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Some nitpicking as the Nittany Lions hit the road:
n The strategy Illinois is likely to employ today against Penn State (noon, FOX) shouldn't be a mystery.
Bret Bielema has made his reputation by developing a strong run game behind a big offensive line, first at Wisconsin and now at Illinois.
He's 3-3 in his career vs. the Lions, 2-3 with the Badgers and 1-1 while guiding the Illini.
Two years ago, facing seemingly no chance at Beaver Stadium, the Illini came in as 24-point underdogs and shocked Penn State, winning 20-18 in an unwatchable nine overtimes.
It marked the low moment of James Franklin's tenure.
Illinois used multiple tight ends to assist in the run game, and the Lions couldn't stop it.
Penn State allowed 357 rushing yards and 26 first downs that day as the Nits had the proverbial football stuffed down their throats.
The Lions showed vulnerability last year as well when Michigan rushed for 418 yards -- the third-highest single-game rushing yield in PSU history.
The Illinois game of 2021 ranks eighth in that category vs. PSU, and the Lions also allowed 353 on the ground in a loss to Arkansas in the 2021 Outback Bowl.
Some members of the current squad played in all three games so the challenge today will be showing just how physical the Lions are.
Hopes are high for Penn State in general and the defense in particular. Stopping the run against a team that you know is going to run it is the first step.
Nitpicking …
n The Lions' three decorated defensive ends -- possible first-round draft pick Chop Robinson, team captain Adisa Isaac and Dani Dennis-Sutton -- have yet to record a single sack.
n A lot has been made about the scheduling quirk that has Penn State opening conference play for the eighth-straight time and 13th time in the last 14 seasons. From this view, it doesn't seem like such a big deal since it usually has not involved starting out at Ohio State or Michigan. Plus it also means there's a better chance the Lions will be home for the regular-season finale, which is more positive than traveling for the first league road game is negative. PSU has been home five of its last seven regular-season finals.
n This year's schedule is unique in that the Nits only play four league home games in a nine-game conference schedule, which is another reason the Big Ten should move to 10 league games and put an end to FCS matchups.
n Illinois is known more for its basketball than football, but if you can take just two players from their history, the Illini can match anybody. Red Grange and Dick Butkus.
n The more I think about it, the more I think the 1973 team was shortchanged by a lack of recognition last week. Even with John Cappelletti not present, the players should have been introduced by name (the group gathered in the end zone and captains Mark Markovich and Ed O'Neil spoke briefly). If Penn State is that pressed for time - which it shouldn't be -- run the names on the scoreboard.
n It wasn't that long ago - OK, it was 1997 - that Penn State was introducing members of its 1947 squad during a 50-year reunion. Fran Rogel, one of the stalwarts of the team, tried to stand up out of his wheelchair when his name was called. That's how much it means to these guys.
n Kevin Givens, former Penn State and Altoona Area High School player, is carving an NFL career as he begins his fifth season with the San Francisco 49ers. He's part of the defensive-line rotation and saw 20 snaps in last week's opener against the Steelers.
n Former Penn State defensive coordinator Brent Pry, who also has Altoona roots, faces a pretty big game today at Rutgers. Pry is in the early stages of a rebuilding job as head coach at Virginia Tech. He went 3-8 last year and is 1-1 this season after losing last week at home to Purdue, a game delayed five-plus hours by rain. Here's hoping Pry finds success in Blacksburg.
Rudel can be reached at nrudel@altoonamirror.com.