The Penn State Football Show

This game will provide the answers to a lot of questions people have for this Penn State team, but before any of that happens, I will flatter you with my thoughts.

1) Arrelious Benn was unstoppable last year vs. PSU with a KR touchdown and 6 grabs for 84 yards including a touchdown strike where the entire Penn State secondary couldn't bring him down. How are they going to fix this?

Everyone frrreeeaks out about kick coverage. Relax. Yes he is dangerous, and yes he took one back last year, and Penn State certainly didn't look great against Temple, but lets analyze the kickoff. This is the most dangerous play in all of football. The kick team runs full speed for 40 yards before getting met by awaiting blockers who they try to avoid while still maintaining their coverage lane and keeping an eye on the elusive returner. Now when playing a team like Temple, it is understandable that the coverage team would be more concerned with not getting blindsided, than going 110% to make the tackle. They will be well prepared for Benn, and put it into perspective...the guy will return maybe two kicks for TD's all year...what's the chance he does it at Penn State? Kevin Kelly is also very capable of putting the kicks through the end zone. I have always been against giving in to kick returners, and now is no different. If Illinois beats Penn State it won't be because of special teams play.

2) The defense is....good. But how good? They certainly aren't up to par with the past two years. Illinois beat us last year...and with a worse defense, what's to say that won't happen again?

This defense is not as good as it has been mainly because of the linebackers. Middle linebacker in particular. Currently the starter in that position is Josh Hull, a walk-on who works hard and has improved...but he is no Sean Lee, Paul Posluszny, or Dan Connor. He lacks the speed and natural ability of these great players, and will have to deal with one of the best ground attacks in the Big Ten, and possibly the country. This could be an issue because Illinois knows that this is the defense's weakness and will try to attack it. However, regardless of this matter, Penn State will prevail. Not because of their defense. Because they will score more points that the Illini. The ultimate quest of a football game. In the past, the Nittany Lions have won games because their defense has done the job and the offense provided what it needed. This year is completely different. Even more different than 2005 when we last witnessed an explosive spread offense in State College. Illinois was torched by Missouri who was able to run and throw at will, and with the weapons Penn State possesses, I can't see the Leman-less Illini defense getting many stops. This will be a shoot-out, but the better offense and defense belong to PSU.

3) The Spread HD...looks good, but why isn't Clark running more?

Joe Paterno and his staff are one of the best in the business of holding on to their cards until the right moment. Alamo Bowl last year...A&M had no idea what to do with Clark. We all know he can run, he's a monster, but when the game is over when it starts, as has been the case the past four weeks, why tip your hand? And who knows, maybe Illinois won't even see that hand if Penn State puts points on the board early. As of now, teams will have trouble preparing for Penn State simply because they haven't been challenged and haven't needed to show off the full extent of their playbook. Another missing aspect? The Penn State running backs. Yea you've seen them run at around 8 yards a clip, but nearly all of those runs have been between the tackles. If the offense gets into a bind against Illinois, look for them to start running more options, and getting the ball to Stephfon Green and Evan Royster on the edge.

4) How is Illinois going to stop Penn State's offense?

That I can't answer, and this one I hope is still uncertain on Sunday morning.