GoldandBlack.com Saturday Simulcast: Purdue-Illinois Wrap

The staff of GoldandBlack.com and host Nate Barrett discuss today’s Purdue-Illinois matchup and take your questions following the Boilermakers’ 43-27 loss on Saturday.

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Purdue vs. Illinois recap

Purdue football dropped its third-straight game on Saturday afternoon, falling to No. 22 Illinois, 43-27. The rivalry clash saw the Illini retain the Cannon Trophy, after stealing it from the Boilermakers a season ago.

Barry Odom and the Boilermakers now fall below .500 for the first time under his watch in West Lafayette, with a 2-3 mark, in addition to an 0-2 record in conference play thus far.

Purdue looked to be getting out of the gates on a better note on Saturday, taking a 7-3 lead after a 62-yard drive that was capped off by a one-yard Ryan Browne scramble for a touchdown. It was the Boilermakers’ first lead since the Southern Illinois game, but it would not last for long.

After holding the Illini to a field goal on their first drive, Purdue looked poised to extend its lead, driving into Illinois’ side of the field. Michael Jackson III would fumble what would have been another first down, instead it handed the Illini the ball.

That would mark the beginning of Luke Altmyer’s explosion.

PDF: Purdue-Illinois statistics

Altmyer found a wide open Hank Beatty, who galloped 62 yards, untouched, for Illinois’ first touchdown of the afternoon. That tandem gave Purdue fits, particularly in the first half, to the tune of five connections for 186 yards and a touchdown. Altmyer was on fire against a reeling Purdue defense, going 19-22 passing for 390 yards and a touchdown. It was the third consecutive game the Boilermakers surrendered 280+ yards through the air, and was a season-worst mark for Mike Scherer’s unit.

That offensive onslaught, mostly via Altmyer’s arm, led to 27 points in the second quarter for the Illini. While Illinois enjoyed whatever success it liked, Purdue’s offense struggled to keep pace. A fumble and back-to-back punts were paramount in what turned out to be a 13-point deficit at halftime.

Ryan Browne connected with sophomore wide receiver on a 60-yard TD pass to halt a 24-0 Illinois run late in the second quarter. The longest play of the season for the Boilermakers, offered a spark for Josh Henson’s offense.

On the other side of the halftime break, Antonio Harris secured his first career touchdown on a 41-yard sprint, which was the longest run play for the Purdue offense this season. Harris paced a ground game that was improved from the previous two outings, rushing for 149 yards and three scores on 24 carries. That final total was the most for the Boilermakers’ offense since the Southern Illinois game, which saw Purdue run for 214 yards. Devin Mockobee also had 58 yards and a touchdown, while taking the majority of the work out of the backfield.

The Purdue defense began tightening up to start the second half, however, forcing two field goals and a punt from the Illinois offense. A muffed punt by Michael Jackson and a three-and-out of the offense would keep the Boilermakers’ from really making a dent in the Illini lead.

Illinois broke through at the end of the quarter, with Altmyer and Beatty once again connecting for an explosive play through the air. The 49-yard strike would set up a one-yard touchdown run by Kaden Feagin to make it a 40-21 Illini advantage.

A late touchdown by Devin Mockobee would cut the deficit to 40-27, but Illinois’ explosive offense proved to be too much to overcome for the Boilermakers.

Browne flashed in some moments, but was inconsistent at times, as well. He finished the day with 302 yards and a touchdown on 30-50 passing, adding 21 yards and a score on the ground, as well.

Despite having a pair of costly fumbles, Michael Jackson was Purdue’s most reliable pass catcher on Saturday, hauling in 14 catches for 94 yards. Corey Smith also had his best day as a Boilermaker, with three catches for 83 yards and the aforementioned 60-yard touchdown.

The Purdue defense has now surrendered 43+ points and 500+ yards in back-to-back games. After giving up only 17 points across its first two games, USC, Notre Dame and Illinois have put up a combined 132 points.

Purdue will look to bounce back from a now three-game skid next weekend when it travels up to Minneapolis to take on Minnesota.