First and 10: Illinois at Purdue preview

The Boilermakers have lost their last 11 games to ranked teams

Oct 03, 2025

A combination of 10 thoughts, takeaways, and questions ahead of Saturday’s noon kickoff (BTN) in the battle for The Cannon, maybe the smallest rivarly trophy in the country:

• What does the data tell us about Barry Odom and his teams following an off-week? (I refused to call it a bye since it’s not a tournament). The results are mixed. Odom was 3-0 at UNLV in two seasons but just 1-6 in four years at Missouri. How does that mesh with how the Boilermakers have fared? Purdue has lost its last four games after an off-week, but was 2-0 in 2021. Since 2003, the Boilermakers are 13-26 following an off-week. Meanwhile, Bret Beliema is 7-2 with Illinois after the off-week. The numbers are the numbers, but several variables influence how the end results are achieved.

• The offense needs to improve the rushing attack, especially between the tackles. Can the offensive line win the battle up front consistently against Big Ten teams? The last two games have provided an answer, but the Boilermakers must find a solution in this area to enjoy success in October.

• Ryan Browne remembers the Illinois game from last season. It’s hard to forget a 50-49 score, even if you’re on the losing end. With Hudson Card sidelined (concussion), Browne produced 415 yards of offense, including 297 through the air, and tossed three touchdowns. Purdue trailed 24-3 early in the third quarter before a mix of trickery, big plays, and an onside kick recovery helped cut into the deficit. The Boilermakers scored 46 of their 49 points in the second half and overtime, but Browne was sacked on a 2-point conversion to end the game.

Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne **(Chad Krockover Photography)**

• Speaking of quarterbacks, Purdue will face a good one. Luke Altmyer isn’t flashy but is a solid playmaker. He has 11 touchdowns and no interceptions in the first five games, and had just six picks in 347 passing attempts last season. He avoids mistakes. He’s hurt Purdue in the last two meetings on the ground, totaling 89 yards. His efficiency is a key indicator of how the Fighting Illini are performing. They’re 10-1 when Altmyer completes at least 65% of his passes during his tenure at Illinois.

• Without looking it up, name the last time Purdue beat a ranked team in the AP poll? Try 2022 when the Boilermakers knocked off … drumroll please … No. 21 Illinois in Champaign. They’re looking to snap an 11-game losing streak against ranked teams, including Notre Dame two weeks ago. Illinois is No. 22.

• Notre Dame didn’t punt. USC didn’t punt. The last time an opponent punted against Purdue? Southern Illinois in the third quarter of the second game. It’s been nearly a month. Who’s the Illini’s punter? Former Boilermaker Keelen Crimmins.

MORE: Chad Krockover Photography | Dave Weigel Photography | Mark Elsner Photography

• Where does the coaching staff turn to replace defensive lineman TJ Lindsey? He suffered a knee injury against USC, and his absence showed up in the loss to Notre Dame. It didn’t help that the defense played a three-man front, and the Fighting Irish picked up chunks of yardage until adding another body on the line of scrimmage. It was too late. Illinois is averaging 166.3 rushing yards in its four wins, and the Boilermakers have allowed an average of 216 yards on the ground in their two losses. The Illini’s leading rusher, Kaden Feagin, didn’t play in last year’s meeting.

• How close are receivers De’Nylon Morrissette and Chauncy Magwood to making their season debuts? The offense needs more explosive plays, and the pair could certainly help. But Nitro Tuggle has stepped up, catching a touchdown pass in three straight games.

• Purdue collected its first takeaway in the loss to Notre Dame, but it needs more in the final two months. Cornerback Myles Slusher had a strip sack, but still no interceptions. The Boilermakers are one of eight teams nationally without an interception. That list includes Ball State, the first opponent of the season, and Big Ten member UCLA.

• Are you counting on another weather delay? The last two games have featured nearly five hours of combined inactivity due to inclement conditions at Ross-Ade Stadium (USC) and Notre Dame, according to Purdue’s game notes. That’s a lot of extra time in the locker room. Saturday’s forecast from weather.com:

A few clouds early, otherwise mostly sunny. Continued very warm. High 87F. Winds SSW at 5 to 10 mph.