Illinois vs. Purdue: TV Schedule, Live Streaming, Radio, Game Time and More

The 60th edition of the battle for the Purdue Cannon will be underway this Saturday.

The Illinois Fighting Illini are heading to Indiana to take on the Purdue Boilermakers in a Big Ten showdown that should be awesome to watch.

This is an intense rivalry, and it could go either way, so take some time to read on and learn everything you need to know about this upcoming game.

Where: Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN

When: 12:00 p.m. EDT

Watch: ESPN2, ESPN3

Listen: WDWS-AM 1400—Illinois, WAZY-FM 96.5—Purdue

Betting Line: Illinois -4.5 (via ScoresAndOdds)

Latest Injury Report for Illinois (via CollegeInjuryReport.com)

WR Darius Millines—QST (Foot): Millines hasn’t played in three games and most likely won’t see the field this Saturday. He was second on the team in receptions and yards. The team has been struggling to replace him.

OL Corey Lewis—QST (Knee): This kid tore his ACL in spring practice and has been rehabbing since. He may be back in time for the Purdue game, but it’s questionable.

Latest Injury Report for Purdue (via CollegeInjuryReport.com)

DE Robert Maci—QST (Foot): Maci did not play in the Penn State game, and the team is heavily feeling his absence. He is a leader for them in the TFL category.

OL Ken Plue—QST (Disciplinary): Plue was slated to start at right guard this season, but he has yet to see the field. It is unknown when he will be allowed back on the field.

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implication

Illinois took a big hit last week with their loss to unranked Ohio State. The team only had one narrow win over a No. 22-ranked Arizona State team at home this season.

They are currently No. 23 in the BCS polls, but could easily fall out if they don’t win this game and win it big.

Purdue is 3-3 so far this season, with no games against ranked opponents. An upset victory would give them huge momentum going into their upcoming games against Michigan and Wisconsin. They have a slim chance, but you never know during these crazy times in college football.

Key Storyline

Illinois is trying to catch up in the victory column of the Purdue Cannon, the trophy awarded to the winner of this annual rivalry game.

Purdue currently is ahead in the series at 30-27-2.

Illinois won last year for the first time since 2002 and would like to get a repeat here.

Purdue wants to steal it back after losing it for the first time in six games between the two rivals.

What They’re Saying

PurdueSports.com is saying the team is playing for a fallen teammate.

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Fifth-year running back Sean Matti passed away on Sunday, July, 3, 2011. The Shoreview, Minn., native will be missed by his family, friends, coaches and teammates. The Boilermakers have dedicated their season to him and will honor him with a 22 decal, Sean's number, on their helmets. Purdue athletics also held a moment of silence for Matti prior to the home opener against Middle Tennessee on Sept. 3.

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Loren Tate at IlliniHQ says Ron Zook isn’t to blame for the Illini loss against Ohio State.

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TV color analyst Bob Davie and various ESPN gurus questioned UI strategy Saturday and said coach Ron Zook "must answer" for his fourth-down decision late in the 17-7 loss to Ohio State.

That's not entirely fair. There were two reasonable approaches to a near-hopeless situation as the clock ran down. In either case, Illinois would need to recover an onside kickoff. And it was Zook's view that it would be preferable to score a quick touchdown and follow it in the closing seconds with a field goal to tie.

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Zook opted to attempt the TD first instead of the field goal, and many believe he should have done the opposite. I guess we’ll never know the right answer.

Illinois Player to Watch: A.J. Jenkins

Jenkins has emerged as an absolute beast this season for Illinois. He is easily one of the best receivers in the country, and he is a huge reason why Illinois has been playing so well this year.

Purdue Player to Watch: Ricardo Allen

The Boilmakers have a game-changer at the cornerback position. Allen has three pick-sixes in his year-and-a-half of college football experience. He is one of the nation's most promising young CBs and isn’t afraid to take a risk to make the big play.

Key Matchup: Purdue’s No. 24 rushing attack vs. Illinois’ No. 18 rushing defense.

This is going to be a great battle.

Purdue is not going to shy away from their ground attack, but Illinois has shown they are capable of shutting teams down in that area.

Whoever wins this battle has a great chance of winning the game.

Prediction

Illinois 27-Purdue 20