College football: Predictions, odds, how to watch Illinois vs Purdue in Week 5

This is a recovery week for the Illinois football team after it was humbled in its Big Ten opener last weekend at No. 7 Ohio State.

Now comes Purdue (1-3), an opponent more in the weight class of the Fighting Illini (2-2) and with similar defensive issues.

Illinois jettisoned its defensive coordinator Sunday, hours after a 42-19 loss to the Buckeyes in a game that saw Ohio State receiver Jeremiah Smith pile up 12 catches for 217 yards and four touchdowns.

At one point, on a goal line stand, the Illinois defense found itself with just nine men on the field.

So goodbye, Illini DC Bobby Hauck.

The Illini will send out a defensive unit that is ranked No. 101 in the nation in points allowed, third-worst in the Big Ten. Purdue will counter with No. 136.

Neither team is ranked nor among others receiving votes in the latest US LBM Coaches Poll.

When is the Illinois vs Purdue football game?

Illinois (2-2, 0-1) hosts Purdue (1-3, 0-1) at 3:15 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 3, at Gies Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois.

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What channel is the Illinois-Purdue football game on?

The game is airing on the Big Ten Network. Check your provider to see if the channel is carried. Streaming options include FUBO (free trial).

Who is the broadcast crew for Illinois-Purdue?

Play-by-play: Chris Vosters.

Analyst: Anthony Herron.

Sideline reporter: Dannie Rogers.

Big Ten injury report for Purdue at Illinois football

To be released Wednesday.

What is the weather forecast for Purdue at Illinois football?

For Saturday, Oct. 2, in Champaign, Illinois: Temperature expected at 71 at kickoff. Chance of rain 20-50% late afternoon. Wind 9-10 mph.

What to know about Illinois vs. Purdue football

◾The Fighting Illini trail the all-time series with Purdue, 48-47-6.

◾The game is played for The Cannon Trophy, a rivalry prize that goes to the winner each year.

◾Illini WR Collin Dixon is tied for the national lead in receiving touchdowns (7) with Rutgers' KJ Duff and Ohio State's Jeremiah Smith. He is also seventh in the nation and third in the Big Ten in receptions (30), seventh in the nation and third in the Big Ten in receiving yards (430), and seventh in the nation in total touchdowns (7).

◾Illini WR Hudson Clement has caught a pass in 31 straight games, the fifth-longest active streak in the nation.

◾Illinois QB Katin Houser ranks fourth in the nation in ESPN's QBR metric (89.6), behind only Darian Mensah (Miami), Julian Sayin (OSU), and Gunner Stockton (Georgia).

What Illinois head coach Bret Bielema says about Purdue game

What Purdue head coach Barry Odom says about Illinois game

Illinois vs. Purdue predictions

Illinois 45, Purdue 24: The Purdue defense is the worst in the Big Ten, allowing nearly 40 points per game. Ohio State held Fighting Illini star receiver Collin Dixon in check last week, so he's due for a big bounce-back game and this is the right matchup for it. The Illinois defensive coordinator is gone, but the 3-3-5 defense is not, and with a lineup thin at defensive line, Purdue should be able to score points, too. Purdue feels like the right team, right time, on the schedule, though, for an Illini group traumatized by Jeremiah Smith last weekend. To the victor goes the rivalry trophy, The Cannon. — Dave Eminian

Illinois 35, Purdue 21: Illinois and Purdue are meeting for the 77th time with The Cannon rivalry trophy on the line. The Fighting Illini will be doing so under a new defensive coordinator after Bobby Hauck parted ways with the program on Sunday, Sept. 27. Illinois will also look to rebound after seeing Ohio State wide receiver Jeremiah Smith catch 12 balls for 217 yards and four touchdowns last week. Illini WR Collin Dixon remains dangerous with seven receiving TDs this season. The Boilermakers have played a tough early-season schedule, facing Wake Forest (receiving votes), No. 23 UCLA and No. 3 Notre Dame over the last three weeks. Purdue running back Fame Ijeboi has six rushing touchdowns on 67 carries with only 289 yards. — Adam Duvall

Illinois vs Purdue odds

The betting lines for the Illinois-Purdue game, as of Monday, Sept. 28, 2026 Vegas Insider.

Point spread: Illinois by 10.5.

Over-under total: 61.5 points

Money line: Purdue +315. Illinois -410.

This article originally appeared on Journal Star: College football: Predictions, odds, how to watch Illinois vs Purdue in Week 5

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