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Penn State Football: Five Things To Watch As The Nittany Lions Face Illinois

Penn State is back in action after quite the off week that had no shortage of drama between allegations that the Nittany Lions were faking injuries against Iowa to the overall health of quarterback Sean Clifford.

But with quite the dramatic week in the mirror, the Nittany Lions will now turn their attention to Illinois for a Homecoming showdown. At 2-5 the Illini are not the most threatening opponent left on the schedule but Penn State will have to wait at least one more week for that honor and the chance to take down Ohio State in Columbus.

Before that can happen though the Nittany Lions have to care of things on Saturday in front of a far more friendly noon kick crowd than two weeks ago in Iowa City.

Ta’Quan Clifford:

The most obvious storyline Saturday is the status of Sean Clifford or potentially the play of Ta’Quan Roberson if Clifford doesn’t go. Judging by the fact Clifford has been up in the air all week for Saturday’s game, it seems reasonable to assume he will play against Ohio State. In turn Roberson doesn’t need to look like Steve Young on Saturday he just needs to look good enough to beat Illinois – assuming that he plays. As for Clifford the unofficial best-guess is that something is up with his ribs – albeit this is entirely speculation – so if he does play does he look comfortable? And if he takes a hit, how quickly does he get back up?

Dvon Ellies:

Ellies has been steady all season long but now thrust into what is assumed to be a starting role in play of the injured PJ Mustipher, Ellies has a chance to establish himself as a reliable presence on the defensive front in more than just a relief role. He won’t be the only one tasked with carrying the load Mustipher did every week, but a good showing from Ellies will go a long way from making sure this group doesn’t lose too much of a step.

Return Game:

Penn State is ranked No. 75 in the nation in punt return average and No. 97 in kickoff return average. Neither of these things have really hurt the Nittany Lions so far this year, especially since there have been few returnable punts for Jahan Dotson to reasonably field. Nevertheless it may not mater against Illinois but getting the return game a little mojo and momentum heading into the thick of Big Ten play wouldn’t hurt the cause any. Big games can turn on special teams plays. Saturday might not be a big game, but getting some confidence in every area right before a big game sure doesn’t hurt any.

Dress Rehearsal:

All things being equal Saturday is – especially if Clifford plays – a dress rehearsal ahead of a trip to face Ohio State. This means trying to get through the game healthy, without unforced errors and looking sharp enough to build some additional confidence heading into the big week. Obviously the Nittany Lions have to make sure this doesn’t mean overlooking Illinois, but upset alert aside this is a chance to work out the kinks and iron things out before next week’s trip to Columbus.

Now Would Be A Good Time:

If Penn State was going to have a wild effective running game that would have happened by now but that doesn’t mean the offense should just give up on the ground game. On the off chance Clifford can’t play, nothing would make Roberson’s life easier than a healthy does of Noah Cain and company gaining 4-5 yards a pop. Even if Clifford can and does play, nothing would make his life easier than a few less snaps with his head on a swivel. If nothing else, Penn State won’t beat Ohio State, Michigan and Michigan State without converting short yardage situations on the ground. This isn’t so much about gaining yards in bunches on the ground as much as it is getting key yards when called on to do so. Penn State can be a pass-first offense, but it can’t be a can’t-run offense. At least not if it wants to win some of these upcoming games.