In Week 1, it was Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz had the task of torching the Illinois defense.

This time, it appears that job now belongs to Purdue quarterback Aidan O’Connell. He just wrapped up a nearly perfect first half against the Illini as the Boilermakers take a 17-10 lead into halftime.

Through 30 minutes of play, O’Connell has a ridiculous stat line: 13-of-14 for 186 yards and a touchdown. For the Illinois defense, that one incompletion is a rare sight.

Woof. Two incompletions through 90 minutes of play. That’s not how the Illini coaching staff envisioned the 2020 season going.

Has the Illinois offense struggled? Yes. The Illini didn’t score their first offensive touchdown of the season until Saturday’s game.

But the defense has been brutal. Through six quarters of play, opposing quarterbacks have completed 33 of 35 passes for 434 yards and six touchdowns. Also, the Illini has yet to have an interception.

As of now, any quarterback who has Illinois on their schedule is salivating at the chance to play against this Illini defense.