Penn State head coach Joe Paterno did not mince words when asked about the Nittany Lions opponent this weekend.

"Illinois is the best football team we'll play outside of Alabama," the Hall of Fame coach said.

The Fighting Illini is led by a defense which ranks tenth in the nation in total yards allowed.

"You don't just stare at any one part of their game. You've got to be ready for good solid all around squad," Paterno said.

"We've got to play a better football game than we've played all year."

Illinois defeated Penn State 33-13 last season in Beaver Stadium, the Nittany Lions worst home loss since Oct. 27, 2007 when Ohio State beat Penn State 37-17.

"I still have bad feelings about that game," said senior defensive end Jack Crawford. "We really want to come out there and prove how good we are."

Paterno was much more blunt in his memories from last year's defeat.

"We got a pretty good licking," Paterno said. "That's what I remember."

Rob Bolden started against the Fighting Illini last season but it is unknown who will start at quarterback on Saturday. Matt McGloin started and played the entire game in last Saturday's 34-24 win at Northwestern, going 17 of 26 for 192 yards and two touchdowns.

If you think McGloin's performance guaranteed the redshirt junior a second consecutive start this weekend, guess again.

"I haven't got the slightest idea yet." Paterno said when asked who will start Saturday's game.

Paterno: Not "Slightest Idea" Who Will Start At QB

"I told Matt he did a good job," he added in a one-sentence response when asked to evaluate McGloin's start.

"I’m not talking about it. I’m not tired of talking about it,” Paterno said. “We only lost one game, and the game we lost had nothing to do with the quarterback play.”

NOTES

Wideout Derek Moye is expected to miss his third consecutive game this Saturday with a broken foot. Joe Paterno said he could return for the Nov. 12 game against Nebraska.