By Pete Fiutak | November 2, 2017 12:22 am CT

Illinois vs. Purdue Fearless Prediction & Game Preview

Check out the Illinois vs. Purdue fearless prediction and game preview.

Illinois (2-6) vs. Purdue (3-5) Game Preview

Broadcast, TV, Game Time

Date: Saturday, November 4th
Game Time: 12:00 pm ET
Venue: Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN
Network: BTN

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There are certain games you can’t lose if you’re Illinois and Purdue.

This is one of them.

Illinois is in the midst of a disastrous year, but it’s because of all the young players Lovie Smith is throwing out there to grow up at once. The team hasn’t been embarrassing – it battled well in losses to Minnesota and Wisconsin – but a win at some point would be nice.

Purdue might be stronger now, but this is still a game Illinois should be able to handle.

It might have been a good year for the Boilermakers considering the issues of the past several seasons, but after losing three straight – including one of those Games You Can’t Lose vs. Rutgers – it’s going to be a fight to pull off a bowl game.

The Boilermakers have to win three of the last four games, with road games at Northwestern and Iowa up next, and Indiana to close.

After collapsing late at home against the Huskers, the team has to pick it up fast

It can’t lose to this Illinois team.

One Reason Why Illinois Will Win

Considering what a terrific offensive coach Jeff Brohm is, his Boilermakers aren’t able to do much to move the ball.

Their biggest problem? They can’t keep the chains moving.

It’s one thing to struggle on third downs against Michigan – whiffing on all 12 of its chances – but the offense couldn’t move the ball against Rutgers, either. In this three-game losing streak against the Scarlet Knights, Wisconsin and Nebraska, the Purdue O converted a mere 9-of-39 third down chances.

The Illinois defense has had a whole slew of problems, but it’s not bad at taking the ball away – with 15 takeaways so far – and it’s held up reasonably well over the last few weeks. However, it’s not getting help from …

One Reason Why Purdue Will Win

The Illinois passing game is way too inconsistent.

Jeff George Jr. can’t move the offense, so star prospect Cam Thomas is being folded into the mix for his running skills. He ran for a game-high 78 yards against Wisconsin – and he threw a pick on his first pass.

Wisconsin is Wisconsin, but it’s still not okay to complete 9-of-31 passes for 152 yards and two interceptions, like George and Thomas combined to do.

With a strong punting game that should keep the Illinois offense pinned deep, and with just enough production defensively – especially against the run – the Boilermakers will take their chances that the Illini O won’t be able to come through when it has to.

It hasn’t been able to do it for weeks.

What’s Going To Happen

Illinois will look better.

Thomas will be dangerous when he’s in, and there will be chances to take over the game – and Illinois will stall.

Purdue might not be doing anything special, but the offense will be balanced and the team shouldn’t have a problem controlling the tempo. Illinois will keep it close, but Purdue will manage to survive because David Blough and the quarterback play will be better than the Illini’s.