The E-Files

What they got from the Penn State game

Posted by: Eric Loy

Saturday, September 27, 2008 10:44 PM

Looking back at the previous blog:

1. Get off to a fast start. Penn State have allowed NO points in the first quarter this season. Falling behind early to this team will force Illinois inot a smaller playbook, which feeds into the Penn State defensive plans.

This happened, all right.

2. Be consistent. Against La.-Lafayette, the Illini finally had a good first quarter. Unfort, the rest of the game was pretty lousy. Can't let down against the Lions.

This didn't happen, all night.

3. No stupid penalties. Any player that gets a personal foul on third down should be...well I don't know what. But I hate it, and they are back breakers.

A couple of bad penalties early by the offense, and Penn State didn't make a single one.

4. Run to set up the pass. This will be tough if the weather stays rainy, but the option hasn't been the same this year so far. Illinois will have to use it's reciever options to try and break up the Lions D, and use enough run to keep them somewhat honest.

Not too bad, actually. Dufrene had almost 100 yards running, Benn over 100 catching.

5. Play the field position game. That means better kickoff coverage, and no kickoffs out of bounds. If you kickoff out of bounds you should go with the personal foul guys, etc.

IT GOT WORSE. If this team can't put in someone to cover kickoffs, then get someone to put in an effective coverage system. This has been embarassing for the Illini.

6. Dominate the lines. Very tough to do versus Penn State.

Eh. So-so.

The weather forecast plays into the Lions' hands, as does the matchup. It'll be a tough flight back for Illinois, I'm afraid.

Penn State 38, Ilinois 20

Spooky. 38-24.

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