Matchup Preview: Illinois

The Illini defense is far from stellar in the back seven, especially in the secondary where it ranks dead last in the Big Ten in pass defense efficiency. But the question is will sophomore quarterback David Blough have time enough to throw against an Illini front that is third in the Big Ten in sacks (3.25 per game) and features defensive ends Dawuane Smoot and Carroll Phillips (who is battling a knee injury)? Purdue's passing game was reduced to rubble last week with Blough's worst passing yardage numbers (132) in games he has started and played most of the game. Expect the Boilermaker pass offense to rebound, but how much?

Purdue running game vs. Illinois rush defense

Boilermaker fans have to hope that last week was an aberration for the offense, because the Boilermakers' rush offense was the worst, in terms of yardage, in nine years. The Illini are giving up 169.3 yards per contest on the ground, ranking 10th in the league. If Markell Jones is healthy enough to make an impact, the Boilermakers might have a chance for some productivity from the ground game. But, once again, the offensive line is in disarray in terms of health and discipline issues, and that is sure to cause angst for the Boilermakers. Hardy Nickerson, a fifth-year transfer from Cal, has been strong at middle linebacker, averaging 9.8 tackles per game, third in the Big Ten. Purdue must account for him, if it is going to have success on the ground. Hate to be wishy-washy here but ....

Illinois passing game vs. Purdue pass defense

The Purdue coaches have a healthy respect for Wes Lunt, a quarterback the Boilermakers have faced since the Heart of Dallas Bowl in 2012, calling him the best in-pocket passer they may face this season. Yes, the Boilermakers held Maryland to under 100 yards in passing offense, but that's because the Terps didn't need to pass. For the Boilermakers to have success, they will have to force the Illini into uncomfortable passing yardage situations. They also must pressure Lunt, who has been up and down a bit, while keeping their eye on receiver Malik Turner, the biggest threat in the Illini offense.

Illinois running game vs. Purdue rush defense

For the second game in a row, Purdue is facing a running game that has multiple backs who can inflict damage. Reggie Corbin and Kendrick Foster carried the load last week at Nebraska with Corbin making his first college start. Ke'Shawn Vaughn, who thrashed Purdue last year as a true freshman with 180 yards in the Illini's 48-14 win in Ross-Ade, had his second career 100-yard game against formidable North Carolina earlier in the year but only had one carry last week in Lincoln. Purdue gave up 400 yards in rushing against Maryland, only the seventh time it has happened against any opponent dating back to 1970, and the prospect of junior linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley being less than 100 percent spells trouble.

Special teams

Illini placekicker Chase McLaughlin is one of 10 in FBS to be perfect on field goals, hitting all five of his attempts and all 13 PATs. Punter Ryan Frain returns after missing two games due to injury this season. He ranks sixth all-time at Illinois with a 40.3 career average and his averaging 42.2 this season. Joe Schopper had a great game at Maryland with five punts inside the 20, but freshman placekicker J.D. Dellinger is still looking to get untracked. Neither squad has any return men ranked among the league's best.

Intangibles

Illinois has some momentum after making it a four-quarter game in Lincoln last week and is still in the honeymoon phase of the Lovie Smith Era. Will Purdue play better with its backs against the wall and Hazell's future possibly on the line? Remains to be seen. But with a depleted roster, it is hard to fathom a maximum effort by the Boilermakers. The Illini are far from great but ...