Nov. 09--Quarterback Wes Lunt called Saturday's outing at Purdue a "make-or-break" game. The Illini showed they are still very much alive this season with a dominating 48-14 victory against the Boilermakers.
Offense
A+. Running backs Josh Ferguson and Ke'Shawn Vaughn each rushed for more than 100 yards. Lunt threw three touchdown passes with no interceptions. A week after getting shut out at Penn State, the Illini hit on all cylinders.
Defense
A+. Illinois kept Purdue off balance from the start. The Boilermakers managed only seven first-half first downs. Safety Clayton Fejedelem had another strong day with 13 tackles, while Taylor Barton and Jevaris Little each had an interception.
Special teams
B. Taylor Zalewski was 2 of 3 on field goals, missing a 42-yard attempt into the wind. The Illini lost field position early in the game when V'Angelo Bentley opted not to field some punts. Ryan Frain averaged 58 yards per punt.
Coaching
A+. With Ferguson back in the arsenal after missing three games, Illini fans were reminded of what interim coach Bill Cubit and his staff are capable of creating. It would have been easy for the Illini to spiral after a three-game losing streak, but they won a game that has them on the verge of bowl eligibility.
