WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — In a hostile Big Ten environment, orange shirts lined the stands at Ross-Ade Stadium. Only 90 miles seperate the Illini and the Boilermakers, two teams that in the past have had great disdain for each other.
As both programs have entered new eras, that rivalry still stays intact. Illinois fans looked to do their part by lining the bleachers in West Lafayette, as they watched an offensive masterclass take place as the No. 23 Illini defeated the Boilermakers 43-27.
It seemed as
if Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer could put the ball wherever he wanted on Saturday. Looking as poised as he has ever been in an Illinois uniform, Altmyer diced the Boilermakers defense for a career high 390 passing yards a touchdown, and only three incompletions.
His go-to guy? None other than senior receiver Hank Beatty who seemed wide open everytime the football was thrown his way.
Now of course these two could not do it alone. A solid 1-2 punch in the form of big bruiser Kaden Feagin and his shifty counterpunch Ca’Lil Valentine led the way on the ground combining for three touchdowns and over 100 yards.
The Illini defense did not have as a successful afternoon as their offensive counterpart. Missed tackles have become a reoccuring theme for Illinois, and the loss of All Big-Ten cornerback Xavier Scott still looms large over the secondary.
Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne, while harrassed by a strong performance by the Illini defensive line, had success through the air at multiple junctions of the game. He threw over 50 passes, but the difference was the Illini’s ability to force turnovers, a crutch they have leaned on all season.
Today was no different, as two forced fumbles shifted momentum Illinois’ way on two separate occasions leading to 10 points.
Last week’s hero David Olano had himself a busy day, banging in five field goals as Illinois’ special teams looked as reliable as ever.
The offense will leave Illini fans optimistic, but the defense has shown holes that can cause concern. But when you have a quarterback the caliber of Altmyer it is hard to ever think you do not have a chance to go win the game.
You gotta see this
The play that opened the offensive floodgates for the Illini. The Altmyer to Beatty connection was electric.
Ca’Lil Valentine has emerged as a premiere back in this Illini offense, and his shiftiness has been one of the biggest reasons why. Check out this 25-yard dash he had to extend the Illini lead.
Stat Stuffers
Luke Altmyer’s career day stats: 390 yards (Career High) and one touchdown.
Is the Hank 4 Heisman campaign in full effect? Beatty’s final stats: 5 catches for 186 yards (Career High) and one touchdown.
This is the first time Illinois has hit five field goals in a game since Oct. 20, 2001. Olano stayed money, going 5 for 5 on the day with kicks of 35, 42, 45, 34 and 40.
Up Next
The Illini will now turn their focus to the current no. 1 team in the country, Ohio State. The game is big enough that Big Noon Kickoff will be returning to Champaign for the second time in three weeks. Kickoff is at 11 a.m. CT.
