Purdue vs Illinois Prediction, Game Preview, and Betting Lines

It’s been a rough ride so far for Purdue.

Teams quickly figured out that the running game works on the Boilermakers, and the floodgates opened with four straight losses that were all no-doubters. And after this against Illinois? Oregon.

The Illini battled Penn State close until late in a 21-7 loss, and they need this before dealing with Michigan and a trip to Oregon.

Purdue vs Illinois Preview

Purdue vs Illinois How to Watch
Date: Saturday, October 12, 2024
Game Time: 3:30 pm ET
Venue: Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL
How to Watch: FS1
Illinois (4-1), Purdue (1-4)

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Why Purdue Will Win

Illinois doesn’t have a high-powered offense that should crank big enough numbers to run away with this.

The O is good, and it doesn’t make mistakes, but it has yet to put up more than 31 points against any FBS team.

As bad as Purdue has been, it at least stayed around with Nebraska and Oregon State and should be able to hang around a bit.

The Boilermaker D can’t handle rushing teams, and that’s not Illinois. It has yet to get to 170 yards on the ground against any FBS team, and …

Why Illinois Will Win

Yeah, here’s where Bret Bielema channels his old Wisconsin days and pounds, pounds, and pounds.

Purdue allows 5.5 yards per carry and got hit for 16 touchdown runs over the last four games. Notre Dame blasted away for 362 yards, Oregon State ran for 351, and Nebraska and Wisconsin each controlled the games up front.

Illinois hasn’t been great so far on the ground, but as long as it hammers away close to 40 times, and takes the pressure off Luke Altmyer and the midrange passing game, all should be fine.

Purdue vs Illinois: Who Will Win

Illinois isn’t explosive, and it doesn’t do much of anything flashy, but it doesn’t turn the ball over enough to matter and it should be steady enough to grind out an easier win than it might seem after a first half fight.

Purdue will rise up enough to keep this close, but it won’t move the ball well enough to push through.

Purdue vs Illinois Prediction, Betting Lines

Illinois 37, Purdue 16
Line: Illinois -19.5, o/u: 49.5
ATS Confidence out of 5: 3
Purdue vs Illinois Must See Rating: 2

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