Penn State Nittany Lions
Penn State Nittany Lions The no. 12 ranked Penn State Nittany Lions are 4-0 coming into their first real test Saturday against the 22nd ranked Fighting Illini. Penn State has rolled through the early non-conference part of their schedule by out scoring their opponents 211-40. Odds makers are calling Penn State a 15 1/2 point favorite over Illinois as they begin their Big-Ten Schedule.

"We want to play and move on and start playing in the Big Ten," said co-offensive coordinator Jay Paterno. "Everyone can talk about how well we are doing on the field, but we have to go play and compete."

The Nittany Lions have not been challenged much in their first four games. They have compiled the nation's top scoring differential (42.8 points). Also, the Lions
have the seventh ranked defense in the country with 222.3 yards per game allowed.

The Fighting Illini are lead by quarterback Juice Williams. The 233lb. junior has thrown for 722 yards and 7 touchdowns in Illinois first three games. Williams is also the team's second leading rusher with 219 yards on the ground. The most impressive thing about the Illini quarterback is his ability to take what the defense gives and adjust his game accordingly.

Williams rushed for 174 yards and 2 touchdowns against Eastern Illinois and threw for 451 yards and 5 touchdowns against Missouri.

Penn State has proven they can contain Fighting Illini QB Juice Williams in their last two meetings. Look for much of the same on Saturday. Take the Nittany Lions at home and give the 15 1/2.