Another tough game is ahead for Walters and Co.
Illinois Fighting Illini: 4-1 (1-1)
Series Record: 48-46-6
Last Purdue Win: September 30th, 2023, 44-19
Last Illinois Win: October 26th, 2109, 6-24
Illinois Head Coach: Bret Bielema
Betting Line: Illinois -19.5
Offensive Player to Watch:
The improvement by Luke Altmyer from 2023 to 2024 is night and day, the quarterback nearly had a 1:1 Touchdown to interception ratio during the 2023 season, and as it stands now, Luke is completing 70% of his passes and has 11 touchdowns to just one interception.
While Illinois does not love to run him, he has the ability to run if needed, he was just under 300 yards last season in rushing. His primary target is #13 Pat Bryant who has been electric this season, tallying over 300 yards receiving and having six touchdown catches.
Kaden Feagin leads the rushing attack, averaging just under 5 yards per carry this season, as he has now become the bellcow of the backfield.
Defensive Player to Watch:
Junior linebacker, Dylan Rosiek is the heart and soul of the defense, ensuring that players are in the right position and being the most impactful linebacker on the team, through 5 games, he is just under 30 tackles but also has a sack and two forced fumbles on this young season.
Gabe Jacas is the primary edge rusher for the Illini, leading the team with three sacks on the season and currently has 11 total sacks for his career. He is also impactful in stopping the run, having just under 30 tackles on the season as well.
The Illinois Junior class is a good one on the defensive side of the ball, as the aforementioned two players are both Juniors, as well as their standout corner, Xavier Scott, who leads the team with three interceptions.
The team has forced seven interceptions on the season which does not bode well for the turnover-happy Boilermaker offense.
Way Too Early Prediction:
Purdue will lose the Cannon for the first time since 2019.
Illinois 38 Purdue 13