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Picks are In: College GameDay Crew Predicts Penn State-Illinois

ESPN College GameDay at PSU
Image credit to PSU Athletics

Penn State has a big football game against Illinois tonight at 7:30.

Of Penn State’s four opponents thus far, this presents the strongest test.

The surprising Illini, which won five games all of last season, have already won four this year before the end of September.

A win at No. 22 Nebraska last Friday night moved Illinois into the top 20 at No. 19. Despite that, Penn State is a heavy favorite at 17.5-points. Coach James Franklin’s team does quite well in these situations, having won their last 27 matchups when being favored by a touchdown or more. The last loss, though, was that infamous 9OT loss on Homecoming in 2021.

It’s again Homecoming, and will history repeat itself? We’ll know soon enough, but for now, here’s what the College GameDay crew thinks.

Desmond Howard:

Pick: Penn State 

Nick Saban

Pick: Penn State

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Pat McAfee

Pick: Penn State

“Ms. Terry” Saban (Guest picker)

Pick: Penn State

Kirk Herbstreit

Pick: Penn State

 

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