Illinois Football: 3 Predictions for game vs Purdue

Predictions for Saturday’s Matchup in Champaign

There is no real way to sugarcoat this, Illinois Football needs to take care of business on Saturday and win big. The 1-4 Boilermakers are bad on both sides of the ball, and the fanbase in West Lafayette has seemingly checked out, with a very tough road ahead. It is certainly a familiar feeling of disappointment that Illini fans have endured several times in previous seasons.

In addition to Purdue’s woes on the field, today’s news that QB Hudson Card is out with a concussion is crushing for the Boilers’. Redshirt Freshman Ryan Browne will fill his shoes, and play his first collegiate snaps ever in Champaign on Saturday.

Now, Illinois Football fans have certainly seen crazier things happen over the years. The Illini can’t mosey their way into a game on Saturday afternoon, vs a program and a coach that has you circled on their calendar.

Purdue Boilermakers running back Devin Mockobee (45) is tackled by a group of Illinois Fighting Illini players during the NCAA football game, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. Purdue Boilermakers won 44-19.

1. The Offensive Line Will Dominate

Bart Miller’s offensive line has had an up-and-down start to the season. The talent within this unit is high enough for Illinois to be good up front. However, the interior O-Line (RG, C, LG) has just not clicked through 5 games. The bye week  gave coach Miller a chance to evaluate, and adjust before taking on a really bad Purdue D-Line.

Other than Indiana State in week one, the Boilermakers defensive line has been getting dominated up front. The undersized unit does have speed and athleticism to get home in the passing game. However, it has been a real battle for Purdue’s front seven to stop the run.

This offensive line is facing what could be their worst competition to date, and they need to look as such.

Sep 20, 2024;  Credit: Dylan Widger-Imagn Images

2. Zakhari Franklin Will score the first touchdown

I will continue to predict this until it happens. Zakhari Franklin is just so darn good, and with as many targets as he has gotten, I am surprised he has not found his way into the endzone.

Franklin currently has 24 receptions, for 286 yards, and an average of 11.9 yards per play. #4 is so reliable at moving the chains for Illinois offense, however, he is currently missing that elusive score.

I think Zakhari’s speed and athleticism will favor well against a Purdue secondary that has given up a ton on big plays this season. I would look for Illini quarterback Luke Altmyer to have a big game himself and find Franklin several times, including a score.

3. Illinois Wins Handily

FINAL SCORE PREDICTION: Illinois 41 Purdue 10

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