Pregame: Illinois vs Penn State, Saturday, Septmber 29th, 11:00am CT, ESPN

Dan · Sep 23, 2012, 09:02 AM

__vs__

Illinois Fighting Illini (2-2, 0-0) vs Penn State Nittany Lions (2-2, 0-0)

Date: Saturday, September 29th, 2012

Location: Champaign, IL

Time: 11:00am CT

TV: ESPN

Fan promotion: Stripe the Stadium (pdf stadium map)

Series: Penn State leads 15-4

Illinois 2012 Results (2-2)
09/01: Illinois 24, Western Michigan 7
09/08: Arizona State 45, Illinois 14
09/15: Illinois 44, Charleston Southern 0
09/22: Louisiana Tech 52, Illinois 24

Penn State 2012 Results (2-2)
09/01: Ohio 24, Penn State 14
09/08: Virginia 17, Penn State 16
09/15: Penn State 34, Navy 7
09/22: Penn State 24, Temple 13

Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL (60,670) Seating chart Buy tickets

Dan · Sep 23, 2012, 09:02 AM

#TeamVulture: The Illinois vs Penn State timeline

Mon, Jul 23: Penn State's NCAA sanctions announced. Thread
Wed, Jul 25: Scholarship penalties could crush Penn State. Thread Article
Thu, Jul 26: Penn State coaches tell ESPN that they saw Illinois coaches at the airport. Article
Thu, Jul 26: Ryan Nowicki will likely choose between Illinois and Washington. Thread
Thu, Jul 26: Tim Beckman: "We were in State College, but we were not on campus." Thread
Thu, Jul 26: Penn State coach Bill O'Brien stays silent at B1G Media Days about Illinois issue. Thread
Sat, Jul 28: Illini not sorry for reaching out to Nittany Lions. Thread Article
Sat, Jul 28: Penn State LB Michael Mauti has 'A serious problem' with Beckman's tactics. Thread Article
Sat, Jul 28: I want my coach pushing right to the edge of every rule, criticism be damned. Thread Article
Sat, Jul 28: Dick Vitale blasts Illinois. Thread Twitter
Sat, Jul 28: Penn State seeked SMU players on SMU's campus in 1987. Thread Article
Sun, Jul 29: Illini AD Mike Thomas says Penn State AD David Joyner "felt that we had handled the whole situation appropriately." Thread
Thu, Aug 2: Penn State OL Ryan Nowicki transfers to Illinois Thread

illinidarrin · Sep 23, 2012, 09:11 AM

I know it sounds so crazy, but i think we can beat them.

RyanK · Sep 23, 2012, 09:12 AM

I've lost all hope.

PSU-27
Vultures-17

Wokker · Sep 23, 2012, 09:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by illinidarrin

I know it sounds so crazy, but i think we can beat them.

Agreed. I think if Illinois somehow becomes bowl eligible, it will be much more a reflection of how low the league is than improvement from the team.

mdonsbach · Sep 23, 2012, 09:24 AM

All I gotta say is if we can't get up for this game then we have very serious issues. I expect a few personal fouls on both side of the ball.

Illini 17
PSU 14

PBLPanther · Sep 23, 2012, 09:47 AM

This one won't win any beauty contests...but at the end of the day it will be PSU's defense that gets it done.

PSU - 17
IL - 6

Sure Shot · Sep 23, 2012, 10:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by illinidarrin

I know it sounds so crazy, but i think we can beat them.

The matchup is a million times better than this week.

The question is, can we play good football? Can we be sound? And can we pick ourselves up after last night?

CUWPC · Sep 23, 2012, 10:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sure Shot

The matchup is a million times better than this week.

The question is, can we play good football? Can we be sound? And can we pick ourselves up after last night?

Agreed. The rest of the schedule is a much better match-up then ASU and LA Tech. Pass protection needs to be fixed. Drop the safeties back and don't let them get behind you.

CaliIllini · Sep 23, 2012, 10:36 AM

I want this one more than any game in the past 5 years.

Please, please, please let this be a blowout in our favor.

Illini 27

9

Illini2016 · Sep 23, 2012, 11:14 AM

Unlike last week, this week I don't have any problem making an early prediction.

Penn State 24
Chief Illiniwek 10

We've got more than one week of work to do if we want to start beating teams that aren't CSU. I don't think we have a chance at a game until IU unless UW or Michigan play like FCS teams against us, which is entirely possible since they are going through similar situations to us now.

Dan · Sep 23, 2012, 01:17 PM

Penn State's band will make the trip to Illinois.

Quote:

Thanks! We can't wait either! // @MITrumpets: @PSUBlueBand can't wait for you all to be here next weekend! #B1Gbandlove http://pic.twitter.com/jLcFhSUJ

http://twitter.com/PSUBlueBand

GilThorpe · Sep 23, 2012, 03:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan

Penn State's band will make the trip to Illinois.

we do match up way better with our B1G brethren than we do with the southern or western teams. We have a good chance

Illini 28
PSU 14

Ron Zooks Barber · Sep 23, 2012, 03:45 PM

OF the 4 games IL has played, not one matters.
Its a new season and PSU is the first on the plate to be scalped!

Sure Shot · Sep 23, 2012, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CUWPC

Agreed. The rest of the schedule is a much better match-up then ASU and LA Tech. Pass protection needs to be fixed. Drop the safeties back and don't let them get behind you.

I wouldn't say the rest of the schedule.

Michigan will spread you out, so will Minnesota, so will Purdue, so will Ohio State, so will Northwestern.

Our defensive problem isn't a lack of speed or athleticism, it's an inability to stay disciplined, read things properly, and make a play in space.

Our only hope is if someone comes right at us. Penn State and Wisconsin will oblige. It will be interesting to see whether we spring a leak in that area as well.

Dan · Sep 23, 2012, 04:01 PM

Penn State opens a 3-pt favorite over Illinois.

PBLPanther · Sep 23, 2012, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan

Penn State's band will make the trip to Illinois.

If we don't play better than we did last week, PSU's band might be able to beat us.

BigTenChamp87 · Sep 23, 2012, 05:41 PM

We match up so much better against Penn St than L Tech. Our defense will disrupt the Penn St offense, and our offense will get back on track. I think we pull it out 21-17, and belief in this team will return.

Groundhogday · Sep 23, 2012, 05:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by illinidarrin

I know it sounds so crazy, but i think we can beat them.

It doesn't sound crazy at all. Neither team is very good, we play at home, perhaps that gives us the edge.

illynifan34 · Sep 23, 2012, 06:08 PM

They have a little bit more talent, but not much. Should actually be a competitive game.

jackman404 · Sep 23, 2012, 06:38 PM

I'm seeing a 17-13 loss here...

DrewD007 · Sep 23, 2012, 08:31 PM

I still believe...

- 24
PSU - 13

trevdv · Sep 23, 2012, 08:47 PM

How will the band intros work? Usually with about 10 minutes left before kickoff, the Marching Illini do their awesome thing. Will the "Blue Band" do a performance before ours? Where will they be placed during the game? Just curious as to how it will work if anyone has an answer...

Anybody else ready for a third go-around of "yay I'm so excited it's the New Era this is gonna be a great game"? If this one goes down as a bad L, I will officially write off the season.

- 28
PSU - 21

BTW, at this point I still see my very earliest 2012 prediction holding true: We are 5-6 going into the Northwestern game, with a bowl game on the line...

jrichisamazing · Sep 23, 2012, 10:22 PM

Stripe the Stadium O&B is also this weekend. Wasn't at that game but it looked pretty sweet on tv. Hopefully it looks even better in person.

New season starts this saturday so lets see how the guys play.
ILL-27...in 2OT

PSU-20

kbo007 · Sep 23, 2012, 10:54 PM

Our offense is inept and Becks doesnt have alot of confidence in Nate to work out his rust on the field.

PSU 17
ILL 10

Sep 23, 2012, 09:02 AM	#1
Dan Admin Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 25,886	__vs__ Illinois Fighting Illini (2-2, 0-0) vs Penn State Nittany Lions (2-2, 0-0) Date: Saturday, September 29th, 2012 Location: Champaign, IL Time: 11:00am CT TV: ESPN Fan promotion: Stripe the Stadium (pdf stadium map) Series: Penn State leads 15-4 Illinois 2012 Results (2-2) 09/01: Illinois 24, Western Michigan 7 09/08: Arizona State 45, Illinois 14 09/15: Illinois 44, Charleston Southern 0 09/22: Louisiana Tech 52, Illinois 24 Penn State 2012 Results (2-2) 09/01: Ohio 24, Penn State 14 09/08: Virginia 17, Penn State 16 09/15: Penn State 34, Navy 7 09/22: Penn State 24, Temple 13 Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL (60,670) Seating chart Buy tickets Last edited by Dan; Sep 24, 2012 at 07:21 AM.

Sep 23, 2012, 09:02 AM	#2
Dan Admin Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 25,886	#TeamVulture: The Illinois vs Penn State timeline Mon, Jul 23: Penn State's NCAA sanctions announced. Thread Wed, Jul 25: Scholarship penalties could crush Penn State. Thread Article Thu, Jul 26: Penn State coaches tell ESPN that they saw Illinois coaches at the airport. Article Thu, Jul 26: Ryan Nowicki will likely choose between Illinois and Washington. Thread Thu, Jul 26: Tim Beckman: "We were in State College, but we were not on campus." Thread Thu, Jul 26: Penn State coach Bill O'Brien stays silent at B1G Media Days about Illinois issue. Thread Sat, Jul 28: Illini not sorry for reaching out to Nittany Lions. Thread Article Sat, Jul 28: Penn State LB Michael Mauti has 'A serious problem' with Beckman's tactics. Thread Article Sat, Jul 28: I want my coach pushing right to the edge of every rule, criticism be damned. Thread Article Sat, Jul 28: Dick Vitale blasts Illinois. Thread Twitter Sat, Jul 28: Penn State seeked SMU players on SMU's campus in 1987. Thread Article Sun, Jul 29: Illini AD Mike Thomas says Penn State AD David Joyner "felt that we had handled the whole situation appropriately." Thread Thu, Aug 2: Penn State OL Ryan Nowicki transfers to Illinois Thread

Sep 23, 2012, 09:24 AM	#6
mdonsbach Location: Bethalto, IL Posts: 1,257	All I gotta say is if we can't get up for this game then we have very serious issues. I expect a few personal fouls on both side of the ball. Illini 17 PSU 14 __________________ Twitter

Sep 23, 2012, 11:14 AM	#11
Illini2016 Location: Chicago/Champaign Posts: 370	Unlike last week, this week I don't have any problem making an early prediction. Penn State 24 Chief Illiniwek 10 We've got more than one week of work to do if we want to start beating teams that aren't CSU. I don't think we have a chance at a game until IU unless UW or Michigan play like FCS teams against us, which is entirely possible since they are going through similar situations to us now. __________________ ILLINI BEARS CUBS BULLS BLACKHAWKS Class of 2016

Sep 23, 2012, 06:08 PM	#20
illynifan34 That's a winner!! Location: Cincinnati, OH Posts: 7,635	They have a little bit more talent, but not much. Should actually be a competitive game. __________________ www.afsp.org In Mike I Trust Aggressive

Sep 23, 2012, 09:11 AM	#3
illinidarrin Location: from parts unknown Posts: 2,103	I know it sounds so crazy, but i think we can beat them.

Sep 23, 2012, 09:12 AM	#4
RyanK Posts: 2,707	I've lost all hope. PSU-27 Vultures-17

Sep 23, 2012, 09:47 AM	#7
PBLPanther Living in Bosco's Basement Location: Lincoln, NE Posts: 85	This one won't win any beauty contests...but at the end of the day it will be PSU's defense that gets it done. PSU - 17 IL - 6

Sep 23, 2012, 10:36 AM	#10
CaliIllini Location: Boston, MA Posts: 59	I want this one more than any game in the past 5 years. Please, please, please let this be a blowout in our favor. Illini 27 9

Sep 23, 2012, 03:45 PM	#14
Ron Zooks Barber Banned Posts: 163	OF the 4 games IL has played, not one matters. Its a new season and PSU is the first on the plate to be scalped!

Sep 23, 2012, 04:01 PM	#16
Dan Admin Location: Champaign, IL Posts: 25,886	Penn State opens a 3-pt favorite over Illinois.

Sep 23, 2012, 05:41 PM	#18
BigTenChamp87 Posts: 231	We match up so much better against Penn St than L Tech. Our defense will disrupt the Penn St offense, and our offense will get back on track. I think we pull it out 21-17, and belief in this team will return.

Sep 23, 2012, 06:38 PM	#21
jackman404 Posts: 1,473	I'm seeing a 17-13 loss here... __________________ Williams to tie it with a three......HE DOES!!!

Sep 23, 2012, 08:31 PM	#22
DrewD007 Location: Swansea, IL Posts: 3,525	I still believe... - 24 PSU - 13 __________________ Follow me! http://www.twitter.com/illinidrew11

Sep 23, 2012, 08:47 PM	#23
trevdv Location: Champaign Posts: 2,569	How will the band intros work? Usually with about 10 minutes left before kickoff, the Marching Illini do their awesome thing. Will the "Blue Band" do a performance before ours? Where will they be placed during the game? Just curious as to how it will work if anyone has an answer... Anybody else ready for a third go-around of "yay I'm so excited it's the New Era this is gonna be a great game"? If this one goes down as a bad L, I will officially write off the season. - 28 PSU - 21 BTW, at this point I still see my very earliest 2012 prediction holding true: We are 5-6 going into the Northwestern game, with a bowl game on the line...

Sep 23, 2012, 10:22 PM	#24
jrichisamazing Posts: 297	Stripe the Stadium O&B is also this weekend. Wasn't at that game but it looked pretty sweet on tv. Hopefully it looks even better in person. New season starts this saturday so lets see how the guys play. ILL-27...in 2OT PSU-20

Sep 23, 2012, 10:54 PM	#25
kbo007 Location: Illinois Posts: 302	Our offense is inept and Becks doesnt have alot of confidence in Nate to work out his rust on the field. PSU 17 ILL 10 __________________ "Not only is there more to life than basketball, there's a lot more to basketball than basketball." - Phil Jackson