Illinois is coming off a tough 41-19 loss to Ohio State, its second loss of the season, and, to make matters worse, lost defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck, who chose to part ways with the program. While some may not see it as a big loss given how bad the defense has looked, it is never easy to lose a coach during the season, especially this early.
Luckily, Illinois has Purdue up this week, a team that is 1-3 coming off a walloping from Notre Dame last week. The Boilermakers have a worse defense than the Illini, which is exactly what Bret Bielema and his squad want to get back in the win column.
The Illinois offense should be getting healthier this week, especially with the possible debut of FAU transfer Jayshon Platt, who went down with an injury late in fall camp. The speedster wide receiver can add an entirely new layer to this already great offense and help Illinois get a much-needed win against Purdue.
The Illinois defense is certainly down after allowing 217 yards and four touchdowns to star Ohio State WR Jeremiah Smith, but a game against Purdue is exactly what the doctor ordered. The Boilermakers aren't complete pushovers offensively, but with the talent this Illinois defense has, they should be able to get their mojo back after struggling in the first four games of the season.
Hopefully, this is the week Illinois gets back up and dusts itself off against a struggling Purdue team and finds its first win in conference play.
How to watch Purdue vs. Illinois in Week 5
- Date: Saturday, October 3
- Time: 3:15 p.m. CT
- Venue: Gies Memorial Stadium
- How to watch (TV): Big Ten Network
- Streaming: fuboTV
- Radio: Bussey Bank Illini Sports Network
- Illinois record: 2-2
- Purdue record: 1-3
Announcers for Purdue vs. Illinois
- Play-by-play: Chris Vosters
- Analyst: Anthony Herron
- Sideline reporter: Dannie Rogers
- Play-by-play (radio): Brian Barnhart
- Analyst (radio): Carey Davis
- Reporter (radio): Kevin Mitchell
Purdue vs. Illinois odds, spread, and total
Odds provided by FanDuel Sportsbook
Spread
- Purdue: +10.5 (-120)
- Illinois: -10.5 (-102)
Moneyline
- Purdue: +285
- Illinois: -365
Total
- O/U: 61.5 (-108/-112)
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 injury report
- LB Daniel Brown: Probable
- OL Brandon Henderson: Questionable
- OL Maika Matelau: Questionable:
- WR Jayshon Platt: Questionable
- WR Jacob Eberhart: Questionable
- RB John Forster: Questionable
- OL Champ Smith: Doubtful
- OL TJ McMillen: Out for season
Purdue injury report
- N/A
Weather forecast in Champaign
Illinois should have sunny skies for game time in Champaign, with a high of 72 degrees and a low of 46 degrees. With a 3:15 p.m. kickoff, those cooler temperatures could be felt later in the game. Weather should not affect the game.
Illinois and Purdue series history
- All-time meetings: 101
- Illinois all-time record vs. Purdue: 47-48-6
- Last meeting: 10/4/2025 Illinois W
- Last Purdue win: 9/30/2023 44-19
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