A primary goal entrusted to Penn State's front seven tomorrow not only will be containing Illinois running back Rashard Mendenhall but also its shifty quarterback Juice Williams.
In other words, make sure that the Juice doesn't get loose. Not exactly an easy job description.
Williams, Illinois' quarterback built with a roadrunner's legs, has thrown a wrench in the No. 21 Nittany Lions' normal defensive preparation heading into this weekend's game against Illinois (3-1, 0-1 Big Ten). Williams is a leader in an option offense predicated on running, running and running some more. In a game that could turn the tenor of the season for better or worse, Penn State's ability to contain Williams and the rushing game could be a key factor.
"As far as Juice, he's going to work it with his arm and work it being mobile," Illinois wide receiver Arrelious Benn said this week. "He's going to attack Penn State and make plays."
Though Williams, a 6-foot-2 sophomore, has had his struggles throwing the ball -- the Illini are ranked 103rd nationally in passing offense -- he's made up for it with his mobility.
"It's an offense that can definitely hurt you if you're not on your game," linebacker Dan Connor said. "The option is going to be a new look that we haven't see this season."
The Lions (3-1, 0-1) have faced three first-year quarterbacks this season and none were too mobile. At least, not like Williams is.
In two seasons as the Illini starter, Williams has shown a remarkable ability to scramble when the pocket breaks down or his receivers are covered. And when that's not the case, Williams has flashed an impressive ability to make defenses pay with his legs.
He's rushed for 175 yards and two touchdowns on 38 carries this season.
The burden to stop Williams will fall upon Penn State's defensive linemen, including the ends, Maurice Evans, Josh Gaines, Aaron Maybin and Jerome Hayes, who will likely be responsible for keeping containment on the edge.
That means the linemen cannot over pursue -- once that happens, Williams can cut free upfield.
"If you go too far, or you don't go upfield at all," Evans said. "It's pretty shaky. It's a hard offense to play against."
This week in practice, Penn State wide receiver Patrick Mauti has been simulating Williams on the scout team. He had a similar role preparing the Lions before Illinois last season.
Williams netted only five rushing yards in last season's 26-16 loss at Penn State. He gained 49 yards on 19 attempts, but was sacked six times for a loss of 41.
If the Lions can't stop Williams on the ground, they could be in deep trouble.
With the exception of last weekend, Penn State has been solid against the run. In fact, the Lions ranked first nationally in rush defense before meeting the Wolverines. So far, the Lions have limited quarterbacks to minus-42-yards rushing, thanks largely to a team total of 19 sacks.
But they haven't faced an offense like Illinois' and a quarterback like Williams.
Illinois has been running the option smoothly this season. The Illini rank fifth nationally in rushing offense, which is a combined product of Mendenhall and Williams.
"Defensively, when you're playing option, everybody has to take a responsibility when you add the quarterback in there," Illinois coach Ron Zook said. "You got a guy that can run guy that you don't normally account for. It's like I don't know anybody that, when you're blitzing, puts a man on the quarterback. It's an added dimension that you normally don't account for."
