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Beat writer Bob Asmussen breaks down the Illinois-Penn State game

QUARTERBACKS

Edge to Penn State

It's close. Very close. Rob Bolden is throwing for more yards and completing passes at a higher percentage than Nathan Scheelhaase. But Scheelhaase is a superior runner and has thrown fewer interceptions. The key today will be how Scheelhaase adjusts to the overwhelming noise at Beaver Stadium. It will be the loudest experience of his life.

RUNNING BACKS

Edge to Illinois

Mikel Leshoure is the No. 2 running back in the conference and No. 13 nationally. He has topped 100 yards in three of his first four games. Evan Royster is barely hanging on to a spot among the top 10 in the conference. The backups are even, though Jason Ford has one more touchdown than Stephfon Green.

RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

Edge to Penn State

Four Nittany Lions have at least 13 catches this season, led by Derek Moye's 19. Illinois has just two players over 13. Part of the problem for Illinois has been an ankle injury suffered by Eddie McGee that has limited him to two catches. Neither team has used the tight end much in the early part of the season. Illini freshman Evan Wilson is capable of a big game.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Edge to Illinois

Few teams are better at protecting the quarterback than the Nittany Lions, who have allowed just three sacks in the first five games. Illinois is doing a solid job of keeping Nathan Scheelhaase upright. Where the Illini gain the edge is in the holes provided for the running backs. Illinois is averaging 63 more yards on the ground per game than Penn State. A lot of those yards belong to the offensive linemen.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Edge to Illinois

Another extremely close call. Illinois gets the advantage thanks to the return of Bandit Michael Buchanan, who missed two games because of a DUI arrest. While Buchanan was out, Illinois found another solid end, Whitney Mercilus. And Corey Liuget and Akeem Spence have played well in the middle, Liuget turning in all-conference level play the first four games. Penn State is lacking the star quality it's had in the past.

LINEBACKERS

Edge to Penn State

The Nittany Lions had a much wider margin in the category before last weekend. But Martez Wilson is playing closer to his old form and Ian Thomas is one of the top linebackers in the Big Ten. Still, the Nittany Lions have one of the best defenses in the nation and the guys in the middle are playing a large role.

SECONDARY

Edge to Penn State

The Nittany Lions rank second in the Big Ten and 25th nationally in pass defense. Penn State opponents are completing 64 percent of their passes, a number the coaches would like to see drop considerably. Opponents are completing passes at a higher percentage against Illinois (66 percent). The two interceptions by Trulon Henry against Ohio State was a start, but the team is still tied for last in the Big Ten in picks (Purdue also has two).

SPECIAL TEAMS

Edge to Penn State

Illinois is third nationally in net punting, but the Nittany Lions are solid with their kick and punt coverage and much better than Illinois in returns. Plus, Penn State kicker Collin Wagner is 11 of 13 on field goals, including 5 of 6 beyond the 40. He's been getting a lot of chances because the offense bogs down in the red zone.

COACHING

Edge to Penn State

There are legends. And there is Joe Paterno, a superlegend. Of course, he wins at a high level. And when was the last time you heard about a cheating scandal in Happy Valley? The best part of the Penn State program is the stability on the coaching staff. The new Illinois assistant coaches have had a positive impact.

PREDICTION

Edge to Illinois

Ron Zook pointed to the law of averages being on Illinois' side this week. The team has never won at State College. That streak has to end at some point and that some point is now. Nathan Scheelhaase leads a late touchdown drive for a 21-20 win against the Nittany Lions (N-G record: 4-0).