After emotional win, Illinois must guard against Purdue letdown

This past Saturday, the Fighting Illini played their best game of the season, topping No. 21 USC 34-32 in Champaign on a last-second 41-yard field goal by David Olano. A completely different game and feeling than the week before, after the 63-10 drubbing by Indiana, and even the road victory over Duke.

Luke Altmyer had his second-best passing day of the career, going 20-of-26 for 328 yards and 2 TDs. However, that wasn’t all; he also added 28 yards rushing with a touchdown and caught one pass for 3 yards and another touchdown. It made him the first player in Illinois history to throw for 300+ yards and have a passing, rushing, and receiving TD in the same game. He is also one of only two QBs this season in FBS to have 125 pass attempts with 10 or more TDs and zero interceptions. The other is Alabama QB Ty Simpson. The offensive line did its job as Altmyer was hardly touched. Kaden Feagin and Ca’Lil Valentine were able to gain positive yards from scrimmage. This is what fans and even the coaches have been waiting for.

Defensively, they came up with two takeaways: a forced fumble by Leon Lowery and an interception by Dylan Rosiek. USC was able to run the ball with Waymond Jordan, 94 yards on 20 carries, with two TDs. The beat-up Illini secondary was exposed with USC’s star wide receiver Makai Lemon catching 11 passes for 151 yards and two scores of his own. QB Jayden Maiava was 30-of-43 for 364 yards and 2 TDs.

In the end, David Olano, with ice water in his veins, drilled a 41-yard field goal straight down the middle as time ran out. Coach Bielema said after the Indiana game (paraphrasing), “How we respond will define this team.” Responding is what they did against USC. It seemed like no matter what USC threw at the Illini, they were able to stand tall and answer back, including losing the lead with 1:55 seconds to go. There was no panic, no chaos, just calm, measured confidence as they worked downfield. (Aided by a USC pass-interference penalty) to give Olano his chance.

Up next are the Purdue Boilermakers

Seemingly, the Illini get a break this week with the Purdue Boilermakers, who are 2-2 overall and 0-1 in conference, under new coach Barry Odom. They have brought in 11 starters, including transfers (five on offense and six on defense). Overall, they brought in 50 new players. They do average 385 yards of total offense per game, with QB Ryan Browne one of the few returning players. He’s 77-of-122 for 1,036 yards, 6 TDs, but he has thrown five picks so far this season. Also returning in RB Devin Mockobee, who has 246 yards rushing on 70 carries with 3 TDs. Their go-to receiver is Michael Jackson III, who has 18 catches, 211 yards, but only one touchdown. The leading receiver in TDs in Nitro Tuggle is 10 catches, 189 yards, and three scores. Ahmad Branch is another receiver to keep an eye on. He averages 20 yards per catch.

Defensively, the Boilermakers, like the Illini, have struggled over the last two games (Purdue is coming off a bye week). Overall, the two teams have similar numbers: Purdue, 26 TFLs, 10 sacks, 0 INT, and eight passes defended. Illinois has 31 TFLs, two INTs, and 9 passes defended. According to the ratings, Purdue ranks 117th in passing defense. 124th in rushing defense, 120th in total defense. On the other side of the ball, they are facing an Illini offense that is 78th in passing Offense, 79th in Rushing Offense, and 92nd in Total Offense, and has put up 30+ points in four of the five games they have played.

So most people look at these numbers and think this game is “in the bag”. It is that kind of attitude that Bret Bielema and the Illini coaches must guard against. At the end of the day, Purdue can be just as dangerous as any team the Illini have or will face. The Illini must come out strong and hard on offense. The defense, likewise, must limit Purdue’s ability for big passing plays and control the line of scrimmage.

Illinois is a 9.5-point favorite, and I think that is about right. Plus, the Cannon Trophy is up for grabs and having a two-game win streak before facing Ohio State would be a big confidence boost

Thanks for reading and GO ILLINI!