Illinois @ Purdue preview

Last Meeting ( Oct 30, 2010 ) Purdue 10, Illinois 44

THE STORY: Both Purdue and Illinois missed a grand opportunity to change perceptions last week. As both teams prepare for the 59th “Battle for the Cannon,” they will get their first chance to rewrite a bit of some recent forgettable history.

The Illini entered last weekend with many doubters, thanks to a relatively easy schedule that featured five straight home games and a road tilt against one-win Indiana. The critics were proven right in Saturday’s 17-7 home loss to Ohio State, which dominated throughout despite attempting only four passes. Illinois’ prolific offense was held to 285 yards en route to its lowest scoring output in nearly a year.

The Boilermakers also failed to make a statement against then-No. 25 Penn State in a 23-18 setback on Saturday, falling to 1-22 in their last 23 games against ranked opponents. A number of special-teams errors cost Purdue against the Nittany Lions, including a late 92-yard kickoff return and two missed kicks from normally-reliable Carson Wiggs.

The Illini lead the overall series 42-38-6 in a rivalry that dates back to 1890, but have been outscored 104-27 in losing each of their last three contests at Ross-Ade Stadium.

TV: ESPN2 LINE: Illinois - 4

ABOUT ILLINOIS (6-1, 2-1 Big Ten): DE Whitney Mercilus leads the FBS with 10 sacks. WR A.J. Jenkins, who ranks second in the nation with 895 receiving yards, has posted at least five receptions in every game and broken the 100-yard mark four times.

ABOUT PURDUE (3-3, 1-1 Big Ten): Despite sporting the 24th-best rushing attack in the nation, the Boilermakers only have one individual 100-yard rushing effort this season (Ralph Bolden, Sept. 3). With three career interception returns for touchdowns, sophomore CB Ricardo Allen is tied with former All-American Rod Woodson and Mike Rose for the most in school history.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The “Battle for the Cannon” was conceived by Purdue students back in 1905, but not presented as a trophy until 1943.

2. Nathan Scheelhaase enjoyed his breakout game in a 44-10 win over Purdue last season, throwing for 195 yards and a career-high four touchdowns. He added 118 yards on the ground.

3. Including this week, each team has three ranked conference foes remaining on its schedule.

PREDICTION: Illinois 27, Purdue 23 -- Coming off a crushing loss and faced with the prospect of playing three straight ranked opponents after this week, the Illini know they have to bring their “A” game.