Gameday Primer: Illinois brings ‘White Out Energy,’ Top 25 showdown to Beaver Stadium

No. 19 Illinois (4-0) at No. 9 Penn State (3-0)

When: Saturday, Sept. 28 at 7:30 p.m.
Where: Beaver Stadium
Watch: NBC
Radio: See Penn State Radio Network
Follow Along: Nittany Nation Twitter Feed
Betting Line: Penn State -17.5

Three notes to watch…
Penn State head coach James Franklin has called for “White Out energy” for Saturday night’s top 25 showdown. No matter what the weather calls for, expect the environment at Beaver Stadium to be a tough place to play on Saturday.

The Fighting Illini team are battle tested on the road after winning in overtime against Nebraska at Memorial Stadium, one of the toughest places to play in the Big 10. However, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema’s viral comments on Monday certainly could give the Penn State fans a chip on their shoulder.

“I don’t know if they’re going to be in blue and white or whatever they’re going to be in this weekend. They’re going to be dressed, right? It’s probably going to be one or the other,” Bielema said. “They’re going to be calling for “Whiteout Energy. Whatever the hell that means.”

Will Penn State defensive coordinator Tom Allen be on the sideline or the booth?

The former Indiana head coach began the season on the sidelines for the Nittany Lions but moved upstairs after the Bowling Green game, where the defense immensely struggled in the first half. Despite being asked questions about it, Franklin has not made a public decision yet on where Allen will be.

Will the real Luke Altmyer please stand up?

The Illinois quarterback threw four interceptions and was benched in last year’s loss to Penn State. Through the first four weeks this season, Altmyer has emerged as one of the most improved players in the Big 10. Altmyer has passed for 10 touchdowns this season and has thrown no interceptions.

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