Bill O’Brien to Illinois coach Tim Beckman: just try to recruit our players again. I dare you.
The Nittany Lions routed Illinois 35-7, very likely making O’Brien a happy man (internally) in the process. O’Brien probably won’t admit that Beckman’s open recruiting policy of PSU players in the wake of NCAA sanctions added some fuel to his fire, but rest assured it’s there.
Ironically, one of the lowlights of PSU’s defense today came on a play that should have been one of the highlights.
Just as Illinois was getting ready to score at the end of the first half, PSU linebacker Michael Mauti intercepted a Nathan Sheelhaase pass and ran 95 yards the other direction. Why 95 yards? Because he jogged the last four and was caught from behind.
Penn State had the field goal blocked to end the half. Gotta finish that run, big man!