Illinois’ 19-point defeat in West Lafayette last season was something of a watershed moment. Any inkling that this team was going to turn things around and finish 2017 strong faded that afternoon, and the Illini proceeded to limp across the finish line as they dropped the last few games of the season.
The 2018 Battle for the Purdue Cannon will take place in Champaign this season, and the Oct. 13 matchup has been designated as Illinois’ Homecoming game.
Last season, first-year head coach Jeff Brohm and the Boilermakers rode a bevy of seniors to a 7-6 season and a dramatic bowl victory over Arizona.