For most the 2020 season, Purdue’s points have come thanks to wide receiver David Bell, who already has four touchdowns this season.

But in the third quarter of Saturday’s game, the Boilermaker defense decided to get in on the scoring action. With Illinois deep in its own territory, Purdue pounced on a fumble near the goal-line and stumbled in to add to the Boilermaker lead.

Purdue’s defensive effort in 2020 has been admirable. The group hasn’t been dominant but has done enough to give the Boilermakers’ offense a chance to shine and the team a chance to win games.

In Illinois’ defense, the Illini are running out a true freshman quarterback. Trailing by two scores against a red-hot Purdue team isn’t exactly an ideal way to break into your college football career.

Regardless of that, the Boilermakers seem to be firing on all cylinders. With Wisconsin trying to handle a COVID outbreak, the door might be opening for a team like Purdue to take hold of the Big Ten West.