Illinois Football: What the Illini should expect from Purdue
Bret Bielema and the Illinois football team are going up against a unique Purdue ball club on Saturday.
The Boilermakers have traditionally had the number of the Illini. They have won seven out of the last 10 matchups including a close 31-24 victory over the Orange and Blue last season.
But it’s a new day and Illinois is looking to get another Big Ten win on the board. The Illini will need to be on their toes, though.
Here is what the Illinois football team should expect from the Purdue Boilermakers.
Offense
Purdue is 2-1 this season with their only loss coming to a top 20 Notre Dame program. A reason for their success?
Quarterback Jack Plummer.
Plummer has been efficient with the football this season, which does not bode well for Illinois. He has 745 yards and seven touchdowns in 2021. Those aren’t nearly the most impressive numbers, though. Plummer has failed to throw an interception in his 97 pass attempts, and he has a silly 72.2% completion percentage on the year.
Illinois’ potential saving grace? Purdue’s leading wide receiver is still questionable with a concussion as I type this on Saturday morning. While we all hope David Bell recovers and gets healthy because no one wants to see an injury, it will help Illinois if he sits this one out.
Purdue is more than just Bell, though. They have a stable of wide receivers who have helped the Boilermakers to the No. 14 passing game in the country.
Also, don’t be fooled by the low rushing numbers of Purdue. They don’t run the ball. The Boilermakers only attempt to run the ball 33.3 times per game, which ranks No. 89 in the country. Purdue snagged Jeff Brohm from Western Kentucky, and that is how he is building his program in West Lafayette.
Defense
The defense for Purdue is fairly healthy entering the Illinois game. The biggest worry for the Illini should be bruising defensive end, George Karlaftis.
Karlaftis is a future NFL Draft pick and has been playing like it this season. He has been the main focus for opposing teams, but Karlaftis has still managed 7 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 2 pass deflections, and 1 forced fumble through just three games. Illinois’ struggling offensive line is going to have a hard time blocking Purdue’s front four.
Purdue hasn’t had a good defense in quite some time, but I am actually impressed with what Brohm has done. He has the Boilermakers ranked inside the top 50 in both pass and rush defense this season. Illinois has already had a hard time putting points on the board, so going up against a well-round Purdue defense doesn’t sound fun.
Next. Prediction for week four vs. Purdue. dark
Overall
Illinois has to worry about ball control in this game. Purdue likes to move the ball through the air, so having them off the field as much as possible is what needs to happen.
This game is going to be about rhythm. If the Illini can control the ball, Purdue won’t be able to get in a rhythm offensively. This will enable more stalled drives by the Boilermakers. If this happens, Illinois can stay in the game.
How do we knock Purdue off their rhythm? Illinois needs to be dedicated to the run game. We have a stable of running backs who can do damage. Let’s use them and win this game.