Purdue's 0-3 start seems like ancient history. Now, the Boilermakers have won two in a row as they head to Illinois (3-2 overall; 1-1 Big Ten) for a 3:30 p.m., ET kickoff on Saturday. And Purdue (2-3; 1-1) will be fresh, coming off an off week as they prepare to battle for the Cannon on Homecoming in Champaign.
This is a key game for the bowl hopes for both squads, as neither has much wiggle room. So, the sense of urgency for Purdue and Illinois is palpable.
Purdue has dominated this series of late, winning 10 of the last 13 meetings. The Boilers have won three in a row and seven of the last nine in Champaign, taking an OT decision the last time they played in Memorial Stadium in 2016.
Boiler boss Jeff Brohm has connections to Illinois, serving as quarterbacks coach for the Fighting Illini under Ron Zook from 2010-11. He helped the Illini beat Purdue in Champaign in 2010 and lost to the Boilers in West Lafayette in 2011.
The key to the Boilers' rise in recent weeks has been the offense, which has been white-hot the last three games. Purdue has scored 109 points and gained 1,502 yards in going 2-1, losing to Missouri and beating Boston College and Nebraska. The Boilers are No. 6 in the Big Ten in scoring (31.0 ppg) and No. 3 in total offense (490.0 ypg). Big plays have been abundant.
Another key has been lack of turnovers. In the first two games, Purdue had a minus-four turnover margin (1 takeaway-5 giveaways); in the last three games, the Boilers have a plus-three turnover margin (6-3). It's worth noting that Illinois leads the Big Ten with a plus-eight turnover margin, a big reason for this mini-surge in Lovie Smith's third season on the job.
The star during this Purdue run has been fifth-year senior quarterback David Blough, who has been on fire. In the last three games, Blough has hit 85-of-125 passes (68 percent) for 1,196 yards with seven touchdowns and just one interception. He also has made some nifty plays with his feet the last three games, picking up some key first downs and rushing for two touchdowns. Bottom line: Few quarterbacks in the Big Ten are playing better than Blough, who has proven doubters wrong by showing the ability to execute a vertical passing game with his underrated right arm.
Brohm needs Blough to keep it rolling vs. Illinois, which is coming off a victory at Rutgers for its first Big Ten win since 2016 to break a 13-game losing streak in conference games. The Boilermakers will be a load for the Illini to defend, as Blough has many legitimate targets headed by freshman sensation Rondale Moore, who leads the Big Ten with 41 catches to go along with 457 yards and four TDs. Moore also is No. 1 in the league in all-purpose yards (179.0 ypg).
Blough also can confidently throw to senior wideouts Isaac Zico and Terry Wright, along with sophomore Jared Sparks. And junior tight end Brycen Hopkins has emerged as a weapon with 17 catches for 308 yards (18.1 ypc) and two TDs. Plus, Purdue has good options at running back in D.J. Knox—who has a team-high 390 yards rushing with five scores—and Markell Jones.
Here is a look at the key matchup, key player and key position to watch for Purdue vs. Illinois.
Matchup to watch: Purdue wideouts vs. Illinois secondary. The Boilermaker receiving corps has developed into a strong suit. Freshman Rondale Moore has more than lived up to the hype as an eclectic playmaker. Seniors Isaac Zico and Terry Wright have taken the proverbial next step, while sophomore Jared Sparks continues to emerge. They help give Purdue one of the Big Ten's most deadly passing games and figure to have an advantage vs. a still-developing Illini secondary that has seen the team rank No. 13 in the Big Ten in pass defense (289.4 ypg). Blough could be in store for another big day.
Player to watch: David Blough. Who else can it be but the senior? Blough has been sensational the last three games and is looking to end his career with a bang. He is playing with confidence, limiting mistakes and hitting passes down field. The Boilermakers need to keep riding his hot right arm for an offense that has played with an aggressive edge.
Position to watch: Purdue linebackers. This arguably has been the most surprising aspect of the team. We knew junior Markus Bailey was a legit star, but who else would step up? Sophomores Cornel Jones and Derrick Barnes have been key players. Barnes also slides down to the Leo spot (hybrid defensive end/linebacker) at times to provide a pass rush. This unit needs to play well on Saturday vs. an Illinois attack that is No. 3 in the Big Ten in rushing (260.8 ypg). Purdue is allowing 162.4 rushing yards. Virginia Tech grad transfer AJ Bush—who began his career at Nebraska—is a weapon operating a spread-option offense installed by new OC Rod Smith that likes to work quickly. Bush has rushed for 258 yards. Running backs Reggie Corbin (464) and Mike Epstein (387) carry the load. The Boiler defense has sprung some leaks at times, but it has improved at getting off the field on third downs. It will be vital for Purdue to mute the Illini rush game and make Bush throw to win. Don't be shocked in Boiler DC Nick Holt puts a spy on Bush.