Game-by-game prediction for the Illinois football 2024 season
Game 5: Illinois Football at Penn State Nittany Lions (Loss – 27-13)
The early part of the Illinois schedule is tough. By season’s end, I could see Kansas, Nebraska, and Penn State all being ranked inside the top 25.
Pros
There isn’t a lot in the form of pros with this game. Penn State thrashed Illinois last season 30-13, and we didn’t play particularly well.
I think a pro could be the glimpse of success Kaden Feagin had against the Nittany Lions. He had four carries for 15 yards. That is 3.8 yards per carry, which was way over Penn State’s average of allowing 2.2 yards per carry last season.
Another pro is that Luke Altmyer has a ton of film on what not to do against Penn State. He was 15-of-28 for 163 yards and four interceptions in 2023. Now he knows what to correct.
I would say another pro is that Illinois’ defense played decently well against Penn State last season. Drew Allar threw for 208 yards and zero touchdowns while only completing 48.4% of his passes. Penn State only rushed for 164 yards and two touchdowns as well.
Cons
Hmm, where do I start? Well, Penn State returns nearly everyone from 2023. 67% of their production is back, which includes Allar at quarterback and both leading rushers, Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton.
Illinois lost the starting front three of the defensive line, so Penn State’s running backs could run wild. Allar should get stronger at quarterback, as he has another year under his belt and Penn State added wide receiver Julian Fleming from Ohio State.
Most of the Penn State defense that ranked No. 1 in rush defense and No. 11 in pass defense last season returns to the roster. That doesn’t bode well for the Illini.
Final
Much like the Nebraska game, I think everything rests on the shoulders of Altmyer. Illinois could have knocked off Penn State in 2023 if it wasn’t for the four interceptions that Altmyer threw.
I see Penn State locking down on defense once again, though. This game is in Happy Valley too, which is going to be so tough. I don’t see Illinois coming away with a win in this game.