The Penn State football team is running out of chances. With its loss to Illinois this past Saturday, the Nittany Lions will have to win out to be bowl eligible.

And they might have to beat Indiana on Saturday without their starting quarterback, Zack Mills.

The freshman play caller sprained his ankle Saturday on the AstroPlay turf at Memorial Stadium and didn't practice on Monday. Mills isn't using crutches, coach Joe Paterno said, but was doubtful for Tuesday's practice as well.

"It's probably an outside chance he would play," Paterno said at his weekly news conference. "I really can't tell you what's going to happen with Zack. Right now, we're planning on having Matt as our quarterback."

Last Time at Beaver Stadium

Penn State will say goodbye to its seniors on Saturday as the Lions take the Beaver Stadium field for the last time. Defensive end Bob Jones, who has played his best football the past few weeks, said it hasn't sunk in yet that Saturday will be his last time ever putting on his Penn State blue jersey.

"It just seems unrealistic right now," Jones said. "I don't think it's going to hit me until the game is over."

Jones, a graduated senior who is working toward getting his teacher certification, said he has had a great experience playing for the Lions and Paterno.

The Wadsworth, Ohio native said he considers himself lucky to be involved with the Penn State football program and wants underclassmen to remember him for his never-give-up attitude and intensity.

Robinson To Play?

Paterno kicked around the idea of inserting true freshman quarterback Michael Robinson if need be against the Hoosiers, but it is doubtful the Richmond, Va. native will see any action.

If Robinson plays more than a few downs, he would lose his redshirt eligibility for the season and be considered a sophomore athletically next fall. But if Paterno opts to keep him on the sidelines and gave Robinson a redshirt this season, athletically he would be considered a freshman next year.

Even though he might be losing an entire year of eligibility and although it's very unlikely he would play, Paterno hasn't totally thrown the idea out.

"He'll have to play this week if we get in a jam," the coach said. "If it's necessary we have to play him, we'll play him."

3-0, Go To A Bowl

Penn State has to beat Indiana, Michigan State and Virginia to be bowl eligible, but Paterno wants his team to concentrate only on the Hoosiers right now. Indiana has some big wins, a 63-32 thrashing of Wisconsin and a 56-21 pounding of Northwestern, but has never beaten the Lions.

The Hoosiers beat Michigan State 37-28 last week and are playing their best football of the season. With the crafty and athletic quarterback the Hoosiers have in Antwaan Randle El, Paterno knows anything is possible on Saturday.

"He's older, he looks like he's stronger," Paterno said of Randle El. "He's very confident in his ability."