Nobody expected the Purdue Boilermakers to ever have a lead over the Illinois Fighting Illini, but after the first quarter of the two teams' Big Ten matchup, they had just that.
After the first 15 minutes, Purdue led 7-0, and the Illinois offense looked as sluggish as it had all season. However, a second quarter that went 27-7 in the Fighting Illini's favor had fans and coaches backing away from the panic button.
At halftime, Illinois head coach Bret Bielema was extremely optimistic about his team's performance, despite the very slow start and inconsistent defense.
"I think these guys like to play the game," Bielema said. "We knew we could give a chance to Luke [Altmyer] there at the end of the half, we thought we had a minute, minute and a half, but obviously gave up a freebie that was poor execution on our defense, so offense responded."
"I think these guys like to play the game." @IlliniFootball's Bret Bielema liked what he saw from his offense in the first half against Purdue. pic.twitter.com/Xeq5F4PObE
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 4, 2025
Altmyer, the veteran quarterback for the Illini, has been a constant for the team this year, still yet to turn the ball over throughout the first 22 quarters of the season.
Even though the Illinois defense gave up 238 total yards to the Purdue offense in the first half, the Fighting Illini had a substantial 27-14 lead as the teams headed to their locker rooms at halftime. That was due in large part to Altmyer, as well as his supporting cast.
Altmyer completed 14 of 15 passes (93.3 percent) for a resounding 306 yards and one touchdown. Also in the backfield, running backs Ca'Lil Valentine and Kaden Feagin combined for 69 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
Yes, the defense absolutely needed to step up more in the first half, but the responses that the Illinois offense was able to produce to cover for their teammates were perfectly executed.
When Purdue scored its touchdown at the end of the first quarter, Illinois responded with 24 unanswered points before the Boilermakers were able to find the end zone again. Then, following Purdue's second touchdown, Illini kicker David Olano was able to kick through another field goal from distance.