Northwestern vs. Penn State: Will Wildcats' QB Dan Persa Be Ready?

Northwestern quarterback Dan Persa left Saturday's game against Indiana late in the fourth quarter with what is believed to be a concussion.

Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald will update the injury status of his star QB Monday at noon.

Teddy Greenstein of the Chicago Tribune reported that it would be a major surprise if Persa is not cleared to play Saturday in Happy Valley against Penn State.

A win for the Wildcats will give them a solid chance for eight wins and a possible berth in the Gator or Insight Bowl. They will certainly need Persa, who got plenty of action in last season's 34-13 loss to Penn State.

In addition to needing a healthy Persa, the Cats need to show more discipline. Over the last five games, they have averaged 76 yards in penalties.

Fitzgerald promised to kill the penalties after the Central Michigan game, which saw his team commit 11 penalties, totaling 106 yards.

"That's not Wildcat football. When you've got something wrong, like a weed in the yard, you get weedkiller. I'm going to kill the penalties, I promise you that," said Fitzgerald after the CMU game.

Penn State enters Saturday's game at 2-2 in the Big Ten and 5-3 overall. Their legendary coach Joe Paterno is one victory away from his 400th and senior running back Evan Royster seems to have regained the form that made him the top rusher in their history.

Defending the run has not been a weakness for Northwestern, but defending the pass has.

Matt McGloin filled in nicely last week in place of Penn State freshman Rob Bolden, who suffered a concussion against Minnesota.

Last week against Michigan, McGloin was 17-28 for 250 yards and a TD pass. Penn State assistant Jay Paterno told reporters after the game "Rob's our guy." Despite this performance, it appears the Cats will need to prepare for Bolden if he's ready to return.

Saturday's game is scheduled for a 2:30 p.m. kickoff on ABC.