Illinois vs. Purdue Football Pick with Analysis
10/22/11
Illinois (6-1) visits Purdue (3-3) in this big 10 match up. Illinois comes off a disappointing loss to the Ohio State Buckeyes. Purdue has had a less than stellar year and it continued last week with a loss at Penn State. This Game will basically come down to a big talent differeNCe in favor of the Illinois fighting Illini .
Illinois has played well this year even with rumors of Coach Ron Zook being on the hot seat. Illinois with a win this week would become bowl eligible. Illinois also has a key match up with Michigan and Wisconsin at home so they still have everything to play for. With some upsets down the stretch this team could very well play its way into a BCS bowl bid.
Purdue is definitely having a rebuilding year. Purdue’s win iNCohereNCe play this year came against a depleted Minnesota team. Purdue was competitive with a Penn State team last week, but I feel this is only because Penn State lacks play makers on the offensive side of the ball. Illinois brings a lot more offensive fire power and will be a big test for this Purdue defense.
Purdue in all likelihood will close the season with 3 wins. The only winnable Game down the stretch is against Indiana, but that Game is on the road also. The younger players will take their licks especially this week. Illinois will be upset because they hope for a better performance against Ohio State. Illinois won this Game last year at home 44-10. It won’t get that ugly this year but Illinois will cover the 4 point spread as they win 38-10.