Nittany Lions, Illini in defensive struggle at half

Big Ten Blog

October, 3, 2009

Oct 3

5:10

PM ET

By Adam Rittenberg

Posted by ESPN.com's Adam Rittenberg

I guess we shouldn't be totally surprised that Penn State and Illinois have combined for only 10 first-half points. The Lions have struggled up front all season, while Illinois came into the game with just one touchdown against an FBS team.

Defense has ruled the day so far as Penn State leads 7-3 at halftime. Both teams have actually moved the ball, combining for 392 total yards, but both have stalled in plus territory. While Evan Royster has been kept at bay, Stephfon Green sparked the Lions' offense with a 52-yard touchdown run. He received a great block from lineman Lou Eliades on the play, and the sophomore has 81 yards on just seven carries. Credit Illinois' defense for hanging tough in this one.

For Illinois, it seems pretty simple: Turn Juice Williams loose and stretch the field. When Illinois attacks downfield to wideout Arrelious Benn and others, the offense seems to move well. When Mike Schultz gets conservative and calls zone run after zone run, the offense seems to stall. Penn State's linebackers have done a decent job, but the secondary looks vulnerable to me. Illinois really missed an opportunity for more points at the end of the half.

Tags:

Penn State Nittany Lions, Illinois Fighting Illini, Arrelious Benn, Stephfon Green, Juice Williams, Evan Royster, Mike Schultz, Lou Eliades

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