I hope Illini and Boilers defenses are bad because ...

[uihawk82]

I watched their game replay to do a little scouting. The offenses really moved the ball but I really think it was because of bad defensive technique and tackling. Both teams had pretty good running from the QB which can bother the hawks normal defense. But if both defenses are pretty good then the hawks offense better improve.

Any posters here have more insight on these two teams?

I think the hawk defense will have to play great this weekend but I also think the hawk offense needs to step up and they could score a lot of points. Hawks beat purdue 24-21 but the Illini might be really improved by late in the year.

 

[hawkeyes87]

Not exactly insight but look at their seasons so far

PU
E Kent W 45 24
Cin L 20 38
Nev W 24 14
U MD L 7 50
ILL W 34 31

ILL
Murray W 52 3
N Car L 23 48
W Mich L 10 34
Neb L 16 31
PU L 31 34

So except for the FCS openers, this was the highest scoring game by far for both. And, about normal for each defense. Seems pretty clear.

 

[PCHawk]

Purdue's best receiver is out. So that helps.

 

[HawkGold]

Both teams strike me as on the verge of improvement and seem to show signs at times. Purdue is lacking on overall talent more than coaching issues. Illinois was supposed to have a good defensive interior and lost one of those guys. They have had a lot of penalties. IL is lacking on receiver. They went with a more mobile QB. Purdue I think will be better coached at this point. Lovie, if he makes it will do it on recruiting. He's getting testy with media. Both will try and make Iowa throw. No way to predict.

Both teams have excellent radio broadcasters... There will be a lot of seats for B and G fans. I'd hate to think about driving back with a loss to either. Both are a little less than a 4 hour drive. Might want to take a bullet proof vest to Champaign.

 

[David79]

Purdue is ranked 90th in total offense and 54th in total defense but there D is worse than that. If you look at the yards per play they give up they are 90th. Illinois is 58th in total offense and 93rd in total Defense but they are 37th in yards given up per play.

 

[HawkGold]

Interesting article on Iowa for Purdue: http://www.jconline.com/story/sport...ue-football-faces-iowa-offense-flux/91829984/

My take, Purdue yardages are 2/3 passing and have run for only 773 yards this year. Maryland, which is not great against the run held them to 5 yards rushing. Iowa shuts down the run and Purdue will only pass one direction. Purdue can be scored on. Iowa loses this and the season is over. KF, don't keep it close.

 

[AreWeThereYet]

[QUOTE="Might want to take a bullet proof vest to Champaign.[/QUOTE]

Why? Are the bolsheviks having another revolution in Champaign?

 

[HawkGold]

[QUOTE="Might want to take a bullet proof vest to Champaign.

Why? Are the bolsheviks having another revolution in Champaign?[/QUOTE]

No, IC is worse for Bolsheviks. This: http://dailyillini.com/showcase/2016/09/25/one-bystander-killed-overnight-shooting-green-street/