This new Penn State football offense is in a good spot heading into their first primetime test of 2024.
Drew Allar looks like a revving, remade quarterback, confident in his passing, running and decision-making. The running backs are energized. The tight ends are highlight machines.
These guys appear ready to prove themselves, to take another critical step in Saturday's Top 25 meeting with the Illinois Fighting Illini in Beaver Stadium.
But it's the nationally-heralded PSU defense that should determine the tenor of this game.
While they own elite talent and just pitched a historic shutout (allowed only 67 yards to Kent State), they are still an unknown group - especially facing their first proven run/pass threat.
They're still breaking in new, key pieces on all three levels. They're dealing with crippling injuries. And they're about to have their manhood tested by a 250-pound running back and a loaded offensive line.
Not to mention Illinois' own impressively rejuvenated quarterback. Luke Altmyer looks nothing like the guy who bailed out the Lions last year with one turnover after another.
This season, he's thrown 10 touchdowns without an interception, and with two standout receivers at his call.
"I think he's one of the more improved players right now in college football," Penn State coach James Franklin said of Altmyer this week.
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And the Illini are on a roll at 4-0, just knocking off previously-ranked Nebraska on the road. They are confident and will press the Lions' defense hard from the start. They know they can win in Beaver Stadium.
They must be able to run the ball, score early and quiet Franklin's "White Out-energy" crowd in order to shock the Lions again (Remember the nine-overtime debacle three years ago?).
Which is why the Penn State defense must set the stage. For its rather linemen to make their biggest stand yet. For linebackers Kobe King and Tony Rojas to lead the tackling charge everywhere. For that deep but moving-parts secondary to lock down tighter.
Do this early enough, and the Penn State offense should run away with the night.
Struggle, and it may be a tedious, fourt-quarter survival.
It will be up to what's billed as the most resilient, reliable, powerful part of this team.
Their chance to make believers, once again.
Frank Bodani covers Penn State football for the York Daily Record and USA Today Network. Contact him at fbodani@ydr.com and follow him on X, formerly known as Twitter, @YDRPennState.