Penn State calls for ‘White Out energy’ against Illinois. But how successful has the theme been?

Technically, the official White Out game isn't until Nov. 9 against Washington. But that didn't stop head coach James Franklin from requesting fans bring a soft launch against Illinois on Saturday

Though its official White Out Game isn't until November, Penn State players and coaches are calling for that same "energy" in its Big Ten opener against Illinois on Saturday.Read moreHEATHER KHALIFA / Staff Photographer

by Avery Hill

Published Sept. 27, 2024, 1:53 p.m. ET

When Penn State’s matchup with Illinois was announced as a night game over the summer, many fans feared it would become the White Out game.

At the time, the concern was justified. Illinois was coming off a five-win season and returned starting quarterback Luke Altmyer, who threw four interceptions against Penn State last season. A sigh of relief came when it was announced that the Nittany Lions would welcome Washington for the first time as a member of the Big Ten with the White Out theme.

But after the Nittany Lions routed Kent State, 56-0, in the final nonconference game of the regular season, coach James Franklin made the call to the fans.

“I’m calling for White Out,” Franklin said in reference to Saturday’s Big Ten opener before a brief pause. “Energy.”

Senior center Nick Dawkins followed up on X on Monday, saying simply, “Wear White.”

The calls to action were indirect for legal reasons, but as Illinois sits at 4-0 and is ranked No. 19, the game (7:30 p.m., NBC10), which comes on Penn State’s homecoming weekend, has in many ways become an unofficial White Out. The Nittany Lions are looking to re-create an environment that has favored them more times than not since its inception in 2001.

They are 11-8 in White Out games and have not lost since a one-point loss to Ohio State in 2018. They have lost just three in the last decade—all to Ohio State and Michigan.

For Penn State players, the environment is a clear advantage. Junior defensive tackle Zane Durant said the White Out impacts the defense significantly. The offense needs the fans to lower the volume, but wide receiver Liam Clifford still sees its impact.

“When I think of the White Out, I think of energy,” Clifford said. “I think of a high you can’t re-create.”

Key White Out moments prove its impact .The 2019 “Mo Bamba game” against Michigan and Chop Robinson’s electric strip-sack against Iowa last season are among many highlights.

The 2016 “Block 6″ against undefeated Ohio State further spotlights the magic that has happened in Penn State White Outs.

Still, Illinois goes into Happy Valley on a high, defeating ranked Nebraska. Franklin acknowledged the Fighting Illini are battle-tested.

“They’re coming in here with a ton of confidence after going on the road to Nebraska,” Franklin said. “Similar place, similar environment in a lot of ways.”

Illinois also has taken down then-No. 19 Kansas.

After up and down performances in its first three games, Penn State will play its toughest opponent yet, and isn’t taking the Fighting Illini lightly.

A major reason for so much Illinois success? Coach Bret Bielema’s squad has allowed only 12.5 points per game.

The offense is potent too, scoring an average of 32.3 points over the four weeks.

It’s another reason players like Penn State senior defensive tackle Zane Durant know his defense needs support from what’s expected to be a sellout crowd.

“We need everybody to come out and support us,” Durant said. “That gives the defense energy, and lets us fly around while doing it.”