After undergoing thorough examination and observation over the past five days, Penn State quarterbacks Anthony Morelli and Daryll Clark were medically cleared to play in tomorrow's homecoming contest against Illinois.

Morelli, Penn State's starter, suffered a mild concussion on his first throw of the second half in last week's 17-10 loss to Michigan. The junior was hit by defensive tackle Alan Branch immediately upon releasing the ball, then fell to the ground, where he was tended to by medical personnel. Though Morelli wanted to return, he was relegated to the sideline for the remainder of the game.

The Nittany Lions brought Clark in to replace him, but the reserve was also knocked out of the game with the same ailment, leaving third-stringer Paul Cianciolo to run the Penn State offense.

The likely return of Morelli to his spot under center is certainly good news for the Lions, who should have an easier time throwing the ball now that their starter is physically able to play. The Fighting Illini have not faced much quality competition, but are only surrendering 174 yards per game through the air -- placing Illinois second in the Big Ten in pass defense.

"We are fortunate that Morelli is going to be OK," Joe Paterno told the Penn State Sports Network last night.

Having Morelli on the field may also open up the running game for Penn State, as Illinois will be less likely to put eight men in the box and wait for tailback Tony Hunt to come running into the teeth of the defense.

Before the announcement was made yesterday afternoon, uncertainty surrounded the quarterback situation. Morelli and Clark had been practicing since Tuesday, but had not participated in any contact activities.

"He's staying level-headed," receiver Deon Butler said Wednesday. "He's been patient, he's just doing everything the doctors and the coaches are asking him to do."

If neither Morelli nor Clark had been cleared to play, Cianciolo would have started with Kevin Suhey as his backup.

Morelli and Clark performed running tests during Monday's practice to make sure they did not get headaches from the movement. On Tuesday, according to Butler, the pair took some regular reps as well as some "mental reps." Wednesday's practice consisted of additional non-contact activities.

Though the athletic department's press release said Morelli was cleared to play, it did not explicitly say he would play.

Judging by Paterno's comments at his Tuesday press conference, though, Morelli's return to action is more than likely now that he has been given the medical go-ahead.

"If Morelli is ready to play on Saturday and I don't play him because he didn't practice on Wednesday, I don't think that is fair to my football team," Paterno said.