Penn State-Illinois: Can Andy Kotelnicki, Drew Allar silence pesky critics amid 'White Out energy'?

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On their weekly Penn State football podcast, host Adam Bittner welcomes Post-Gazette/Daily Collegian Nittany Lions insider Joel Haas preview this week's Big Ten opener and primetime matchup with Illinois at Beaver Stadium. What does coach James Franklin mean in calling for "White Out energy," and was the Fighting Illini's Bret Bielema providing bulletin board material with his comments about it? And ow important is this game for OC Andy Kotelnicki and Drew Allar in silencing their loud critics who remain despite a record-setting win against Kent State? What is receiver Omari Evans' upside after another explosive effort against the Golden Flashes? Can fellow WRs Liam Clifford and Julian Fleming build on their best efforts of the season against a quality opponent? And how good can the tight end room be with Tyler Warren, Luke Reynolds and Khalil Dinkins?

Our duo tackles those questions and analyzes the impact veteran Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer could have on the contest. Will the Lions defense contain him like it did WVU's Garrett Greene? Or could he be a challenge in the mold of Bowling Green's Connor Bazelak?