Saturday, October 29, 2011
This should be a great game as I see these two teams as very evenly matched. I think it will be a close game and there are a few key factors: The snow will impact the game just as Rudy already mentioned. Secondly, Illinois is coming off of back to back losses. How will that affect them? Will they come out angry and take it out on PSU? Or has their bubble been burst and the team is now deflated? We will probably find out the answer to that question early.
Last year, Penn State did not have very good team, but playing Illinois at home was a game everyone thought would amount to an easy win. The Illini promptly came in and gave Penn State as sound of a beating as the Lions have seen in recent years. I don't think Penn State has forgotten about this. Maybe it will be the Lions that come into this game angry and take it out on Illinois. Like I said, I think this should be a good game since the teams are evenly match, but, if PSU comes in with the right attitude, and Illinois comes in with the wrong attitude, this game could end up being lopsided in Penn State's favor.
I'm hoping for a good game with both team's best efforts. Not having Moye will hurt in this game more than it did in the last two. Will Penn State still be able to throw the ball effectively? I'm still waiting for Redd to break an 80 yard TD run. Maybe today will be the day. PSU takes this one 20-13
Illinois started the season 6-0, the first time they had done that in 60 years. The last two games they have lost because of a poorly functioning offense and a defense that couldn't make the big plays. Penn State has had similar issues with their offense as we all know, but what has been consistent is their phenomenal defense. It is anyone's guess as to which Illinois team shows up this afternoon, and what kind of offense for Penn State comes out to play in the snowy conditions.
The snow will play a huge factor in the game. It will be difficult to throw the ball and big plays will be at a premium. Who does this benefit? Illinois has several big play guys in Nathan Scheelhaase (QB) and A.J. Jenkins (WR) who will be slowed by the snow, but the awful special teams of the Illini should be neutralized with the poor weather (kick and punt returns will be easier to cover with the snow), and for Penn State I think the snow should give them the opportunity to stress running the ball more, something that Ohio State did every single offensive play except for four (they completed only one). If the offensive line shows up to play, Penn State should be able to win this game with the snow on their side.
Last week the offense seemed to click in the first half with Silas Redd running rampant and setting up some big plays on play-action. The receivers have stepped up and have done a good job of actually catching the ball in Moye's absence. We also all noticed that McGloin went the distance. I clearly expect this to happen again today, but I have a bad feeling that Bolden will get some significant playing time.
All in all things are looking up for the Nittany Lions; something we certainly did not expect only a few weeks ago. Sitting alone atop the Leaders division of the Big Ten, Penn State has a legitimate shot of earning a trip to the first ever Big Ten Championship game. I see them taking care of business against Illinois as they have all season in typical Joe Paterno fashion. No bells and whistles, just getting a lead and holding on with solid defense. PSU 17 Illinois 10
