Purdue football: 3 takeaways from tight win over Illinois in Week 9

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Oct 31, 2020; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Aidan O’Connell (16) passes against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The quarterback play was impressive

Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm had a great problem; he had to decide between two quarterbacks who proved they were capable of starting in Brohm’s offense. Both Aidan O’Connell and Jack Plummer are more than capable of playing winning football for Purdue.

It was O’Connell who got the starting nod, and he played well today against Illinois. What Brohm and the offensive staff love about O’Connell is his accuracy. Not only that, O’Connell takes care of the football. He knows the offense and gets the ball to where it needs to be.

For Illinois, sophomore Coran Taylor got the start for the Illini. Despite the four turnovers, Illinois moved the football well in this game. Brandon Peters struggled against Minnesota and was marginal at best last season. Taylor is the better athlete and passer in the offense. With Isaiah Williams not available for the Illini, Taylor took full advantage of his first opportunity.

This will probably not spark controversy for Illinois. If you remember Lovie Smith from his days coaching the Bears, he is loyal to his starting quarterbacks. However, it should give pause and thought to the offense. Illinois flashed offensively today, and they need to put the ball in the end zone to win games.

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