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ESPN’s FPI predicts outcome of Illinois-Purdue game
By Nick Schultz
Published:
Purdue’s quarterback leads the B1G in passing touchdowns. Illinois’ defense has allowed the most touchdowns in the league.
So it’s easy to see why ESPN’s FPI gives the Boilermakers an 81.6% chance to win Saturday’s game at Ross-Ade Stadium.
Jack Plummer has been having a great start to the season for Purdue, throwing for a league-high 15 touchdowns while completing 74.5% of his passes — second only to Maryland’s Taulia Tagovailoa’s 75.5 percent clip.
But the Boilermakers could be without star wide receiver David Bell, who’s in concussion protocol after a tough hit against Notre Dame last week. His status for Week 4 is unclear.
On the Illinois side, Brandon Peters is set to be the starting quarterback once again for an Illini team that nearly upset Maryland last week. They’ve dealt with their share of injuries, including defensive lineman Keith Randolph, who could play against Purdue and boost the Illinois D.
Kickoff between Illinois and Purdue is set for Sept. 25 at 2:30 p.m. on the B1G Network.
Nick Schultz is a columnist and breaking news writer for Saturday Tradition. A 2020 graduate of Loyola Chicago, he covered the Ramblers' 2018 Final Four run from beginning to end and has worked at NBC Sports Chicago. Follow Nick on Twitter @NickSchultz_7.