Nov. 07--TV/radio: 11 a.m. Saturday; BTN, WSCR-AM 670.
Line: Illinois by 4.
Records: Illinois 4-4, 1-3 Big Ten; Purdue 2-6, 1-3.
Last meeting: Purdue won 38-27 on Oct. 4, 2014, in Champaign.
On the offensive: Illinois is coming off its two lowest-scoring games of the season, including a shutout at Penn State. Purdue ranks 13th in the conference in scoring defense, giving up 34.4 points per game.
Getting defensive: The Illini must limit Purdue QB David Blough, who had a career day against Nebraska with 274 passing yards and four touchdowns with no interceptions. He also ran for 82 yards.
The number: 3. Interceptions by Purdue CB Anthony Brown last week against Nebraska. Illinois QB Wes Lunt will need to keep an eye out for him.
The talk: A loss to the lowly Boilermakers would seem to close the door on any hope Illinois has of finishing the season strong and making a bowl game.
Shannon Ryan's pick: The Illini defense will make the difference in a narrow victory. Illinois 27, Purdue 21.
