Following a heartbreaking defeat in Chicago, the Illini return home for a Friday night tilt with No. 10 Penn State. The Nittany Lions may well prove to be the best team on Illinois’ schedule this year, so the Illini cannot afford to brood on recent disappointments.

Here’s what needs to happen for a big upset in Champaign:

Offense

Control the clock

At its best, the Illini offense has sustained long drives, primarily on the ground with dynamic duo Mike Epstein and Reggie Corbin. Not only has this resulted in numerous scoring drives (albeit more field goals than touchdowns), but it has kept a thin, inexperienced defense off the field.