College Sports

College football preview: Illinois at Purdue

Posted October 21, 2011 12:00 am

By Mike McGraw

mmcgraw@dailyherald.com

Illinois (6-1, 2-1) at Purdue (3-3, 1-1)

When: 11 a.m. Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium

TV: ESPN2

Radio: WIND 560-AM

Series: Illinois leads 42-38-6, and won 44-10 last season.

Coaches: Ron Zook (34-46, seventh year at UI); Danny Hope (12-18, third year at Purdue)

Players to watch: Purdue QB Caleb TerBush seems to have a firm grasp on the spot after being academically ineligible last season. Sophomore CB Ricardo Allen already has 3 career interception returns for touchdowns. ... Illini QB Nathan Scheelhaase set career-highs in passer rating (227.9), touchdowns (4) and completion percentage (80) in last year’s win over Purdue.

The skinny: Nothing in particular stands out about Purdue, but the Boilermakers were competitive at Penn State last week before losing 23-18. They run the ball better than they pass, but have no dominant running back. Illinois is trying to bounce back from its first loss of the season and a lackluster offensive performance against Ohio State. The Illini haven’t won at Purdue since 2001.

Fast fact: Illinois leads the Big Ten in fewest penalties per game (4.1).

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