September 25, 2012 at 1:33 PM

The start of the Big Ten season is approaching quickly, and Bill O'Brien addressed the media at his weekly press conference. He spoke about Illinois coaches recruiting Penn State players in the summer among other topics.

Illinois 'recruiting'

-O'Brien said his team is trying to stay focused on Saturday's game, not what transpired in July.

"We started off yesterday and had a really good team meeting. I believe, as we sit here today, we have their attention on a good Illinois team and a tough game in Champaign."

-The first-year coach was asked about the issue later in the press conference.

"It takes a lot to bother me, I would tell you our players, myself and my staff is focused on the task at hand."

-But he didn't go in depth about. "That's something I'm going to keep to myself," O'Brien said about his thoughts on Illinois sending coaches to State College.

Running backs

-O'Brien said sophomore Bill Belton practiced yesterday and looked "decent." He added he expects Belton to be ready to go this Saturday.

"Billy is a good change of pace back, we're glad to have him back."

-O'Brien added Michael Zordich, Curtis Dukes, Belton and Derek Day all look "fairly healthy" and said they could all play this weekend.

-Zordich didn’t practice yesterday, but O'Brien expected him back on the field today. And he added he would probably use a two or three running back rotation this weekend.

"It's tough to use all five, but I definitely see us using two or three and it depends on how they practice during the week."

Injury update

-In addition to the running backs being healthy, O'Brien said defensive end Sean Stanley is "probable" and said defensive end Pete Massaro probably won't be available on Saturday.