We are just over 24 hours away from what some, not me, but some, might call a winnable game againt Illinois on the road. Let’s get into the staff predictions.
Ledman (4-0):
This is going to be a battle of two of the worst defenses in the conference. Both of the pass defenses are abysmal. Which team will be able to take advantage of that? Ryan Browne and Purdue have done a great job throwing the ball around so far this season so that gives me some optimism. On the Illinois side they’ve basically got one WR that does damage so will Purdue be able to slow him down? Then, if Purdue does slow him down can they also stop the run at the same time? I’m very skeptical. I think this is going to turn into an offensive slugfest.
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Purdue 35
Illinois 42
Travis (4-0):
My hope is that Notre Dame is really that good. We now get to face a team that has a defense that is as bad as our own, and we have the better offense. in 2013 Illinois broke a 20 game Big Ten losing streak with a 20-16 win at Purdue that might be the worst football game I ever attended. Purdue’s current Big Ten losing streak is at 19 games. The Boilers have looked competitive, at least, against Wake Forest (fronge top 25 team) and UCLA (top 25 team). I think the streak ends and we get a trophy, too. Purdue 45, Illinois 42
Ryan (4-0):
This could look like an old school Big 12 matchup where defenses are just turnstiles. If Purdue has to focus on one person in the passing game, it has to be Collin Dixon who has 7 receiving touchdowns in 4 games for the Illini. Ultimately, the Purdue offense has shot itself in the foot this season and I think Illinois retains the cannon.
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Purdue 34
Illinois 41 (OT)
Kyle (2-2):
Purdue gets a chance to bounce back against Illinois in what should be a much more competitive matchup than last week’s Notre Dame game. The Boilermakers have enough offensive firepower to keep this one close, but Illinois’ home-field advantage and Purdue’s defensive struggles make it tough to pick the Boilers.
Prediction: Illinois 38, Purdue 31.
Jed (3-1):
This could potentially look like two teams throwing the ball all over the field 100 times combined and whoever has the ball last winning.
Both of these programs have bad defenses but especially poor against the pass. Illinois ranks near the 100 point in that regard but Purdue literally ranks as one of the three worst defenses in the country. It’s gotten so bad that last week we had the families of defensive players getting into altercations with other Purdue player’ families in the stands (in fact, one defensive starter had his father thrown out of the game at one point). Needless to say, it’s been ugly on the field and it’s getting that way in the stands as well.
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This team desperately needs a win and outside of Maryland, this is the best opportunity to get one. It’s a sad state of affairs but Purdue has got to figure out a way to end the nation’s longest losing streak for a Power 4 team to not beat major conference opponent.
Unfortunately, I just can’t put anything faith into a program that hasn’t shown the ability to win. I especially can’t do that for a head coach who allows his defensive coordinator, who shouldn’t have been hired in the first place, to come out and state the defense is getting better when it clearly is not.
The Illini will likely run for a good chunk of yardage as Purdue will likely focus on figuring out how not to leave receivers wide open in the middle of the field. That won’t matter and although the offense has a good day, it won’t be enough.
Purdue: 24
Illini: 31
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Casey (3-1):
Those on the road must be weary. Particularly in that place. Purdues offense will be game but one costly turnover and a constant, churning defense will keep Purdue struggling as it tries to find some salvation during the season.
42-34 Illinois
Drew (2-2):
This is a another game where Purdue should be competitive. We’ve learned that the offense needs to put in every potential point on board, which means they have to score touchdowns inside the 10. The defense is clearly not good enough to win kicking short field goals.
Purdue hasn’t shown a single winning instinct this season. Whenever ask the football Gods for one play, I’ve been forsaken and yet, I refuse to supplicate myself to this losing streak. It happens Saturday.
Purdue: 37
Illinois: 34
