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I expect the combination of the experienced Penn State front line, along with the full stadium "White Out," to be too much for Illinois offense to handle. I see Penn State containing Juice and forcing him to throw, which will prove to be a problem as well against Penn State’s experience in the defensive backfield.
The key to this game will be Penn State's defense against Juice Williams. If the Nittany Lions can contain him—which I believe they will with the help of a rowdy crowd—Penn State should win this game, 24-17.
@ Purdue Boilermakers
This matchup could prove to be a trap game for the Nittany Lions. Several factors make me nervous: This game follows an emotional night game vs. Illinois, it's right before a tough stretch of Wisconsin, Michigan, and Ohio State, and it's a road game against a team that always has a strong offense and will be extra motivated for coach Joe Tiller's last year as head football coach.
That being said, I fear that Penn State comes out flat and Purdue takes advantage with their experience on offense. Curtis Painter is a quarterback that has NFL potential and throws the ball all over the field.
In the end, using last year’s 26-19 victory as a starting point, I think Penn State should find a way to regroup in the second half and slow the Purdue offense down. Penn State will have to rely on its passing game and experience at the wide receiver position to win, as Purdue's secondary is the weakest link of their defense.
Again, I see Daryl Clark running the offense on this day, with Devlin seeing limited action throughout the game. I predict a 27-23 win for Penn State.
@ Wisconsin Badgers
Being that this is a road game, and Camp Randall is a tough place to play, I understand why many think this should be a loss for Penn State. However, when you look at it more closely, I think this game should be easier than Purdue.
Wisconsin is a team that is very similar to Penn State in that both return most of their starters. Both also need to replace their quarterbacks, and both should be solid at the RB position.
That said, Penn State played its best game of the 2007 season against Wisconsin, winning that game 38-7. Granted, that was at Beaver Stadium, and we all know how much better Penn State plays at home. Penn State also has not won in Camp Randall since 2002.
However, I think that this team will be able to disrupt the Badgers' first-year starter at quarterback with its solid defensive line play. Wisconsin's inexperience at the wide receiver position will also make it easier for the Penn State defense to get to the quarterback.
I also believe that the spread offense will cause Wisconsin lots of problems on defense, as it did in 2005, and as it did last year for them vs. Illinois.
Wisconsin will try to pound the ball with P.J. Hill, but the experience and depth of the Penn State's front seven should be able to keep them in the game and slow Hill down.
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