The No. 7 Penn State Nittany Lions (2-0) take on a fellow Big Ten opponent when they visit the Illinois Fighting Illini (1-1) on Saturday, September 16, 2023 at Memorial Stadium (Champaign, IL).
Interested in watching this game? You can find it on Fox.
When is Penn State vs. Illinois and when does it start?
This matchup between the Nittany Lions and Fighting Illini is scheduled on Saturday, September 16, 2023. You should expect the kickoff at 12:00 PM ET.
Where to watch Penn State vs. Illinois
The Nittany Lions and Fighting Illini will take to the field at Memorial Stadium (Champaign, IL) for this matchup on September 16, and if you want to catch the game live, get your tickets now from Vivid Seats!
What channel is the game on?
You can catch this game live on Fox.
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Penn State vs. Illinois Game Preview
Penn State Stats & Insights
In their most recent game, the Nittany Lions defeated the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens 63-7.
Penn State has been shining on both sides of the ball, ranking 15th-best in total offense (509.5 yards per game) and ninth-best in total defense (224.0 yards allowed per game).
On defense, the Nittany Lions have been a top-25 unit in terms of passing yards, ranking fourth-best by surrendering just 110.0 passing yards per game. They rank 42nd on offense (279.0 passing yards per game).
Penn State owns the 63rd-ranked defense this season in terms of rushing yards (114.0 rushing yards allowed per game), and has been better on offense, ranking 13th-best with 230.5 rushing yards per game.
The Nittany Lions have been making things happen on both sides of the ball this year, as they rank sixth-best in scoring offense (50.5 points per game) and 15th-best in scoring defense (11.0 points allowed per game).
Illinois Stats & Insights
The Nittany Lions took down the Delaware Fightin’ Blue Hens 63-7 in their most recent outing.
Illinois’ defense has been a bottom-25 unit in total defense this season, surrendering 477.5 total yards per game, which ranks 10th-worst. On the offensive side of the ball, it ranks 89th with 357.5 total yards per contest.
The Fighting Illini rank 91st in the FBS with 206.5 passing yards per game on offense, and they rank 98th with 253.5 passing yards given up per game on the defensive side of the ball.
Illinois has been struggling to stop the run, ranking 12th-worst with 224.0 rushing yards given up per game. It has been more productive on offense, posting 151.0 rushing yards per contest (72nd-ranked).
From an offensive standpoint, the Fighting Illini are putting up 26.5 points per game (85th-ranked). They rank 104th in the FBS on the other side of the ball (31.0 points allowed per game).
Penn State Key Players to Watch
Drew Allar has 529 passing yards (264.5 ypg) to lead Penn State, completing 78.2% of his passes and tossing four touchdown passes this season. He’s also chipped in on the ground with 28 rushing yards (14.0 ypg) on nine carries with one rushing touchdown.
Kaytron Allen has carried the ball 29 times for a team-high 154 yards (77.0 per game), with one touchdown this year.
This season Nicholas Singleton has piled up 117 yards (58.5 per game) on 25 attempts with four touchdowns.
Keandre Lambert’s 197 receiving yards (98.5 yards per game) pace all receivers on the team. He’s totaled 10 receptions and two touchdowns.
Harrison Wallace III has put up a 98-yard season so far (49.0 receiving yards per game), reeling in 10 passes.
Malik McClain’s five grabs are good enough for 65 yards (32.5 ypg) and one touchdown.
Illinois Key Players to Watch
Luke Altmyer has thrown for 413 yards (206.5 ypg) to lead Illinois, completing 68.5% of his passes and tossing three touchdown passes and three interceptions this season. He’s also run for 139 yards (69.5 ypg) on 22 carries with two rushing touchdowns.
This season Reggie Love III has rushed for 103 yards (51.5 per game) on 20 carries.
Isaiah Williams’ team-high 150 receiving yards (75.0 yards per game) have come on 11 receptions.
Casey Washington has hauled in seven passes for 68 yards (34.0 yards per game) this year.
Pat Bryant’s seven grabs have netted him 66 yards (33.0 ypg) and two touchdowns.
