Illinois @ Penn State preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 9, 2010 ) Illinois 33, Penn State 13

THE STORY: Penn State will try to give coach Joe Paterno his record-setting 409th career victory when it hosts Illinois. The 84-year-old Paterno is poised to pass Grambling's Eddie Robinson as the winningest coach in Division I history. Illinois, which has lost two straight after starting 6-0, will face the premier defense in the Big Ten as No. 19 Penn State, which has won six straight, allows only 13.1 points per game. The Fighting Illini have scored 21 points combined in the two losses.

TV: ABC or ESPN2, and ESPN3.com. LINE: Penn State -5.5.

ABOUT ILLINOIS (6-2, 2-2 Big Ten Leaders Division): The Illini’s engine seems to be stalling after a fast start. Dual-threat quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase appears to be running out of gas, passing for only 386 total yards, one touchdown and two interceptions in losses to Ohio State and Purdue. Scheelhaase was also sacked six times in that span. Coach Ron Zook isn’t pressing the panic button, but instead wants to simplify things. Illinois could lean heavily on the run versus Penn State. The Illini rushed for 282 yards in their 33-13 victory over the host Nittany Lions last season for their first victory at Happy Valley.

ABOUT PENN STATE (7-1, 4-0): After an impressive showing from Matt McGloin in a 34-24 victory over Northwestern, it would appear Penn State has its quarterback. No so fast said Paterno, who still claims the No. 1 spot is up for grabs. McGloin, who passed for 192 yards and two touchdowns last week, seems to be a better option than Rob Bolden. Even more impressive was the rushing effort from Silas Redd, who had a career-high 164 yards and a touchdown. Penn State’s defense remains the backbone of the program with seven sacks last week. The Nittany Lions also lead the Big Ten in interceptions with 12.

EXTRA POINTS:

1. Illinois hasn't scored in the fourth quarter of either loss.

2. John Gagliardi of Division III St. John's (Minnesota) leads all NCAA coaches with 481 wins. Gagliardi is 50 days older than Paterno.

3. Penn State leads the all-time series 14-4, including 6-1 at home. The teams have split their past four meetings.

PREDICTION: Penn State 17, Illinois 14 - The defenses go toe to toe in a classic Big Ten battle, with Penn State winning on a late field goal.