Another year, another Michigan loss. Like 2005, the Nittany Lions follow the Michigan loss by heading to Illinois to take on the Illini. This week’s questions are from Alex Grier of The Nittany Notebook. Check out what Run Up the Score!, There is No Name on My Jersey, Black Shoe Diaries, and The Nittany Line had to say.

1. The offense looked pathetic against Michigan. Is there any hope that Penn State’s offense can at least play respectably the rest of the season?

Yes, there is hope for the offense because they won’t play as tight at home and when facing weaker competition. I do not expect the combination of bad game planning and fumblitis to converge quite as well (or badly) as it did last Saturday. For a few weeks at least.

2. You can lay the blame for the loss to Michigan on one person. Who gets it?

Beano Cook — he cursed us again. No wait, Lou Holtz.

The real culprit is Joe Paterno for another bland, predictable game plan. I can’t help but wonder if he and the coaching staff even watched film on Michigan. The first series assured me that he doesn’t have the stomach for attacking the opposition on the road, if even at home. I’ve been told he wasn’t always this determined to win or lose by a touchdown. He said he was going to put people in the best position to succeed and didn’t do it. I don’t see how anything less than a coaching change will change that situation.

3. Penn State plays Illinois in a tough road test this weekend. What kind of performance do you expect from Penn State on Saturday?

I expect a victory based on the fact the Nittany Lions are more experienced and have great depth. The defense should carry them as they may be a little angry. I also expect a bounce back game from Anthony Morelli.

Lightning Round:

After that performance against Michigan what is your new record prediction and bowl game for Penn State?

I’m sticking with 11-2 and a New Year’s Day bowl game.

Who starts at tailback against the Illini?

Austin Scott, but Rodney Kinlaw gets a lot of reps. Evan Royster will not see a lot of time.

Score prediction for the Illinois game.

Penn State 27 Illinois 13

When does A.J. Wallace finally supplant Lydell Sargeant as the other starting CB?

After Sargeant graudates or gets hurt.