Five keys for Penn State’s offense against Illinois

Penn State’s offense showed up and showed out last week against Kent State, recording a program-record 718 yards of total offense. It was impressive, and the stats show that this production will likely continue. With Illinois coming into Happy Valley this weekend, a similar offensive performance is unlikely. Still, an efficient and explosive offensive showing is starting to become the norm for the Nittany Lions.

PSU joins Tennessee as the only FBS team averaging more than 250 rushing and 250 passing yards per game. It is no coincidence that both programs recorded 50-plus point victories over Kent State in the past two weeks. The Nittany Lions are seventh in the nation, averaging 537.7 total yards, and rank second in the country in big play percentage (22.73). That last statistic shows a stark improvement from last season when Penn State simply couldn’t generate explosive plays.

Illinois’ defense ranks in the middle of the pack in yardage given up per game, but it is a playmaking unit. The Fighting Illini lead the Big Ten with seven interceptions and seven forced fumbles through only four games. They have a knack for the football and consistently want to create turnovers. Their ability to create takeaways is Illinois’ defense’s biggest calling card this year and shouldn’t be taken lightly entering Saturday’s contest.

Here are five offensive keys for Penn State against Illinois:

Take care of the football

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Illinois has created ten turnovers this season, good for first in the Big Ten and tied for fifth nationally. Turnovers are a crucial part of their defense, and Penn State ball carriers and quarterbacks must be careful with the ball. The Nittany Lions have only had three turnovers so far this year, so that could be a moot point, but even one turnover could turn the tide for Illinois.

Convert in the redzone

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Converting in…