Illinois needs win vs. Purdue to stay in race - 13 WTHR Indianapolis

WEST LAFAYETTE - Illinois and Purdue both have much to prove Saturday.

Just two weeks ago, Illinois was undefeated and looked like a solid contender that might hang with Wisconsin and Penn State in the Big Ten Leaders Division. Then, the Fighting Illini suffered a mistake-filled 17-7 home loss to Ohio State last week. Now, the Fighting Illini (6-1, 2-1 Big Ten) will need to get back on track Saturday at Purdue or risk falling out of the race for the Big Ten title.

Purdue (3-3, 1-1) is playing with confidence, but lacks a win against a quality opponent. The Boilermakers hit a low with a 38-10 loss to Notre Dame, but rallied with a 45-17 win over Minnesota the next week and a spirited effort in a 23-18 loss at Penn State.

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