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Purdue Football: Will Boilermakers keep bowl hopes alive vs. Illinois?

By Dante Pryor

WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA - OCTOBER 12: A player raises the Purdue Boilermaker helmet paying tribute to the moon landing anniversary before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 12, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, INDIANA - OCTOBER 12: A player raises the Purdue Boilermaker helmet paying tribute to the moon landing anniversary before the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Ross-Ade Stadium on October 12, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /
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Both struggling Purdue football and Illinois are coming into this game clinging to a small hope to make a bowl, and showing life in their last two games.

Both the Illini and the Boilermakers come into this game not having the type of season they’d hoped to have.

Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm has had to deal with a rash of injuries this season. They have eight starters or contributor on the shelf for extended periods of time. That includes starting quarterback Elijah Sindelar and their diminutive dynamo Rondale Moore. That’s hurt an offense that lacks depth in its starting lineup.

The Boilermakers were already behind the proverbial eight ball with a defense that isn’t Big Ten caliber as of yet.

Illinois is coming off of the biggest win in the Lovie Smith era with a 24-23 upset of the Wisconsin Badgers. Games like that are program builders. This game, even more so than that one, could be a program builder. Both teams have opportunity in their schedule to get to bowls, but Purdue with only two wins has the tougher road.

If they want to go bowling this postseason both team need this game.

Here’s more information on the game:

Date: Saturday, Oct. 26
Time: 12 p.m. ET
Location: West Lafayette, Ind.
Venue: Ross Ade Stadium
TV: Big Ten Network
Stream: FOX Sports Go

Keys to Victory

Purdue needs to spread the ball around offensively. David Bell is its leading receiver, and the Boilermakers have five receivers with at least 10 receptions this season. Illinois isn’t very deep in their secondary and their defense has just 17 sacks, so Purdue’s offensive line should hold up against Illinois’ pass rush. Besides, at under 60 yards per game Purdue can’t run the ball in a traditional way.

Illinois has two good tailbacks in Reggie Corbin and Dre Brown, but Brandon Peters and the pass game will make all the difference for the Illini. Purdue doesn’t defend the pass very well and has only six interceptions and 15 sacks this year. Purdue could be in trouble if Illinois finds balance offensively.

Odds

Courtesy of The Action Network

Line: Purdue -9.5
Over/Under: 60.5

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Predictions

All logical signs point to Illinois in this one. They have the more balanced offense, and their defense has been a bit better. Moreover Purdue’s offensive line isn’t very good, and could have trouble upfront against the Illini. However, this is a home game for Purdue, and they are playing with a lot of moxy despite being undermanned. Take the over, but Illinois covers in this one, and wins out right. They play like they need this one a bit more than Purdue.

Final Score: Illinois 38, Purdue 35

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