PLAYERS TO WATCH
–WR KJ Hamler has emerged as one of the most exciting players in the Big Ten. The speedy receiver has been a difference-maker on offense and kick return and got to return punts for the first time against Kent State. It’s no secret offensive coordinator Ricky Rahne wants to get Hamler the ball as much as possible.
–OL Will Fries, Ryan Bates, Connor McGovern, Michael Menet and Steven Gonzalez. This group has matured quickly and has developed a nice chemistry that’s helped churn out more than 200 rush yards over the last six games. Illinois has been muscled around up front and will have a long, tough night if they can’t get off blocks.
–DE Shareef Miller gave Penn State fans a scare last week when he left the game early after hitting his head awkwardly on the ground diving to make a stop behind the line of scrimmage. But the team’s most experienced pass rusher returned to post a pair of second half sacks. Illinois QB AJ Bush missed last week with a hamstring injury. Even at 100 percent, it’ll be hard for him to escape from Miller’s rush if the Illini can’t block him.
SERIES HISTORY: Penn State leads Illinois18-5. The Nittany Lions won the last meeting 39-0 in 2016.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “We’ve embraced it. I think we got a really good plan from our strength staff, as well as our administrative staff, as well as our sport scientists and studying all these things and I like our plan. I feel good about it.” — Coach James Franklin on having to travel for the conference’s first Friday night game.
