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Pass offense to face tough
defense in Illinois
 By
Doug Healey
Assistant Sports Editor
Purdue football coach Joe Tiller said Purdue's
passing attack will face its toughest test of the season against Illinois.
"As good as they are offensively, their biggest
improvement has come on the defensive side of the ball," said Tiller.
"We think their secondary matches up with the best of the secondaries
that we have played to date and may be the best we have played. The
biggest change with Illinois since we played them two years ago compared
to now is that their defense has stepped it up."
At 12:10 p.m. Saturday, No. 20 Purdue (5-1, 3-1
Big Ten) hosts No. 21 Illinois (6-1, 3-1) at Ross-Ade Stadium.
Purdue quarterback Brandon Hance said he thinks
the Boilers can carry over their offensive balance from last week's
game, a 32-27 victory over Northwestern.
"I think it all comes back to establishing momentum
for the offense and building off of last week's performance," said Hance.
"It is important that we have the opportunity to come out and show improvement
each Saturday for the rest of the season."
Improving the passing game will be tough against
the Illini, who rank fifth in the Big Ten in total defense. The Fighting
Illini are led by Jerry Shumacher, who has 66 tackles this season. The
secondary is led by Muhammad Abdullah, who has three interceptions.
Illinois has two players, Derrick Strong and Terrell Washington, who
are tied for the team lead in sacks with three.
Purdue wide receiver Taylor Stubblefield said the
Illinois defense will be a tough test for the Boilermaker offense.
"They are a physical secondary and very good,"
he said. "Their defensive backs have a knack for where the ball is going.
We are going to have to run our routes crisp and try to make things
happen."
George Ade, the ticket manager for Purdue athletics,
said there are more than 6,000 tickets remaining for the game. The Purdue
ticket office opens Saturday morning at 8.
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Pass
offense to face tough defense in Illinois
Boilers
begin preseason Sunday
Keady
opens practice, fits team with helmets
Boilers
to face two ranked teams
Swimmers
lose in new pool, prepare to face Miami of Ohio
SPORTS DESK PHONE:
(765) 743-1111
ext. 251
Sports editor:
Paul Trembacki
Assistant sports
editor:
Doug Healey
To
send a letter to the editor, please email sports@purdueexponent.org
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