GoldandBlack.com Predictions: Purdue's Saturday afternoon meeting with Illinois

Again this season, GoldandBlack.com shares its willy-nilly predictions and half-baked takes in advance of each of Purdue’s football games, starting with Saturday’s meeting with Ball State, the onset of the Barry Odom Era with the Boilermakers.

Scarred by years of predicting uncompetitive games and understanding of the modern gambling climate — please, bet responsibly and leave the damn athletes alone on social media, losers — we are incorporating BetMGM spreads into our predictions this season.

Alas, there is no line on this game this week.

GoldandBlack.com members, share your predictions, no matter how stupid and inane, at Knucklehead Central.

BRIAN NEUBERT, GOLDANDBLACK.COM BLOWHARD

Illinois is in a complicated time, two weeks removed from a loss so graphic at Indiana its replays should come with parental-advisory label, that following by a stirring walk-off win over USC at home. That Monopoly piece of a trophy may not cut it in terms of motivation and focus. Meanwhile, Purdue had an off week, the benefits of which are generally overblown. If you have 50 people on your staff and still need an extra week to lay out an effective scouting report and game plan, maybe you should be selling jacuzzis. I think Purdue’s reality right now is it’s not as good as things seemed against overmatched competition, nor are things as bad as they seemed as heavy underdogs. I do think Illinois is good, though, and experience and continuity at quarterback are big, big deals nowadays.
My biggest question: Did Ryan Browne remember everything he learned from Ryan Walters last year about Illinois’ defensive playbook? Purdue needs points.
Most important player: Nitro Tuggle. I’m going wide receiver here because if Purdue doesn’t steal a big play or two I don’t know how this is gonna go. Browne is way too easy an answer.
Prediction: Illinois 30, Purdue 24.

DUB JELLISON, GOLDANDBLACK.COM FOOTBALL REPORTER

This game comes at a peculiar time for the 22nd ranked Illini. Fresh off a win over USC and right before a marquee matchup against Ohio State next weekend. That could play in Purdue’s favor, but the Boilermakers are reeling after back-to-back losses, the most recent of which was in embarrassing fashion against Notre Dame.

Purdue can hang around with Illinois if the offense comes out like it has been for the majority of the season. Whether or not Browne and company can keep pace with Luke Altmyer and the Illini offense might just decide this game. I went back and forth on the score, but I see the Boilermakers making this a competitive game until the end.

My biggest question: Can Purdue avoid putting itself in an early hole? The last three games, the Boilermakers have been shaky to start the game. As was seen against USC and Notre Dame, you can’t afford that against great teams.
Most important player: The offensive line. Purdue desperately needs to get the run game going and give Ryan Browne a clean pocket to operate in. Illinois’ pass defense has struggled of late, but the Illini are sixth in the conference with 13 sacks.
Prediction: Illinois 35, Purdue 28.

TOM DIENHART, GOLDANDBLACK.COM FOOTBALL REPORTER

Another week, another ranked opponent for Purdue. This time, it’s No. 22 Illinois, the first foe in an October slate filled with possibilities. Purdue’s warts have been exposed. Chief among them: spotty line play on both side of the ball. The staff had an off week to tune things. How will the engine rev?

My biggest question: Can Purdue slow down the Illinois offense? Luke Altmyer may be the most underrated QB in the Big Ten. He just doesn’t make mistakes. Can Purdue can keep the Illini under 50?Most important player: Devin Mockobee. The guy has excelled vs. the Illini, notching 343 total yards (277 rushing) vs. Illinois in three previous games. He’ll need another big effort for Purdue to have a shot at the upset. The good news: The Illini defense is not a steel curtain.
Prediction: Illinois 48, Purdue 31

JORDAN JONES, GOLDANDBLACK.COM DITCH-DIGGER

Purdue is precisely where we expected it to be: 2-2 through four games. October arrives, and this month will define Barry Odom’s first season. None of these games appear unwinnable, though Purdue will need to play its best football of the season to add to the win column. The situation favors Purdue, as Illinois heads east on I-74 sandwiched between big-time home contests. Will Illinois allow Purdue to take advantage in front of what should be another strong Ross-Ade Stadium crowd?
My biggest question: Can the defense give the offense a chance to steal a win?
My most important player: The defensive line. Purdue must present a greater threat at the point of attack.
Prediction: Illinois 34, Purdue 24