First Look: Penn State Vs. Illinois

Penn State's offense is rising, while the Illinois defense has taken a surprising step back.

Initially, Penn State's Big Ten opener at Illinois occupied an early pivot point on the schedule. The Illini returned the nation's top-ranked scoring defense and the most all-conference players (10) among West Division teams. However, Illinois hasn't opened the season with much defensive confidence, allowing 62 points in two games. They gave up more than 24 just once last season.

Meanwhile, Penn State grabbed the early Big Ten lead in scoring offense, averaging 50.5 (!) points per game. Now, the Lions look to make an offensive statement after playing an, um, offensive game against Illinois in 2021.

Here's the first look at Saturday's Penn State-Illinois game.

Penn State (2-0) vs. Illinois (1-1)

When: Noon ET Saturday

Where: Memorial Stadium

TV: FOX

Streaming: FuboTV (start your free trial)

Betting Line: Penn State is a 16-point favorite, per DraftKings

Series History: Penn State leads 20-6

Last Meeting: Illinois 20-18 (9OT) in 2021

About the Lions: The story of Penn State's two-game start has been offensive efficiency. The Lions have scored 11 touchdowns in 13 red-zone trips, a success rate of 84.6 percent. That's a credit to quarterback Drew Allar, who hasn't turned over the ball and also hasn't turned on the big-play jets. The Lions have just one completion of 40+ yards, which was the 72-yard touchdown to KeAndre Lambert-Smith in the opener. Running back Nicholas Singleton, who led the Big Ten in runs of 30+ yards last season, hasn't taken one longer than 14 yet. There's a big-play offense looming, one that the first two opposing defenses largely aligned to stop. So Allar and the offense beat them elsewhere. That Penn State has scored 11 touchdowns with one 20-yard carry (by their third-string back) demonstrates that proficiency and hints that a burst is coming soon.

About the Illini: Coach Bret Bielema's team got way behind the sticks against Kansas, which grabbed a 34-7 lead before Illinois labored over a comeback. Quarterback Luke Altmyer ran for two touchdowns in the second half, but Illinois ran out of time. It's a rather surprising defensive start for Illinois, which returned seven starters from the nation's top-ranked scoring defense. Through two games Illinois ranks last in the Big Ten in total defense and rushing defense, their cornerstones of last season. At quarterback, Altmyer is similar to West Virginia's Garrett Greene, who managed some running success against the Lions. But if Illinois doesn't right its defensive lapses, Penn State should extend its streak of consecutive 30-point games to 10.

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AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.