Illinois Fighting Illini by 3
Here's the lowdown folks, we've got a match-up that's as exciting as a glass of warm milk, between the Illinois Fighting Illini and Penn State Nittany Lions. On paper, the Nittany Lions have been creating a ruckus on the turf with total dominance in past match-ups, but numbers have about as much emotion as a wet napkin.
Let's dive into the quarterbacks here. Luke Altmyer of the Fighting Illini has been slinging the pigskin with the precision of a brain surgeon, putting up a passing efficiency of 171.8, and tossing 10 touchdowns without any interceptions. The Lions' Drew Allar though has been knocking it off the park - the kid's thrown 5 touchdowns and one measly interception with an efficiency of 213.6.
But hey, football's not a game you play with a guitar, it’s got a whole band! Riding shotgun for the Illini is Pat Bryant who garnered a whopping 308 yards last month besides Zakhari Franklin who pitched in with 243 yards. Balance it out with Aidan Laughery, Josh McCray, and Ca'lil Valentine making some solid runs and all in all, we've got an offence that could make an espresso nervous.
Penn State though has its own crew of barn burners, led by Nick Singleton who's rushed 236 yards, backed by Tyler Warren and Kaytron Allen. That's a ground game as smooth as butter on a hot roll folks.
Talking defense, Illini has Dylan Rosiek and Gabe Jacas, who've been treating opposition quarterbacks like a one man demolition squad. Penn State's defense isn’t something you’d overlook either. Jaylen Reed and Abdul Carter have been forming a concrete wall that ain't too easy to breach.
However my gut, that blessed organ, after digesting all this information, is making its own prediction. Although the Lions have been roaring all this while, the Fighting Illini seem like they have had their Wheaties this season.
Albert’s Prediction: Illinois Fighting Illini by 3