Penn State must face Illinois without star

Big-play threat Derrick Williams is out for the season with an injury.
STATE COLLEGE, Pa. (AP) -- Derrick Williams, his broken left arm in a sling, is still trying to help Penn State's offense, even if it's just in practice.
How much the freshman receiver's presence will be missed in a real game remains to be seen.
Williams suffered the season-ending injury near the end of last week's last-second loss to Michigan. The first test for No. 12 Penn State (6-1, 3-1 Big Ten) without their big play threat comes Saturday when they visit Illinois (2-4, 0-3).
"We'll miss that speed he brings to the game and the problems he presents opposing defenses," said wideout Terrell Golden said. "But hopefully, we won't miss a beat replacing a guy like Derrick Williams."
Williams has been trying to keep busy at practice, helping healthy receivers like Golden with route running. Golden and freshman Jordan Norwood might see more playing time with Williams out, though Coach Joe Paterno stressed earlier this week that there would be no changes on offense beyond the normal adjustments for each new opponent.
Still, Williams' impact on the offense is unmistakable. He had 22 catches for 289 yards and one touchdown this season and exuded confidence and a swagger on the field. He seemed a threat to score nearly every time he touched the ball.
Paterno has singled out Williams, Norwood and fellow freshmen receivers Justin King and Deon Butler for their blocking. Williams has rushed for three touchdowns, too, as he was used on occasion at tailback.
His play helped Paterno create a big-play offense that averages 414 yards and 32 points a game.
"Those freshmen came in there and ignited some things," said Illinois coach Ron Zook, whose porous defense gives up 458 yards and 36 points per game.
The matchup with Illinois would seem to fall in the Nittany Lions' favor, but Penn State quarterback Michael Robinson isn't taking anything for granted.
"People don't give them credit," Robinson said about Illinois. "Their record doesn't show how good they are."
Robinson is Penn State's offensive catalyst with his ability to burn defenses on the ground (seven rushing touchdowns) and in the air (nine passing TDs). He fumbled and threw an interception last week against Michigan, but coaches have praised him for his improved decision-making this season.
"He makes things happen and when you have a quarterback like that it makes everybody else look good, as well," said Illini safety Kevin Mitchell.
Mitchell might need to defend against King at times Saturday, though it's unclear how much that might happen. Penn State's speedy freshmen also plays defense and has been used more in recent games as a defensive back in nickel situations.
So that might mean more opportunities for Golden, who, at 6-foot-3, is Penn State's tallest receiver. Last week at Michigan, Golden had three catches for 74 yards, including a career-long 56-yard reception.
Though just a sophomore, Golden is a graybeard on a receiving corps dominated by freshmen. But he's leaning on them, too.
"Derrick and Deon, they always tease me that I don't have many moves," Golden said. "So I try to learn some moves from those guys."
Helping at practice and with cheerleaders from the sidelines might be the only things that Williams can do for now. The team doctor has said he will be out three to four months.
"Derrick is a very unique player," Robinson said. "I don't know if we have another player like that on our roster."
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