The Fighting Illini are coming off a tough loss to Wisconsin in their season opener last weekend are looking to rebound in a Halloween showdown with Purdue.

The Boilermakers are coming off a solid win over Iowa, and Illinois will need to pull things together if they’re hoping to come away from Week 2 at a .500 mark. Illini fans had hoped this year’s more talented and experienced squad would take a step forward after making their first bowl appearance in five years last season.

Entering the weekend as a seven-point underdog to Purdue, the Illini will need to respond to the disappointing loss and how they do may determine the difference between a bad day, or a signal that a troubling season is on the horizon.

On Friday, the Illini dropped a haunting hype video to try and shake the ghosts of last week off their shoulders.

COVID-19 issues have apparently hit Champaign as well, and the story is still developing. Testing earlier in the week gave clean results, but it is reported there are multiple positives heading into Friday. As of now, there are no status updates with regard to Saturday’s game against Purdue, but more information is expected to be released as it becomes available, so stay tuned.