PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB M.J. Rivers took over starting duties last week as senior AJ Bush recovers from a hamstring injury he sustained in a 34-14 win over Western Illinois two weeks ago. So far, Rivers has completed 29-of-45 passes for 273 yards and two touchdowns, while rushing 20 times for 24 yards. Illinois coach Lovie Smith did not indicate whether Rivers or Bush will be the starter Friday against Penn State, but said that Bush is “getting better.”
–RB Mike Epstein was used sparingly through his first two games this season as a precaution to ease him back into his workload after suffering a season-ending injury foot injury in 2017 but carried the ball 19 times for 113 yards and a touchdown in last Saturday’s 25-19 loss to South Florida. Epstein has 35 carries for 251 yards and two touchdowns this season and will likely continue his role as the primary ball carrier against Penn State.
–WR Ricky Smalling has been a reliable target for both Bush and Rivers, catching seven passes for 110 yards this season. As the Illini continue to develop their passing game, Smalling should play a pivotal role in doing so after leading the team in receiving yards as a freshman in 2017.
–DE Bobby Roundtree has 13 tackles and one sack through three games and will be an important player to watch against Penn State if the Illini hope to contain quarterback Trace McSorley, who has five passing touchdowns and six rushing touchdowns this season.
SERIES HISTORY: Penn State leads Illinois 18-5 and has won four of the last five meetings, including a 39-0 shutout at Beaver Stadium in 2016.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “The offensive line. Simple as that. Those dudes up front, all five of them are putting their heart out into everything they do. I’m extremely grateful for them, and they know that.” — RB Mike Epstein on how Illinois has compiled three consecutive games of 200 rushing yards
