Blue White Illustrated

hurting worse. However, Illinois' four most recent losses have come against teams that are currently ranked or were ranked earlier this year (Washington, Nebraska, Wisconsin and Michigan State). Penn State suffered a lopsided defeat at the hands of the No. 4 team in the country last week, but Illinois has been getting hammered by top teams since September. Something's got to give. "The last three opponents that we have played are 9-2 in the Big Ten," Illinois head coach Tim Beckman said earlier this week. "We all know the capabilities of Wisconsin, Nebraska and Michigan State. They've shown it in the last couple of years of them playing very, very good football. They are very good football programs and very established football programs. We knew we were faced with a great challenge, and it is one that we wanted to accept." The challenge continues in University Park, especially when you consider the trends. Over the past three seasons, Illinois is 2-11 against opponents with winning records, and it is 1-14 following a loss to a conference foe. There's also the series history to consider. Penn State leads 16-4 in a rivalry that dates back to 1954. Aside from the loss on the field, Illinois' starting lineup also took a hit last week vs. the Spartans. Senior receiver Ryan Lankford broke his shoulder while trying to run a reverse and will miss the remainder of the season. Prior to the injury, he ranked 13th nationally with an average of 20.5 yards per reception. It was salt to the wound that certainly won't help with the healing process. "What a great young man [with a] great family – I'm sorry this had to happen," Beckman said. "But Ryan Lankford will make us better as this season continues. It just won't be on the football field. He's a tremendous leader for us and will continue to [fill that role]." Without a doubt, the odds are stacked against the visiting team. In fact, oddsmakers have made Penn State a 10-point favorite. That's assuming the embarrassing sting of last week's loss doesn't have a carry-over effect. For Illinois, three consecutive defeats is a problem. But four would be much worse. Illinois can still become bowl-eligible, so Beckman is desperate for a win. Let's face it, winning percentages like his (.357) don't often result in contract extensions. And unless you've been handed a bowl ban by the NCAA, you've got to at least make an appearance. In an attempt to get his team back on track, Beckman is emphasizing ball security this week. Illinois ranks secondto-last among Big Ten teams in turnover margin (-5), where it is tied with Purdue and ahead of only the Nittany Lions (-7). As has been the case with Penn State, many of Illinois' turnovers have come at the most inopportune times. "In the last three football games, we've had turnovers that have cost us points and touchdowns," Beckman said. "The focus is on what we have to control. I think the morale has been outstanding. We've got great players and great character on this football team. " He's hoping those qualities will help the Illini prevail Saturday in Beaver Stadium. Penn State – Michael Mauti specifically – got a measure of redemption last year after Illinois recruited its players following the announcement of the NCAA sanctions against the Nittany Lions. Now it's Beckman's move, and after three consecutive losses, he can't afford another. He said he's studied up on the Lions, and his team is ready to end its skid. "Things weren't clicking for them [against Ohio State] as you watch that film, but, boy, did they play a good game against Michigan," Beckman said. "Defensively, you've got up-front guys who are older [seniors] who are good football players. You've got a linebacker who returns, and a secondary that's a little bit like ours. [Penn State has] some new faces [and they] continue to be building. They're older than we are. ... I still think Penn State is Penn State. " INJURY REPORT Safety Ryan Keiser (hand), linebacker Ben Kline (shoulder) and quarterback Christian Hackenberg (shoulder) will play. Illinois receiver Ryan Lankford (shoulder) is out for the season, while defensive back V'Angelo Bentley (foot) is probable. O C T O B E R 3 0 , 2 0 1 3 2 BWI'S FORECAST NATE BAUER 2013 RECORD 4-3 Illinois has defensive problems on the level of Penn State's, so this could be a shootout Saturday at Beaver Stadium. That said, some lessons should have been learned in Columbus, so if Bill O'Brien and company help the defense by slowing down the offense, this will be a comfortable Penn State win. PENN STATE 31, ILLINOIS 20 PHIL GROSZ 2013 RECORD 4-3 After PSU allowed 147 points the past four games, expect a high-scoring affair with Illinois' wide-open offense that likes to spread the field. PSU should produce its most balanced offensive attack in its four Big Ten games. PENN STATE 38, ILLINOIS 28 MATT HERB 2013 RECORD 6-1 Bill O'Brien has repeatedly said he has a bunch of resilient kids on his roster, and the results bear that out. In O'Brien's two seasons at Penn State, the Nittany Lions are 5-1 when coming off a loss. Make it 6-1. PENN STATE 34, ILLINOIS 24 TIM OWEN 2013 RECORD 5-2 Penn State's leadership will be tested this week. Illinois is better than what its last month indicates, and if PSU allows the sting from last week's loss to carry over, this could could be a trap game for the Nittany Lions. PENN STATE 24, ILLINOIS 23 RYAN SNYDER 2013 RECORD 6-1 Penn State is getting Illinois at the perfect time. I had this game circled as a potential trap game earlier in the year, but after last week, that shouldn't be the case. Plus, Illinois has been terrible so far. PENN STATE 35, ILLINOIS 24 B L UE WHI T E ON L I N E . COM

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