PREMIUM
Stephen Nover's Big Ten Game of the Year - 47-23-1!
(NCAAF) Illinois vs. Purdue,
Point Spread: -9.50 | -106.00 Purdue (Home)
Result: Loss
Point Spread: -9.50 | -106.00 Purdue (Home)
Result: Loss
Congrats to Illinois on pulling off the season's biggest upset with its 24-23 home victory against sixth-ranked Wisconsin last Saturday. The Illini were 28 1/2-point underdogs.
It was the first time Illinois had defeated a ranked team in eight years.Â
I'm not a fan of Illinois coach Lovie Smith, though, and I don't see the Illini being ready to go on the road to take on a frustrated Purdue team that has dominated them recently. This is the mother of all letdown spots for Illinois.Â
Purdue has lost its quarterback, Elijah Sindelar, and star wide receiver Rondale Moore to injuries. However, backup QB Jack Plummer is showing steady improvement, the Boilermakers still have good receiving depth - including an excellent pass-catching tight end in Brycen Hopkins - and an edge in coaching with Jeff Brohm.Â
Illinois could be missing its leading pass receiver, Ricky Smalling, and defensive end Oluwole Betiku, who ranks among the nation leaders in sacks. Both were injured against Wisconsin.Â
The Boilermakers have beaten the Illini each of the last three years, including 46-7 on the road last season and 29-10 two years ago.Â
It was the first time Illinois had defeated a ranked team in eight years.Â
I'm not a fan of Illinois coach Lovie Smith, though, and I don't see the Illini being ready to go on the road to take on a frustrated Purdue team that has dominated them recently. This is the mother of all letdown spots for Illinois.Â
Purdue has lost its quarterback, Elijah Sindelar, and star wide receiver Rondale Moore to injuries. However, backup QB Jack Plummer is showing steady improvement, the Boilermakers still have good receiving depth - including an excellent pass-catching tight end in Brycen Hopkins - and an edge in coaching with Jeff Brohm.Â
Illinois could be missing its leading pass receiver, Ricky Smalling, and defensive end Oluwole Betiku, who ranks among the nation leaders in sacks. Both were injured against Wisconsin.Â
The Boilermakers have beaten the Illini each of the last three years, including 46-7 on the road last season and 29-10 two years ago.Â