Purdue -6.5 @ Illinois
Illinois’ first year head coach Tim Beckman’s first year has been nothing short of a disaster. Beckman was a disappointing hire amongst Illini fans looking for a big name coach and he is in jeopardy of losing his job after just one season. Illinois (2-8)has put up some astoundingly pathetic statistics this season, ranking last in the Big Ten in scoring, total offense, rushing, first downs, third-down conversions, red zone offense and sacks allowed. Not to mention, the Illini offense has manged just 5 plays of more than 30 yards….all season!
This has been far from a satisfying year for Purdue, but the Boilermakers still has a shot at a bowl game if they can come up with a victories in Champaign this Saturday and against arch rival Indiana in the season finale. Purdue is coming off an emotional last-second win at Iowa a week ago that saw the Boilermaker offense rack up 500+ yards . If Danny Hope’s team can carry over half of the emotions from last week to this Saturday’s game, Purdue should be in good shape against an Illini team that appears to have given up on its head coach.
What will happen: Purdue has the talent to put up a bunch of points on Illinois. QB Robert Mavre and RB Robert Bolden played very well last week against Iowa and should be able to do just as well, if not better against the Illini. Illinois has lacked production at many positions but one of the most glaring is the quarterback position. Nathan Scheelhaase has trouble with his accuracy allowing opponents to key on the run and focus on keeping the mobile Scheelhaase in the pocket. Purdue will use a steady diet of Mavre and Bolden to keep the Illini defense off balanced. The Illini won’t be able to score enough to come back from an early deficit as the Boilermakers will ruin senior day in Champagne.
The Prediction: Purdue 31 Illinois 13
The Play: Purdue -6.5 (5Dimes.eu)
YTD Record: 12-9 (7-2 last three weeks)
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