3 areas of attack for the Illinois football team against Penn State

The Illinois football team is coming into a huge game on Saturday against one of the best teams in the country.

There is a reason Penn State is ranked in the top 10 in the nation. The Nittany Lions have so many weapons, but the Illini matched up against this program last season. We know what they bring to the table.

Even though Penn State is extremely talented, there are a few areas that I believe Illinois can attack to help turn the tides in this contest.

Here are the three areas of attack for the Illinois football team against Penn State

1. 3rd down conversions

While Penn State does have a potent offense, it also has a weakness when it comes to third downs. Despite ranking No. 16 in the country in third down conversions, the Nittany Lions struggled greatly against Bowling Green.

Penn State managed to convert just 2-of-9 on third downs in that game against the Falcons. This led to the narrow 34-27 win. If Illinois can get them off the field on third downs, we could come out of this game with the victory. Among the nine third down attempts, five of them were from eight yards or longer. Getting in the Penn State backfield and causing chaos early in the possession is going to be key.

2. Win the penalty battle

When you play good teams, the little things get magnified even more. Something as small as penalty yardage could be the make or break for either program.

Illinois has a chance to get some free yardage against Penn State on Saturday. If we can win the penalty battle, then we could win the game.

Penn State has been an undisciplined team this season. They are averaging 67.0 yards per game in penalties, which ranks No. 96 in the country. This includes seven penalties for 76 yards in the close win over Bowling Green. I am aiming for a +40-yard penalty margin for the Illini in this game. I believe that could happen and help us get to a win.

3. Rattling Drew Allar’s confidence

Penn State doesn’t rely on Drew Allar to make huge plays. He isn’t throwing the ball 30 times per game, so they don’t lean on him. But he can have his confidence rattled at times.

In the Bowling Green game, Allar was 13-of-20 for 204 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. He wasn’t extremely accurate, and he didn’t throw the ball downfield a lot. Bowling Green was able to get to him for multiple sacks, and they picked off the Penn State passer.

Allar can clearly be rattled. Illinois’ pass rush needs to be on its game Saturday. Let’s make Allar uncomfortable. There will be opportunities if we can at least get around him and get him moving. His confidence can be shaken.