STATE COLLEGE — Slouched back in his chair, Tony Hunt stared ahead and spoke softly.

He didn't have many answers for Penn State's sputtering offense.

"Why we played bad?" Hunt said. "I don't know, we just played really bad."

Then he reminded those gathered around him, "You've got to remember though, we did win the football game."

The 26-12 victory Saturday over Illinois did help Penn State (5-3, 3-2 Big Ten) keep pace in the race to be the best team in the conference not named Ohio State or Michigan. The Buckeyes and Wolverines are likely headed to rich paydays in the Bowl Championship Series, but the Nittany Lions remain on target for a New Year's Day bowl game thanks to the Big Ten's conference tie-ins.

That could change if Penn State's offense continues to struggle, especially with critical road contests looming the next two weeks at Purdue and Wisconsin.

Asked to comment on his team's offensive play, coach Joe Paterno used the word "lousy" about a half-dozen times.

And don't get JoePa started on the offensive line.

"It's tough to get any rhythm because we're so inconsistent up front. Pass protection, running game," Paterno said.

A homecoming weekend crowd of more than 108,000 jammed into Beaver Stadium to watch Illinois (2-6, 1-3) outgain Penn State in total yardage (358-184) and first downs (19-10). Hunt finished with 52 yards.