GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Lovie Smith has praised his young offensive line for its run-block efforts through three games but admitted the passing game has been limited because of trouble protecting the quarterback. The Illini have surrendered nine sacks this season, five of which occurred in the team’s 25-19 loss at South Florida last Saturday. Penn State averages 4.33 sacks per game, which ranks first in the conference and fourth in the FBS. If Illinois is unable to control the line of scrimmage and maintain the pocket, it could be a long day for whoever is under center for the Illini.
“We’ll keep working on it,” Smith said of the pass blocking. “I don’t know if there’s a quick answer to it … block better. We blocked well in the running game, passing game-wise just didn’t get it done. We’ll do better at that this week.”
DRAFT SLANT
–LB Del’Shawn Phillips continues to anchor the Illinois defense, and seems to have improved his hands and defensive reads for his final season. Phillips had eight tackles against South Florida and recorded his second interception in three games, returning it 34 yards to setup an Illinois field goal.
ROSTER REPORT:
–TE Lou Dorsey has not played this season due to suspension, but has been practicing with the team, and may provide a much-needed spark to the Illini passing game if he returns Friday for the conference opener.
–CB Nate Hobbs was also suspended before the start of the season but appeared in all 12 games as a freshman in 2017 and will provide experience and depth to the Illini secondary if he does return against Penn State.
–S Bennett Williams was a projected starter before being suspended in August along with Dorsey and Hobbs and two other backups. If Williams returns to action against Penn State, it will be a huge boost for the Illini secondary, which will need all the help it can get to stop one of the nation’s best signal callers in McSorley.
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