Nittany Lions Wire staff predictions: Penn State or Illinois in Week 8?
After Penn State took a week off to recover from their loss at Iowa, the Nittany Lions appear to be sitting in a great spot for a rebound this weekend. Penn State’s homecoming matchup with Illinois sees the home team as a sizable favorite this week
Sam Dehring, Contributor (@Sam_Dehring68)
Season overall (Against the spread): 4-1 (3-2)
I think Penn State will win this game quite easily. Sure, they may or may not have Sean Clifford playing. But, their defense can certainly back it up in this one.
There are several players on the defense that are playing lights out. Despite the unfortunate news of having PJ Mustipher out for the season, they still have plenty of guys up front that will rotate in.
If Clifford is out, this will be a game where the running backs will have to step it up against a struggling Illinois team. If Clifford is out, I don’t see this being too much of a high-scoring game for Penn State.
However, I think this will be a game where Penn State wins quite easily with a score of 24-10.
Kevin McGuire, Editor (@KevinOnCFB)
Season overall (Against the spread): 5-0 (3-2)
This is one of those games I do not believe requires much thought. Penn State, even if Sean Clifford does not play, should have more than enough talent on its roster to get by this week. If Clifford plays, this is a blowout from the start. If Clifford does not play, I expect some choppy moments that eventually lead to a comfortable victory.
Illinois only covers due to a late garbage-time score.
Penn State 34, Illinois 16
David Malandra, Contributor (@DaveMReports)
Season overall (Against the spread): 4-1 (2-3)
No prediction available at this time.
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