Penn State 38, Illinois 24

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. -- The Nittany Lions did what they had to do and took care of Illinois, 38-24, tonight. It wasn't a statement performance, but it showed that Penn State is a serious contender for the Big Ten title and maybe, just maybe, a player in the national title hunt.

Here's my first running-and-top story. I'll have the write through with quotes in the morning. I'm off the bed. Good night.