Penn State hasn’t had many problems early in the 2023 season.
It had a relatively easy time beating West Virginia 38-15 Week 1 and a laughably easy time beating Delaware 63-7 last Saturday.
Many are expecting today’s game at Illinois to go smoothly as well.
Illinois is coming off its best season record-wise since it went to the Rose Bowl in 2007. Last year’s squad didn’t remind anybody of the 2001 Miami Hurricanes, but coach Bret Bielema did a solid job in leading the team to an 8-5 record. So far, the 2022 team isn’t building off that.
Illinois was a last-second field goal away from starting its season with a home loss to Toledo.
The next week was worse.
Illinois lost 34-23 at Kansas and needed to score the last 16 points to make it that close. So overall, things aren’t looking too good in Champaign. But that doesn’t necessarily mean Penn State won’t be tested.
For many, the big storyline in this game is that it will be the first road start for Penn State QB Drew Allar. The former five-star from Medina, Ohio hasn’t been perfect through two games, but he’s been close enough for the excitement around the 19-year-old to keep growing. Allar’s 43-55 for 529 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions.
But what will Allar do away from the comforts of Beaver Stadium? Most Penn State fans feel he’ll be just fine.
Penn State comes in as a 14.5-point favorite. Illinois will be having an “Orange Out,” and Bielema wanted the team to wear its orange alternates, but he told reporters Thursday that won’t be happening due to “a supply chain issue.”
For Penn State fans not making the trip, here’s more information on how to watch and listen to game.
Time: 12:00
TV: Fox
Streaming: FoxSportsGo
Announcers: Gus Johnson (PXP), Joel Klatt (color), Jenny Taft (sideline)
Radio: Penn State Football Affiliates
Radio announcers: Steve Jones (PXP), Jack Ham (color), Brian Tripp (sideline)
SiriusXM: Ch. 80, 82, 195, 957
Online radio stream: GoPSUSports
