Over his nearly three decades at the helm of the Nittany Lions (9-2), Rose has not made a habit of losing to any team. He does not intend to start now either.
The Fighting Illini are also 9-2 this season, and will rely heavily upon the left side attack of senior outside hitter Rachel VanMeter, who averages over six kills per game.
Stationed on the right side for No.4 Penn State is junior Cassy Salyer, who is still adjusting to the opposite position after moving there over the offseason.
"Illinois poses a challenge because they've got an outside hitter who is first or second in the conference at kills per game," Rose said.
"Cassy knows what Cassy has to do. I would never say that one player is responsible for one player, but sometimes teams play better when they have to focus on playing as a team."
After tonight's Big Ten opener, Rose and the Lions will then be able to focus on the Boilermakers, who are a perfect 11-0 and losers of just three games so far this season.
Rose said Purdue is playing better than any team in the Big Ten right now.
"This Purdue team is the most talented Purdue team that I've seen in a number of years," Rose said. "They are very similar to us in that they've got a senior setter who is very good. Forty percent of the offense is in the hands of their freshmen, much like what we're doing."
Penn State freshmen Nicole Fawcett and Christa Harmotto lead the team in kills per game.
Purdue's prominent rookies, outside hitter Danita Merlau and middle hitter Stephanie Lynch, lead the Boilermakers in kills and blocking, respectively.
"Both teams we're playing this weekend have beaten us in the past -- both here and at their places," Rose said. "Both programs are strong. Their players have the ability to play hard."
And there's little doubt that Rose will make his team work hard -- one day at a time.
The Penn State women's volleyball team begins its Big Ten conference schedule tonight when they take on Illinois at Rec Hall.
