Raul Rodriguez
On paper, Purdue appears to be the better team. They are ranked 48th in S&P mostly due to their offense which is ranked 23rd in S&P. The Illini, on the other hand, are 100th in S&P and 103rd in Defensive S&P. As such, the Illini’s Defense versus Purdue’s Offense looks like a mismatch. Illinois’ Offense (77th S&P) versus Purdue’s Defense (81st S&P) looks like closer matchup, but in the aggregate, Purdue looks better. HOWEVER, Illinois is breaking out the grey uniforms for homecoming so throw the stats out the window. Expect a shootout as both offenses move the ball at will before the Illini outlast Purdue in triple overtime.