First Look: Illinois
Here’s an early look at Purdue’s fifth opponent of the 2023 season, the Illinois Fighting Illini.
Time: Saturday, September 30, 3:30 p.m. E.T.
Location: Ross-Ade Stadium
Surface: Bermuda Grass
Capacity: 61,441
2023 schedules/records: Purdue 1-3 (0-1 Big Ten); Illinois 2-2 (0-1 Big Ten)
Series notes: The Boilermakers and Fighting Illini will meet in the Battle for the Purdue Cannon on Saturday, as the long-time rivals meet for the 99th time. Purdue leads the series 47-45-6 on the heels of a dominant stretch in the series. Since 2003, Purdue took the Cannon in 14 of the 18 games, including six of the last seven years. In fact, the recent run by Purdue flipped the all-time series record in Purdue’s favor. The rivalry gets a new twist this year as Ryan Walters and Bret Bielema face off after coaching together in 2021 and 2022.
TV: Peacock (subscription required)
Early line: Purdue -2, O/U 51
STORYLINES TO WATCH
Teacher meets student
Ryan Walters became a rising star in the coaching profession as the defensive coordinator at Illinois, where he was named a finalist for the Broyles Award in 2022 while leading the Illini to an eight-win season. Now, he leads the Purdue program and will face off with his former boss, Bret Bielema, on Saturday afternoon. The two engaged in banter on Twitter over the summer, helping spark “talking season” conversation about the rivalry.
Purdue’s last four coaches all saw success against the Illini. Joe Tiller (6-2), Danny Hope (3-1), Darrell Hazell (2-2) and Jeff Brohm (5-1) helped create Purdue’s winning run in the rivalry lately. Now, it’s Ryan Walters’ turn to try to keep the Cannon in West Lafayette.
Must-win?
No doubt, Purdue hoped for a better start to the season than the 1-3 record they currently hold. Though the Boilermakers’ backs sit up against the wall, the Big Ten West appears to provide chances for Purdue to win games over the final two-thirds of the season. That starts on Saturday, which on paper looks like a “must-win” spot for Purdue to hold out hopes for bowl eligibility.
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The newly-renovated Ross-Ade Stadium still awaits its first Purdue victory, as the Boilermakers dropped their first three games at home. Strong crowds filled the stadium for the first three games and with another near-capacity crowd expected for homecoming, Purdue would like nothing more than to send the crowd home happy.
Tiller Tunnel
Purdue will dedicate the Tiller Tunnel on Saturday as a number of key figures from 1997-2008 will return to Ross-Ade Stadium to remember Joe Tiller. Two of the headliners? Arnette Tiller and Drew Brees (though it isn’t confirmed that Brees can make it). With a large number of alumni in attendance, Purdue fans will get good flashbacks to one of the most successful runs in program history which included the trip to the Rose Bowl.
Pro Football Focus on the Fighting Illini
- Although he’s thrown just four touchdowns to seven interceptions, PFF grades quarterback Luke Altmyer pretty well, including as a runner.
- Isaiah Williams enters as the top-graded Illini on offense, as the former quarterback turned receiver averages 83 yards per game.
- Illinois’ pass rush hasn’t been as effective as it would like, generating just four sacks through four games.
- The combination of Jer’Zhan Newton and Keith Randolph Jr. on the defensive line fuels the Illini defense.
