ILLINOIS NOTES:
Illinois Travels to Penn State with Two Top-25 Wins • The Illinois football program, #19 in the Week 5 AP Top 25, visits #9 Penn State on Saturday night at 6:30 p.m. CT on NBC. • Illinois and #5 Tennessee are the only teams in the nation with two AP Top 25 wins this season. • Illinois has two AP Top 25 wins during September for the first time in program history. • Illinois has two AP Top 25 wins in a single season for the first time since 2007, when the Illini beat three AP ranked teams. • At Nebraska, Illinois picked up its first ranked vs. ranked win since #12 Illinois defeated #25 Ohio State on Nov. 17, 2001. • Last week’s Sept. 15 AP Top 25 poll marked the earliest in the season that Illinois has been voted into the top 25 since 2008. • Illinois and Penn State will meet as ranked foes for the first time since 2008, when #21 Illinois fell 38-24 at #12 Penn State. • Since 1942, Illinois has compiled a record of 82-50-2 (.619) when ranked in the AP Top 25. • Before back-to-back AP Top 25 wins, Illinois was 2-32 in its previous 34 games against the AP Top 25. • Illinois is #21 in this week’s Coaches Poll, while Penn State comes in at #8. Illinois Off to Best Start of Bielema Era • The Fighting Illini have knocked off Eastern Illinois, #19 Kansas, Central Michigan, and #22 Nebraska to start the season 4-0 for the second time since 1951 and first time since 2011. • Illinois has four 4-0 starts in the AP poll era (since 1936): 1942, 1951, 2011, and 2024. • Illinois is 4-0 with two AP Top 25 wins for the first time in program history. • Bret Bielema improved to 22-19 in his Illinois career. He is the first head coach in program history to start .500 or better through their first 41 games since Lou Tepper started 21-19-1 from 1992-95. • Bielema is 8-6 in Big Ten road games as head coach at Illinois. His eight Big Ten road wins are the fourth-most ever by an Illinois head coach in his first four seasons, behind only Mike White (11, 1980-83), Lou Tepper (10, 1992-95), and John Mackovic (10, 1988-91). • Bielema is 4-5 (.444) against ranked teams (AP/Coaches/CFP) as Illinois’ head coach. His .444 winning percentage against ranked teams is the second-best in Illinois history, behind only John Mackovic (8-8, .500, 1988-91). • Bielema’s four ranked wins (AP/Coaches/CFP) during his first four seasons are tied for the third-most in program history, behind only John Mackovic (8, 1988-91) and Mike White (5, 1980-83). • Bielema tied the program record for road ranked wins (AP/Coaches/CFP) during his first four seasons. He is the second coach in Illinois history to win three ranked games on the road during his first three seasons, joining Lou Tepper (1992-96). • Bielema is the first Illini coach to earn Top 25 rankings in two of his first four seasons since Ron Zook led the Illini into the top-25 rankings in 2007 and 2008, his Years 3 and 4 in Champaign, respectively. Illinois reached as high as #14 and were ranked for four consecutive weeks in October and November 2022 under Bielema. • Following the team’s Week 3 Homecoming win vs. Central Michigan, Bielema improved to 9-4 through his first 13 nonconference games (including postseason) at Illinois. It is the best record through 13 nonconference games for an Illinois head coach since Robert Zuppke started 10-3 against non-Big Ten opponents from 1913-18. • Illinois’ 23-17 victory over #19 Kansas in Week 2 marked the program’s highest-ranked nonconference win since beating #17 Arizona, 9-7, on Sept. 16, 1995. • The Illini’s sellout crowd of 60,670 vs. KU was the program’s first capacity crowd since Week 2 of 2016 vs. North Carolina. • The Illini’s win over the Jayhawks was the first in front of a sellout crowd since the Orange and Blue defeated Iowa, 27-24, in front of a packed Memorial Stadium on Nov. 1, 2008. It also marked the Illini’s first win in front of a sellout home crowd vs. a nonconference opponent since Sept. 6, 1986, vs. Louisville (23-0). • Bielema joined George Huff (1895-98), John Mackovic (1988-91), and Lou Tepper (1992-95) as the only head coaches in Illinois history to win 4+ games in each of their first four seasons leading the Fighting Illini.
Illinois Facing Stretch of Ranked Opponents • Penn State will be Illinois’ third AP-ranked opponent in the last four games. Illinois is on track to play five ranked opponents over a seven-game stretch, which would tie the program record for the most ranked opponents played during a regular season. The last time Illinois played five ranked opponents during a regular season was 2005. • Illinois is facing three AP-ranked opponents over a four-game stretch for the first time since 2011, when the Illini fell to #21 Penn State, #22 Michigan, and #15 Wisconsin in three consecutive weeks. • This is the first time in program history Illinois will start its Big Ten schedule with two ranked opponents on the road. • Illinois is starting its Big Ten schedule with road games in back-to-back weeks for the first time since 2008. • Illinois is starting its Big Ten schedule with two ranked games for the first time since 2009. • Saturday will be Illinois’ first top-20 vs. top-20 Big Ten game since 2000 (#19 Illinois lost vs. #10 Michigan) and the Illini’s first top-20 vs. top-20 road game since 1991 (#13 Illinois lost at #15 Iowa with Bielema playing for Iowa).
Ball Control and Turnover Margin • Illinois is third in the nation and tied for first in the Big Ten in turnover margin (+1.75 per game). • Illinois’ +7 turnover margin on the season comes despite unlucky results on fumbles. Illinois has recovered four of 12 total fumbles during its games, including missing on all four fumbles at Nebraska (1 giveaway, 3 forced fumbles that Illinois did not recover). • Illinois is 33rd in the nation in time of possession (31:49). In four games this season, the Illini are averaging 9:52 time of possession during fourth quarters, including 12:04 in the win over #19 Kansas. The Illinois Offense • According to PFF, Illinois is graded No. 10 in overall offense (84.5), 39th in special teams (79.6), and 49th in overall defense (80.3). The Illini rank 10th in passing (89.0), 11th in run blocking (76.2), 19th in receiving (75.8), 28th in defensive coverage (87.5) • Illinois is tied for first in the nation in red zone offense (100%). The Illini have scored on 35 straight trips to the red zone dating back to Oct. 14, 2023, including 25 touchdowns. This season, Illinois is 16-for-16 in the red zone with 11 touchdowns and five field goals. • WR Pat Bryant ranks second in the nation in receiving touchdowns and first in Power 4. • QB Luke Altmyer is the only quarterback in the nation with 10+ touchdowns and 0 interceptions. • Altmyer is the third Big Ten QB with 10+ passing touchdowns and 0 interceptions through four games in the last 20 years, joining Justin Fields (Ohio State) and Kyle Orton (Purdue). • Altmyer is the No. 10 graded quarterback in the nation according to PFF (89.4, min. 100 dropbacks). • Offensive lineman Melvin Priestly is the No. 3 graded tackle in the Big Ten and No. 11 in the country with a PFF grade of 82.0 (minimum 150 offensive snaps). • In the kicking game, David Olano and Ethan Moczulski have made their mark among the nation’s best. Moczulski’s 59-yard field goal vs. Central Michigan, the first attempt of his career, set an Illinois program record and is tied for the second-longest field goal in the nation this season. Olano is 18th in the country at 1.75 field goals per game, including a career-long 50-yarder vs. Kansas. The Illinois Defense • In Aaron Henry’s second season as defensive coordinator, Illinois ranks 15th in the nation in scoring defense (12.5). The Illini defense ranks in the top 35 nationally in interceptions (4th, 7), fumbles recovered (20th, 3), passing efficiency defense (29th, 108.3), total defense (32nd, 292.3), rushing defense (35th, 104.3), and fourth down defense (10th, 20%). • The Illini defense has recorded an interception in all four games to open the 2024 season. Illinois has now picked off at least one pass in five consecutive games dating back to last season. • Illini DBs Xavier Scott (3 interceptions), Miles Scott (2), and Torrie Cox Jr. (2) rank second and eighth in the nation, respectively, in total interceptions. They are the No. 1-ranked trio in the nation with seven combined picks. • Three different Illini defenders have already recovered a fumble this season, tying OLBs Alec Bryant and Seth Coleman with DB Kaleb Patterson for sixth in the nation entering Week 5.
Illinois Excelling in Close Games • Illinois has a 7-3 record in one-score games over the last two seasons, including one-score wins over #19 Kansas and #22 Nebraska this season. The Illini have been underdogs in four of the seven one-score wins, including three as road dogs. • Illinois controlled the ball for 18:11 of the second half at #22 Nebraska, while outscoring the Huskers 21-7 in the second half and overtime to secure a 31-24 (OT) win. • Illinois shut down Nebraska’s running game in the second half, limiting the Huskers to 11 carries for seven yards between the third and fourth quarters, then sacked Nebraska three times in four overtime plays for -38 yards. Over the second half and overtime, Nebraska totaled 14 rushes for -27 yards. • Illinois won five one-score games in 2023 (5-3), tied for the most in program history with the 1934 team. The Illini’s eight one-score games in 2023 were the most in program history. • Illinois’ five one-score wins in 2023 tied for the third-most in the nation during the regular season, behind only Old Dominion and Washington, which each had six one-score wins. • Illinois is 3-0 in overtime games under Bret Bielema with wins against Penn State (9 OT, 2021), Indiana (1 OT, 2023), and Nebraska (1 OT, 2024). • Five of Illinois’ seven one-score wins over the last two seasons have come in the final minute or overtime. This season, Illinois topped Nebraska in overtime. Last season, K Caleb Griffin had game-winning field goals to beat Toledo (0:05) and Maryland (0:00), and WR Isaiah Williams had game-winning touchdown receptions from QB John Paddock at Minnesota (0:50) and against Indiana (OT) in back-to-back weeks in November. • QB Luke Altmyer has led three game-winning drives in the final minute or overtime. He led the Illini on last-second field goal drives against Toledo (0:05) and Maryland (0:00) in 2023, then threw the deciding touchdown to Pat Bryant in overtime at Nebraska this season.
PENN STATE NOTES:
OPENING KICK: No. 9/8 Penn State welcomes No. 19/21 Illinois for its Big Ten opener on Saturday. Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. on NBC. • NBC SATURDAY NIGHT: The Nittany Lions are set to make their first appearance on NBC this season after playing twice on the network in 2023. Penn State is 9-3 all-time in games broadcast on NBC. • SERIES HISTORY: Penn State meets Illinois for the 28th time in program history. Penn State holds a 21-6 advantage in the series and has won four of the last five matchups. In 2023, the Nittany Lions earned a 30-13 victory in Champaign. Penn State forced five takeaways, including four interceptions and a fumble. Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton each scored on rushing touchdowns, while Trey Potts threw an 11- yard touchdown pass to Tyler Warren. • BIG TEN OPENER: The Nittany Lions are 16-15 all-time in Big Ten openers. Penn State has won its last three Big Ten openers and six of the last seven. The Nittany Lions will start Big Ten play at home for the first time since 2015 and just the second time since 2010. Illinois is tied with Wisconsin as PSU’s most frequent Big Ten opener opponent with five matchups each. • EXPLOSIVE OFFENSE: Penn State (282.7 passing; 255.0 rushing) joins Tennessee (275.8 passing; 290.0 rushing) as the only FBS teams averaging 250+ passing yards and 250+ rushing yards this season. Penn State holds seventh in the nation averaging 537.7 total yards and ranks second in the nation in big play percentage (22.73) after posting 718 yards and 40 first downs, both school records, against Kent State. • SHUTOUT: Against Kent State, the Nittany Lions posted their 12th shutout since 2015, tied with Alabama for the most shutouts in the FBS. PSU also has the nation’s most shutouts against conference opponents (8) since 2015. The Nittany Lions have notched 20 games without allowing a touchdown since 2014. Penn State joins Tennessee and Fresno State as the only FBS teams with a shutout in each of the last four seasons. • THE OPPOSITION: No. 19/21 Illinois is 4-0 this season after earning a 31-24 win in overtime at No. 22/22 Nebraska last weekend. Luke Altmyer threw for 215 yards and four touchdowns, connecting with Pat Bryant on two scores. In overtime, Altmyer hit Bryant for a 4-yard touchdown in overtime.
HEAD COACH BRET BIELEMA • Bret Bielema was named Illinois’ head coach in December 2020. • As head coach of the Fighting Illini, Bielema has a 22-19 record and led Illinois to an appearance in the ReliaQuest Bowl in 2022. • Bielema has 15 years of collegiate head coaching experience. • He served as the head coach at Wisconsin from 2006-12, helping the Badgers to a 68-24 record. Wisconsin won Big Ten Championships in 2010, 2011 and 2012 and reached six consecutive bowl games. • Bielema was the head coach at Arkansas from 2013-17. The Razorbacks made three bowl appearances. • After his time at Arkansas, Bielema served two years on the New England Patriots staff, including Defensive Line coach in 2019, and one season with the New York Giants as Outside Linebackers/ Senior Assistant Coach in 2020. SCOUTING THE FIGHTING ILLINI • Illinois is 4-0 this season, including a 1-0 mark in Big Ten play. • The Fighting Illini own wins over Eastern Illinois (45-0), No. 19/20 Kansas (23-17), Central Michigan (30-9) and No. 22/22 Nebraska (31-24). • Last Friday, Illinois earned a 31-24 win over No. 22/22 Nebraska in overtime. • Luke Altmyer threw for 215 yards and four touchdowns. • Pat Bryant hauled in two touchdown receptions, including the game-winner in overtime. • Dylan Rosiek led the Illinois defense with nine tackles, including a sack, and a forced fumble. • Alec Bryant contributed two sacks, while Dennis Briggs Jr. and Gabe Jacas each had one. • Altmyer has completed 71 percent of his passes for 862 yards and 10 touchdowns, without throwing an interception. • RB Kaden Feagin leads the rushing attack with 242 yards and three touchdowns, while averaging 4.5 yards per carry. • WR Zakhari Franklin (21 rec, 243 yds) and WR Pat Bryant (20 rec, 309 yds, 6 TD) are Illinois’ leading receivers. • Rosiek and DB Matthew Bailey lead Illinois with 23 tackles. • Jacas owns four tackles for loss and two sacks. • DB Xavier Scott has a team-best three interceptions, while DB Miles Scott has two.
LAST MEETING
UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. – No. 7 Penn State took down Illinois, 30-13, at Memorial Stadium. The Nittany Lions played complimentary football on both sides of the ball, fueled by five defensive takeaways. The defense led the way for the Nittany Lions, recording its first five-takeaway game in seven years. Penn State racked up four interceptions, by four different players, and a fumble recovery. Offensively, the Nittany Lions scored 20 points off of the five turnovers. Stout defense held the Illini in check all day, allowing just 62 yards on the ground. Dominic DeLuca forced the first fumble of his career, the first of the Nittany Lions’ five takeaways. Linebacker Abdul Carter, and cornerbacks Johnny Dixon, Daequan Hardy, and Cam Miller each secured interceptions. Penn State’s running backs were involved in all three offensive touchdowns on the afternoon. Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton each recorded rushing scores, while Trey Potts tossed a touchdown pass to tight end Tyler Warren. The Nittany Lions made their first splash play of the day on their second defensive drive of the game as DeLuca forced a fumble that was picked up by Kobe King. The Nittany Lions capitalized with a 20-yard field goal. Penn State’s defense forced its second turnover in two possessions with an interception by Carter, the first of his career. Carter picked off Luke Altmyer at the Penn State 45 yard-line and returned the ball to the Illinois 37. Alex Felkins knocked through a 45-yard field goal to increase the Nittany Lion lead to 6-0. The Nittany Lion defense recorded its third turnover in the first quarter on the Illini’s next drive. Hardy picked off an Altmyer pass at the Penn State 43 yard-line and the offense proceeded to use 12 plays to march 57 yards for its first touchdown of the ballgame as Allen punched in the 4-yard score. Reggie Love III put the Illini on the board with a 5-yard touchdown run with 2:08 left to play in the half, but the Nittany Lions were able to tack on an additional field goal before halftime to go up 16-7 at the break. Both defenses stood tall through the first 10-plus minutes of the quarter before the Nittany Lions were able to break through for their second touchdown of the afternoon to go up 23-7. Potts caught a lateral from Allar and tossed an 11-yard touchdown pass to the tight end, Warren. On the ensuing Illinois possession, the Nittany Lions intercepted Altmyer for the fourth time, this time by Miller. Penn State wasted no time, scoring in just over a minute on a 16-yard rushing touchdown by Singleton. Illinois found the end zone one more time in the game, scoring on a 19-yard reception by Malik Elzy from quarterback John Paddock at the 4:21 mark of the fourth quarter. A failed two-point conversion left the score at 30-13.