs to strengthen this week. Which defense will show up in week three? We’ve seen a group that struggled to tackle in space and one that shut down an FCS team. Illinois will represent another test to inform us of how the front seven will play this year. 

Next, we’ll try to glean which group of playmakers will face Illinois on Saturday. Will the team play three receivers? Or will Mike Yurcich stick with two tight ends? We’ll discuss the pros and cons of each plan this weekend. 

Penn State stars playing like stars

So far, the Penn State defense has played a team approach, with everyone chipping into the performance. Part of that is by design, with plenty of rotation over the last two weeks. But can the team’s star players play up to their billing this week? We highlight two players that should have big days against the Illinois defense. 

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