Illinois vs. Penn State Week 8: 10 Things to Watch When Big Ten Upstarts Collide

Joe Paterno has a chance to make history this Saturday as his Penn State Nittany Lions host the Illinois Fighting Illini in Happy Valley. With a win, Paterno would surpass Grambling State's Eddie Robinson as the all-time most victorious coach in Division I history. A Penn State win on Saturday would be Paterno's 409th.

There's more to watch on Saturday than just Joe Pa as these Big Ten upstarts collide. These are two of the better teams in the conference, and their reputations are on the line.

Penn State is 7-1 and looking to make this season special for their celebrated coach, and Illinois faces a must-win after dropping two straight and falling to 6-2.

Here are the things to watch for as these teams duke it out in Beaver Stadium.

10. Can Illinois Bounce Back?

After starting the season 6-0, Illinois has lost two straight games to Ohio State and Purdue.

Illinois really put themselves at a corner as its next three games are at No. 19 Penn State, No. 18 Michigan and No. 15 Wisconsin.

The last thing Illini fans want to see is their promising start come to a screeching halt. Their intestinal fortitude will be measured this week as the team needs to desperately win.

At 2-2 in the Big Ten Leaders Division, Illinois needs to beat 4-0 Penn State to have a chance at the Big Ten Championship game in December.

No. 9: Is Penn State for Real?

Penn State is No. 19 right now and quietly keeps creeping up the rankings each week.

Most impressively, the Nittany Lions are 7-1 with their only loss coming to mighty Alabama.

Many may say that Saturday against Illinois is where fans will find out if Penn State is for real. Beginning with Illinois, the Nittany Lions then face Nebraska, and Ohio State and Wisconsin on the road to close out the season.

How motivated are the Penn State players on trying to give their coach something special this season?

No. 8: Nathan Scheelhaase

The Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback has had his ups and downs this season.

Nathan Scheelhaase has had 10 touchdowns through the air in the Illini's six wins, but only one in their two losses.

The sophomore quarterback will have to find a way to get it going against a vaunted Penn State defense this week. Look for the Illinois coaching staff to devise a plan to get its quarterback in a rhythm early.

No. 7: Matt McGloin

Penn State quarterback Matt McGloin appears to be the better half of the two-quarterback system that the Nittany Lions use. Together with his teammate Rob Bolden, the two have split time under center all season.

McGloin may have won over the starting quarterback position with his 192 yards and two touchdowns last week against Northwestern. That may not seem like a huge game, but for Nittany Lions fans, it was a small victory.

If there's one question looming over their minds, it's how will their quarterbacks perform week in and week out?

Look for McGloin to continue to get better on Saturday versus Illinois. He'll have his work cut out for him, though, as Illinois leads the Big Ten in sacks. McGloin will have to handle the pressure with precision passing.

No. 6: A.J. Jenkins Is a Beast

Without a doubt, senior A.J. Jenkins is one of the best receivers in the nation.

He has 62 catches for 987 yards and seven touchdowns this season. Considering his quarterback, Nathan Scheelhaase, has 1,624 passing on the season, one can tell the importance of Jenkins to his team.

Illinois always has a chance because of Jenkins, and Penn State will have trouble trying to contain him on Saturday. He's a true home-run threat.

Do yourself a favor and check him out this weekend—after all, NFL scouts will be.

No. 5: Can Illinois Running Back Jason Ford Have a Breakout Game?

Illinois senior running back Jason Ford needs to have the game of his life against Penn State.

While Ford does have 392 yards and six touchdowns this season, he has yet to have a 100-yard game.

In order for the Illini to win, Ford must reach the 100-yard mark and procure the football. He's been known to cough up the football in his past.

Ford must protect the football if the Illini are to win.

No. 4: Silas Redd Is the Best Back in the Big Ten

Silas Redd is Penn State's rock on offense. Although the passing game has its struggles, Redd is as steady as they come in college football.

Redd currently leads the Big Ten with 869 yards on the ground on 165 carries.

When in doubt, the Nittany Lions will hand it to their workhorse to eat up the clock.

Bad news for Big Ten fans—Redd is only a sophomore. He'll be a staple in Happy Valley for a few more years and cause the opposition headaches in trying to find a way to stop him.

Redd will be going for his fifth-straight 100-yard game against Illinois this Saturday.

No. 3: Penn State's Stubborn Defense

Penn State has one of the best defenses in the country. They currently only allow the opposition 13.1 points per game.

The Nittany Lions are 7-1 because of their defense. Everyone knows that Penn State has trouble moving the ball through the air, so the defense has continuously put the team on its back and willed its way to a win.

Saturday will be a true test against Illinois because of quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase and wide receiver A.J. Jenkins. If Penn State shuts those two kids down—the sky is the limit for this Nittany Lions team.

No. 2: Illinois Offensive Line Must Play Better

The Illinois Fighting Illini offensive line has been porous this year. Right now, they've allowed 23 sacks, good for second to last in the Big Ten.

The fact that they're facing a stout Penn State defense in an always festive Beaver Stadium will be no easy task for the Illini lineman. If Illinois is to win this week, it'll be because their offensive line stepped up and made the difference.

Last week they allowed Purdue to sack quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase four times en route to a loss.

No. 1: Joe Paterno's Chance at History

Penn State head coach Joe Paterno has manned the sidelines for his team for 46 years now.

On Saturday, he goes for his 409th win. What a remarkable career—almost averaging 10-win seasons for half a century.

In doing so, Paterno would pass Grambling State's Eddie Robinson for most all-time wins by a Division I coach.

He'll be ready for it, his team won't want to disappoint and the fans will be in a frenzy on Saturday against Illinois.

If and when Penn State wins this game, expect Joe Pa to ride around Beaver Stadium in some sort of chariot as his accomplishment will be celebrated.

Congratulations, Mr. Paterno.

Prediction: Penn State 30, Illinois 20