An offensive-minded Illini team went 9-3 last year and went to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1984. Regardless of the fact they got manhandled by aguably the best team in college football last year, USC, the Illini completely turned their season before (2-10) into a fun run which included a upset of then-No. 1 Ohio State.
They return most starters but do lose one of the best RBs in college football, Rashard Mendenhall. It will be tough to replace a man of this caliber, and I think that the offense will take a small step back this year.
Also no longer with the team is senior leader and Big Ten All-American J Lehman. His presence on the football field was fun to watch. Even if he didn't make the tackle, he cleared the way for another to make the tackle. He will be missed.
However, returning to the field is standout WR Arrelious Bennwho beat the Nittany Lions with an amazing Receiving TD and a kick return. There to throw the ball to him is Juice Williams, who should have a better year than last.
On the bad side, I do not think that the Illini will be as good as last year. I think they will hover around the 7-5 or 8-4 area, with one of the losses coming at PSU. Penn State goes to 5-0 (1-0) with a close win over Benn and the Illini.
Score: 27-24 Penn State
October 4, 2008
Penn State @ Purdue
Expect Purdue to have an explosive offense this year as they usually do. This, in my opinion, should be on the upset watch for the Nittnay Lions. The fact that they don't play well on the road, mixed with a likely ultra-conservative playcalling scheme, might inflict some pain on the watching fans.
Im going to put this one as a win for PSU, but don't be surprised if this is our first loss of the '08 season.
Score: 24-21 Penn State
October 11, 2008
Penn State @ Wisconsin
Wisconsin is in the same boat PSU is in—they both lost QBs and their best CB. I think the media is overhyping the Badgers' chances in the Big Ten. The offense will struggle this year, mainly due to the fact that P.J. Hill will underperform in big games versus good opponents like he usually does. For this reason, PSU comes out and wins a tough road game @ Wisconsin.
Score: 27-17 Penn State
October 18, 2008
Penn State vs Michigan
Could this finally be the year you fellow Penn State fans can say...We Beat Michigan.
I really don't think I need to get into detail about Michigan's offseason—it has been all over ESPN. Not getting Terrelle Pryor puts a big hole at QB, which probably will try to be filled by Steve Threet.
Michigan has lost their top two WRs, top QB, RB, OL, and got hurt by losing defensive players too. I don't want to go ahead and make a prediction on their season because they are in the same position OSU was in last year, and the Buckeyes made it all the way to the NC game.
This will finally be the year, as Penn State kills the Wolverines in the ground game and pulls out a W to go to 8-0 (4-0).
October 25, 2008
Penn State @ Ohio State
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