Purdue opened Big Ten play taking on the fighting Illini on a sunny day at Ross-Ade Stadium. Jack Plummer started behind center and led the Boilers to a couple of Mitchell Fineran field goals in the first half. Illinois added a field goal of their own and at the half the Boilermakers were ahead 6-3.
Ryan Brandt, Angola, IN gets ready in pre-game warm-ups
Mitchell Fineran kicking one of his two field golas in the first half
George Karlaftis (5), West Lafayette, IN reaching for the sack and fumble
Dylan Downing (38), Carmel, IN, runs off to the left side befroe being brought down
Purdue changed quarterbacks in the 3rd quarter and went with 5th Year slinger Aidan O'Connell. A couple of interceptions and an an Illinois FG put the game at 9-6 midway through the 4th quarter. That's when O'Connell led Purdue on a 10 play, 94 yard drive capped off with David Bell catching a pass and flipping into the end zone. The Boilermakers hold off Illinois frantic final drive for the 13-9 win and the right to hoist the Cannon.
Purdue's George Karlaftis (5), West Lafayette, IN and Lawrence Johnson (90), Fort Wayne, IN take a break during a TV timeout
Lawrence Johnson (90), Fort Wayne, IN tackles Illinois Running Back Jakari Norwood (3) for a loss
Center Gus Hartwig, Zionsville, IN gets ready to snap the ball
David Bell (8) flips into the endzone for the go ahead touchdown
