Illinois Fighting Illini: 2-2
Series Record: 14-3 (Penn State leads)
Head Coach: Ron Zook 9th year (6th in Illinois)
Players to Watch: RB Mikel LeShoure, LB Martez Wilson, WR A.J. Jenkins
To say the Hawkeyes are a nightmare for the Nittany Lions would be an understatement. Iowa has beaten Penn State 6 out of the last 7 matchups, including Iowa's 24-23 crushing victory in 2008 that spoiled the Lions perfect season and any hopes of a BCS National Championship.
"There weren't any fat kids out there," said head coach Joe Paterno after Saturday's 22-13 comeback victory against Temple, referring to the well-coached, well-prepared Owls.
Saturday's 3:30 p.m. kickoff will mark the 40th meeting between in-state rivals Temple and Penn State in a series that has been dominated by the Nittany Lions.
Penn State fans welcomed the ESPN crew in typical Penn State fashion, and SportsNation hosts Colin Cowherd and Michelle Beadle took full notice; most of the dudes took full notice of Beadle. One fan's sign even asked for her hand in marriage.
Missed tackles, costly turnovers and a strong dose of Trent Richardson proved to be the downfall of the Nittany Lions last weekend in Alabama, but after a solid week of practice Penn State will look to redeem itself in the national spotlight Saturday when Kent State visits Beaver Stadium.