Illinois went through some big changes this week with defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck stepping down. It doesn't seem to be affecting the team negatively, though, with head coach Bret Bielema saying he has actually seen the players become more confident as the week has gone on with the direction the team is heading.
There really is no telling how the Illinois defense will look this week. After being ranked No. 110 in college football through the first four weeks, there is hope that with Hauck stepping down, Bielema can get this defense back to its dominant ways, especially with the talent it has.
Offensively, the Illini should finally be getting healthy with Brendan Henderson and Maika Matelau coming back at the guard position, and Jayshon Platt is officially questionable to play. This could help an Illinois offense that has been pretty solid this season and could take advantage of a Purdue defense that is one of the worst in the conference.
Luckily, the oddsmakers believe Illinois shouldn't have too much trouble with the Boilersmakers and hopefully that is true because the Illini could use a win after a tough loss to Ohio State in Week 4.
Final odds for Illinois vs. Purdue in Week 5
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- Purdue: +10.5 (-120)
- Illinois: -10.5 (-102)
Moneyline
- Purdue: +315
- Illinois: -410
Total
- O/U: 62.5 (-106/-114)
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem and wants help, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Illinois' defense will come out looking refreshed and relaxed against Purdue
It seems like maybe a major change like losing a defensive coordinator should shake up a team, but I believe it will actually help Illinois in this case. Hauck clearly wasn't cut out for the job, and that became evident when there were only nine players on the field during a goal-line play on Ohio State's final touchdown last week.
Starting fresh this week against Purdue might be what the Illini really need, and I predict they will come out looking like a completely new defense. Now, it doesn't mean that they will necessarily come out and totally dominate, especially facing a Purdue offense that isn't a pushover, but it will hopefully look marginally better than the first four weeks.
Bielema will hopefully have his guys hyped up and ready to go this week, especially with it still being so early in the season. Illinois can still walk away with a fairly successful season, only being 2-2 right now. Yes, the Illini still have Oregon on the schedule, as well as Iowa and UCLA, all three teams ranked as of right now, but upsets happen all the time.
The first step is a good game against Purdue and building on momentum from there. I believe it will be close, but the Illinois defense will get a key stop, helping prove that they are turning the corner this season.
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