Having played one quality team could help vs. Penn St.
Like investing, football comes with the warning that past performance should not be used as an indicator of future results. But in both cases, the warning is often ignored, even in these turbulent times.
That's why No. 22 Illinois (2-1) isn't reading too much into its status as a two-touchdown underdog for its trip to No. 12 Penn State (4-0) on Saturday.
'It's not insulting,'' cornerback Vontae Davis said. ''That's just something for fans. We'll find out at the end of the fourth quarter if that's true.''
What the Illini do know is that even though they lost a 52-42 shootout with No. 6 Missouri, they have played one more quality opponent than the Nittany Lions have seen while averaging 52.8 points, the third-highest scoring average in the nation.
''I'm not sure if it's an advantage,'' coach Ron Zook said. ''But it is something we've already been through, and that has to help a little bit. Missouri's a very good team. And if our guys had taken care of business, it could possibly have been a different outcome.''
Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark is no Chase Daniel, but the mobile junior has been very effective, with seven touchdowns and just one interception while compiling the top passing-efficiency rating in the Big Ten.
Clark also has two promising young running backs -- sophomore Evan Royster (8.1 yards per carry) and freshman Stephfon Green (7.3) -- and a dangerous receiving corps that includes seniors Jordan Norwood, Derrick Williams and Deon Butler.
''They've been a high-powered offense,'' Illinois linebacker Martez Wilson said. ''Missouri is more of a passing team. It does empty [backfield] and shotgun the whole game. Penn State is more balanced. They're almost 50-50 with the pass and run.''
Penn State also has installed a spread formation to take advantage of Clark's mobility and keep defenses on their toes.
In short, the Nittany Lions are a tall order for Illinois' defense. But middle linebacker Brit Miller senses that the Illini are eager to accept that challenge and will benefit from their Missouri disappointment.
''During our Monday morning lift, everybody was excited,'' Miller said. ''That was the first time we've had it this year. When there's an excitement on Monday morning at 6 a.m, you know the guys are ready to play. I think this team has grown.
''We know it's a big situation. Penn State knows it. This is the start of the Big Ten Conference, and it's important to start off right. This is where it all begins for us.''
Beyond the poundings the Nittany Lions have administered to the Coastal Carolinas and Syracuses of the world, Penn State also has tradition on its side. In Happy Valley, winning seasons are expected.
At Illinois, following up last year's 9-4 mark with another successful campaign would give the program its first back-to-back winning seasons since 1989-90. As a result, the Illini see their trip to Beaver Stadium as an opportunity.
''It's another big stage to prove ourselves, to show that Illinois is on the rise,'' Davis said. ''A lot of people don't give us a chance.
''One season doesn't give you the right to say you're a top program. You have to do it year in and year out. We have to put our foot down, to show that we're still going to be here.''
Like investing, football comes with the warning that past performance should not be used as an indicator of future results. But in both cases, the warning is often ignored, even in these turbulent times.
That's why No. 22 Illinois (2-1) isn't reading too much into its status as a two-touchdown underdog for its trip to No. 12 Penn State (4-0) on Saturday.
'It's not insulting,'' cornerback Vontae Davis said. ''That's just something for fans. We'll find out at the end of the fourth quarter if that's true.''
What the Illini do know is that even though they lost a 52-42 shootout with No. 6 Missouri, they have played one more quality opponent than the Nittany Lions have seen while averaging 52.8 points, the third-highest scoring average in the nation.
''I'm not sure if it's an advantage,'' coach Ron Zook said. ''But it is something we've already been through, and that has to help a little bit. Missouri's a very good team. And if our guys had taken care of business, it could possibly have been a different outcome.''
Penn State quarterback Daryll Clark is no Chase Daniel, but the mobile junior has been very effective, with seven touchdowns and just one interception while compiling the top passing-efficiency rating in the Big Ten.
Clark also has two promising young running backs -- sophomore Evan Royster (8.1 yards per carry) and freshman Stephfon Green (7.3) -- and a dangerous receiving corps that includes seniors Jordan Norwood, Derrick Williams and Deon Butler.
''They've been a high-powered offense,'' Illinois linebacker Martez Wilson said. ''Missouri is more of a passing team. It does empty [backfield] and shotgun the whole game. Penn State is more balanced. They're almost 50-50 with the pass and run.''
Penn State also has installed a spread formation to take advantage of Clark's mobility and keep defenses on their toes.
In short, the Nittany Lions are a tall order for Illinois' defense. But middle linebacker Brit Miller senses that the Illini are eager to accept that challenge and will benefit from their Missouri disappointment.
''During our Monday morning lift, everybody was excited,'' Miller said. ''That was the first time we've had it this year. When there's an excitement on Monday morning at 6 a.m, you know the guys are ready to play. I think this team has grown.
''We know it's a big situation. Penn State knows it. This is the start of the Big Ten Conference, and it's important to start off right. This is where it all begins for us.''
Beyond the poundings the Nittany Lions have administered to the Coastal Carolinas and Syracuses of the world, Penn State also has tradition on its side. In Happy Valley, winning seasons are expected.
At Illinois, following up last year's 9-4 mark with another successful campaign would give the program its first back-to-back winning seasons since 1989-90. As a result, the Illini see their trip to Beaver Stadium as an opportunity.
''It's another big stage to prove ourselves, to show that Illinois is on the rise,'' Davis said. ''A lot of people don't give us a chance.
''One season doesn't give you the right to say you're a top program. You have to do it year in and year out. We have to put our foot down, to show that we're still going to be here.''
