The Penn State Availability Report at Illinois

Penn State released its pregame availability report ahead of today's game at Illinois to begin the Big Ten football schedule. Here's the Penn State pregame report as the No. 7 Nittany Lions prepare for a noon ET kickoff on FOX.

Who's out for Penn State?

It's a very light availability report for Penn State, which could get back a few key players today, notably on defense. Defensive tackle Coziah Izzard, cornerback Daequan Hardy and defensive end Amin Vanover made the trip to Illinois after not playing in the first two games for undisclosed reasons. Izzard (6-3, 295) provides an interior presence that Penn State's defense could use today and against future run teams on the schedule.

The only potential contributor listed as "out" is receiver Malick Meiga, who also missed last week. In addition, Tre Wallace, the Lions' second-leading receiver, is listed as "questionable." Wallace has 10 catches for 98 yards in two games. Defensive tackle Kaleb Artis, who played in the first two games, also is listed as "questionable."

Illinois, meanwhile, is incredibly healthy. Reserve safety Demetrius Hill is out, and no one is listed as questionable.

Notes and numbers

Penn State has scored at least 30 points in nine consecutive games, the longest such streak in the FBS.

Through two games the Lions lead the Big Ten in scoring offense (50.5 ppg) and total offense (509.5 ypg).

Penn State also leads the Big Ten in rushing offense (230.5 ypg) without a single carry longer than 20 yards. And that 20-yard run belongs to No. 3 tailback Trey Potts. The longest carry for Nicholas Singleton, who led the Big Ten in carries of 40+ yards last season, is 14 yards.

Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer, who transferred from Ole Miss, leads the Big Ten in points responsible for (32) through the first two weeks. He's a dangerous runner, having scored on a 72-yard carry against Kansas.

Illinois, which led the nation in scoring defense last year, ranks 125th nationally so far this season in total defense.

Illinois had three selected in the first three rounds of the 2023 NFL Draft, the nation's only team that can claim that distinction. But the Illini have labored to replace them so far, allowing 253.5 yards passing through the first two games.

Get in on the action

Penn State has covered the spread (quite notably against West Virginia) as the favorite in its first two games of 2023. The Lions are a 14.5-point favorite in their Big Ten opener. Can they do it again? Penn State fans can take advantage of new-user promos from FanDuel and BetMGM when wagering on today's Penn State-Illinois game.

Gameday reads

From FOX's Joel Klatt, a ringing endorsement of Drew Allar

Penn State-Illinois predictions: Popping in Champaign

A Penn State football 'tradition:' the Big Ten road opener

How Penn State is equipping Drew Allar for his first road start

Penn State hints again at deploying Beau Pribula

Why isn't FOX's pregame show in Champaign for Penn State-Illinois? Because it chose Colorado instead

AllPennState is the place for Penn State news, opinion and perspective on the SI.com network. Publisher Mark Wogenrich has covered Penn State for more than 20 years, tracking three coaching staffs, three Big Ten titles and a catalog of great stories. Follow him on Twitter @MarkWogenrich. And consider subscribing (button's on the home page) for more great content across the SI.com network.

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