Patrick Rodgers will take a two-shot lead into the final round of the John Deere Classic after shooting a solid three-under 68.

The 25-year-old is looking to land the first PGA Tour title of his career and put himself in a strong position to achieve that goal after seizing control of proceedings in Illinois with a second-round 64.

The American was able to build on that success, albeit with less fireworks, on Saturday, mixing five birdies with two bogeys as he signed for a three-under 67 to move on to 16-under for the tournament.

The world No.177's nearest challengers are fellow Americans Daniel Berger and Scott Stallings after they catapulted themselves up the leaderboard with rounds of 63 and 64 respectively.

Rodgers says he cannot afford to look over his shoulder at the chasing pack, insisting all that matters is his own performance.

The former world No.1 amateur told Sky Sports: "It for sure wasn't my best stuff, but I'll definitely take it; maintaining the lead that I had at the start of the day.

"It's a nice course to have the lead because you can't really play hold-on golf out here. You have got to stay aggressive and I knew that 13 under wouldn't be very good at the end of the weekend and 16 under is not going to win tomorrow.

"So I have got to keep the gas pedal down all day tomorrow."

Nicholas Lindheim kept himself in contention with an eagle at the 17th as he finished the day in fourth following a 66, while Bryson DeChambeau (70), JJ Henry (68) and Jamie Lovemark (66) are a shot further back.