The series with Illinois has been an interesting one in recent years. It seems like home field has not meant a single thing. Purdue has won four in a row in Champaign. The Illini have won three of the last four in West Lafayette, only losing in 2017. It is an odd series and one of the few where the all-time leader can switch very soon. Purdue has not had a lead in the series since 1902, but it was tied entering last season before Illinois won.
Despite Purdue’s 4-8 record last year there were several close calls.