Game-by-game prediction for the Illinois football 2024 season
Game 6: Illinois Football vs. Purdue Boilermakers (Win – 17-13)
After a pretty brutal first five-game stretch to start the 2024 season, the Illinois football team gets some relief. Purdue is a much-needed matchup in game six.
Pros
Kaden Feagin had one of his best games of the season last year against Purdue. He went for 85 yards and averaged 7.7 yards per carry. He is now a starter, so he should be able to eclipse the 100-yard mark this time around.
Illinois was able to throw the ball against Purdue as well. Luke Altmyer had 202 yards and a touchdown through the air. I think that will improve now that he has a year of playing against a Ryan Walters Purdue squad.
The Illini made Hudson Card look like an All-American last season. We have upgraded the secondary, so I don’t think that will happen again.
Cons
Purdue for some reason has Illinois’ number. They have won four in a row and seven out of the past eight in the matchup.
The Boilermakers are one of the few teams in the Big Ten to return their leading quarterback from the year prior. On top of that, Purdue had a top-30 transfer portal recruiting class, which featured some solid defensive backs.
Final
I think this could be a pretty close game. Purdue isn’t a bad team, but they are on the road against an Illini squad that is looking to get revenge.
Purdue has a decent offense and a good defense. Don’t be surprised if two quarterbacks throw a couple of picks, and whoever makes the least back-breaking mistake wins the game.