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Illinois Football: How the Big Ten will shake out for the Illini

By Rees Woodcock

MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 21: The Big Ten logo on a yardage marker at the game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI - OCTOBER 21: The Big Ten logo on a yardage marker at the game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on October 21, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by G Fiume/Maryland Terrapins/Getty Images) /
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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – NOVEMBER 04: David Blough #11 of the Purdue Boilermakers is seen during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium on November 4, 2017 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – NOVEMBER 04: David Blough #11 of the Purdue Boilermakers is seen during the game against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Ross-Ade Stadium on November 4, 2017 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

5. Purdue Boilermakers 5-7

The biggest surprise in college football was the Purdue Boilermakers in 2017. They stunned the world as they won their final two games of the season to become bowl eligible. Finishing 6-6 and then winning their bowl game was a great accomplishment for the program.

Purdue returns a lot of talent from 2017 as well. Both of their quarterbacks – Elijah Sindelar and David Blough – return for another season. They were great last year. The Boilermakers also bring back their two leading rushers as well. Despite most of the talent returning, I believe Purdue will take a little step back in 2018.

The season should start off pretty well for Purdue. They will drop the first game against Northwestern but then will rattle off four straight wins against Eastern Michigan, Missouri, Boston College and Nebraska. This will be a great stretch to get confidence rising.

Purdue’s first stumble will be against Illinois, though. They will possibly overlook the Illini and fall short of a victory. They will then lose to Ohio State, Michigan State and Iowa in the following three games. This was a rough stretch for the Boilermakers.

Minnesota will be Purdue’s next win. They are a bad team and Purdue needed a win. But, the Boilermakers will then finish the season falling to both Wisconsin and Indiana to bring the record to 5-7 on the year and one win shy of a bowl berth.

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