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Illinois Football: 5 key players for the Illini to beat Purdue

By Rees Woodcock

Illinois defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) tackles Wisconsin running back Chez Mellusi (1) on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-WisconsinUsat Wisconsin Vs Illinois Football 100122 1011 Ttm
Illinois defensive lineman Keith Randolph Jr. (88) tackles Wisconsin running back Chez Mellusi (1) on Saturday, October 1, 2022, at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wis. Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-WisconsinUsat Wisconsin Vs Illinois Football 100122 1011 Ttm /
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Sep 16, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Mehdi Flowers (right) runs the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Miles Scott (10) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2023; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions running back Mehdi Flowers (right) runs the ball against Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Miles Scott (10) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Miles Scott

Over the years, Illinois has had a lot of players switch positions. Besides maybe Isaiah Williams, I don’t think I have seen a player make an easier position switch than Miles Scott.

After coming into the Illinois program as a wide receiver, Scott is now a starting safety. He has had a great start to 2023 as well. Scott had an interception in his first game against Toledo. He also has 26 tackles, three pass deflections, and a touchdown on the season.

Scott is going to get his chance to have another big game on Saturday against Purdue. The Boilermakers can turn the ball over this season, and quarterback Hudson Card loves throwing over the middle.

I mentioned earlier how important Tarique Barnes is going to be because Card likes to throw short and over the middle. He is also a big fan of throwing over the middle 10 or more yards deep.

Card throws 17.6% of his passes over the middle between 10 and 20 yards. He also likes to go over the middle 20+ yards, as he throws those passes 4.1% of the time. So, over 21% of the time, Card is going over the middle at least 10 yards deep.

The thing that stands out to me about these passes is the fact two out of the three interceptions Card has thrown this season were at least 10 yards deep and over the middle. In addition to that, anywhere on the field from 20+ yards, Card is just 3-of-18 this season. An inaccurate quarterback trying to throw the deep ball is something Scott should drool over.

Scott is going to play a huge role in the result of the game this week. Illinois is going to need him to ball-hawk all game long. I think we can force a couple of turnovers out of Card.

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