Happy Halloween, Penn State fans!
Penn State returns to Beaver Stadium, bowl eligible for the second straight season, following a two-game road trip, which saw the team drop the first game to No. 1 Ohio State but managing to grind out a narrow one point victory against Maryland.
As the Nittany Lions hit the field, they will have new turf in their cleats. The four-day sod removal and installation earlier this month will provide the Nittany Lions a fresh playing field for the first time in a decade.
Penn State (6-2, 3-1 Big Ten) will look to keep its perfect 5-0 home record, welcoming an injury-ridden Illinois (4-3, 1-2 B1G) team that has lost its last two games. After this game, the Lions’ following three opponents are a combined 19-4, so the time for a statement victory may come at no better time than today.
For those of looking to observe from a distance, find all the must-have media information you’ll need for today’s matchup:
Kickoff: Noon Eastern Time
Television: ESPN2 Beth Mowins (play-by-play), Anthony Becht (analyst); Paul Carcaterra (sideline)
Radio: Local: 93.7 FM and 1450 AM | Sirius: Ch. 136 and XM: Ch. 196
Weather: A kickoff temperature around 46 degrees, working its way to a 51 degrees high on the day. No precipitation. Not bad for a late October match in Happy Valley.
Last Time They Met: Again, the Lions will take on a conference foe that stole a 2014 win from them. Last season, Illinois topped Penn State 16-14 in Champaign, Illinois, courtesy of a game-winning field in the last 10 seconds of the game. Akeel Lynch broke off 127 yards and a touchdown, while Christian Hackenberg went 8 for 16 for 96 yards and a touchdown, a then-career low in attempts.
Injuries:
Another positive week on the injury front for Penn State. Hackenberg got banged up, again, last week at Maryland, sidelining him for one play, but the junior quarterback returned to guide his team to victory. Coach Franklin said running Saquon Barkley was not 100 percent last week, citing his lack of breaking tackles, but Franklin expects the freshman back to return to form against Illinois. Tight end Kyle Carter appears recovered from an undisclosed injury that sidelined him for the Ohio State game. Carter saw the field against Maryland and caught a pass for 17 yards. Offensive lineman Andrew Nelson was dressed out in practice this week, a good sign for the Penn State line that has endured injuries since the start of the season.
Media Coverage: StateCollege.com will have coverage of the game before and after the game, but for additional live coverage, follow Ben (@Ben_Jones88), Marley (MPaulPSU) and Mike Poorman (@PSUPoorman) on Twitter.
In the meantime, you can get up to speed on Penn State football with plenty of coverage below:
StateCollege.com:
Previewing The Opponent Illinois
Franklin Shoots Down Hypothetical Interest In Miami
Ben State Football Is 6-2 All That Bad
Now Bowl Eligible A Look At Possible Postseason Destinations
Breaking Down Win Over Maryland And Upcoming Meeting With Illinois
