Penn State football will be without two key players for tonight’s prime-time matchup against Top 25 Illinois.
Dom DeLuca, the Nittany Lions’ third-string linebacker, and Cam Wallace, the third-string tailback, are both sidelined due to injuries sustained during last Saturday’s 56-0 win over Kent State. The Big Ten’s weekly availability report confirms they are both listed as “out.”
DeLuca’s absence could significantly impact the team’s ability to contain Illinois’s standout 250-pound tailback Kaden Feagin and versatile quarterback Luke Altmyer, who has thrown 10 touchdowns without any interceptions.
The Lions are also missing All-America candidate safety KJ Winston and top backup tight end Andrew Rappleyea, both out with undisclosed “long-term” injuries, as noted by coach James Franklin. Fortunately, no other starters are expected to miss the game.
Illinois (4-0) presents the most formidable challenge yet for the Lions and their revitalized offense under new coordinator Andy Kotelnicki and his second-year starting quarterback.
Drew Allar is looking to maintain his impressive performance. He ranks second nationally in passing yards per attempt (12.6) and efficiency rating (218.3), and fifth in ESPN’s quarterback rating (90.3). Allar has demonstrated improved deep throws, confidence, and accuracy, boasting a 71% completion rate and an 8-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
He will need to be at his best against a strong Illinois defense that recently stifled Nebraska and has already recorded seven interceptions.
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