Illinois vs Penn State
Joe Paterno can etch his name alone at the top of the list if Penn State wins this game. A win by the Nittany Lions would give Paterno 409 career wins, a mark which would top Eddie Robinson’s 408 career wins.
It seems every season Ron Zook is on the hot seat. The Fighting Illini’s 6-0 start really surprised the football world, but two straight losses have people questioning whether this team is for real.
**BETONLINE – THE BEST SPORTSBOOK FOR NCAA FOOTBALL BETTING! – CLICK HERE NOW + BET TODAY!**
Beaver Stadium
Saturday October 29, 3:30 PM EST
NCAA Football Odds from BetOnline
Moneyline: Penn State (-205) Illinois (+175)
College Football Spread: Penn State -5 (-115) Illinois +5 (-105)
Over/Under: 40.5
Can Penn State give Paterno his record setting 409th win?
Nathan Scheelhaase and the Fighting Illini offense have been non-existent in the past couple weeks. The Fighting Illini were held to 7 points by Ohio State two weeks ago. Last weekend they were held to 14 points by a mediocre Purdue team. Illinois clearly needs to get the offense started far earlier in the game. The Fighting Illini haven’t scored a point in the first three quarters of their last two contests. A.J. Jenkins gives Illinois one of the best play makers in the Big Ten on the outside, but the team is lacking a second pass receiving option. If Illinois is going to be successful in this game, they must get their running game going.
The Illinois defense has been very good this year. Despite losing their top two players to the NFL Draft, this defense ranks tenth in the nation in total defense. Illinois has been solid against both the run and the pass this year. The Fighting Illini are allowing just 18.1 points per game in 2011. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Penn State’s offense hasn’t necessarily been great this year, but they have gotten the job done. The emergence of Silas Redd as a quality running back has really helped this team move forward. Redd is averaging 5.3 yards per carry, and he already has six touchdowns this season. Matt McGloin and Rob Bolden have been sharing time at the quarterback spot, but McGloin seems to be earning the primary share of the playing time at this point. McGloin has thrown seven touchdowns and just two interceptions this year. This offense has been without its star receiver, Derek Moye, for the last few weeks. Moye is listed as questionable for this game, and the offense will really get a nice boost when he gets back in the lineup.
Penn State’s defense is primarily responsible for the team’s 7-1 start. The Nittany Lions defense has been dominating so far this year. Opponents are scoring just 13.1 points per game on this unit so far this year. The Nittany Lions defensive line is led by Jack Crawford. Star corner D’Anton Lynn leads a secondary that is probably the best in the Big Ten.
The posted total on this game is set very low, but it is set low for good reason. These defenses are much better than the offenses in this matchup. I expect both offenses to struggle to get anything going in this one.
Free College Football Pick: Illinois/Penn State under 40.5
Score Prediction: Penn State 17 Illinois 10
CHECK OUT OUR College football betting forums today! Join us today and make College football picks against the spread for all Division 1 NCAA Football matchups!
