Illinois vs. Purdue: 5 Halftime Adjustments the Boilermakers Must Make

Purdue is blowing out 23rd-ranked Illinois today, and has looked like a completely different team on offense. Caleb TerBush is directing the troops smoothly and efficiently. The blockers, the running game and the defense are all playing like men possessed.

This would be a huge win to spark a 3-3 team aiming for bowl eligibility. It's a huge home game against a good team, and has basically become a must-win for them to reach eligibility.

In order to hang on and beat the Illini, here are five big adjustments Purdue must make at halftime:

1. Switch It Up

I love how the play calling so far has been designed to beat the blitz. It's been effective for sure, and TerBush looks very comfortable rolling out to his right and throwing on the run. But, it also seems to be happening on every single play.

The Illinois defense is going to key on that in the second half if the Boilermakers don't switch it up a little bit. The passing game has been very effective, but they need to throw in some straight drop back passes and maybe some play action or draw plays, just to keep the defense honest.

2. Keep Up the Pace

That being said, the offense is operating at a great pace. They are getting to the line and confidently running plays that move them down field. The Illinois defense has looked confused at times, and that might be because they don't know how to defend the quick, effective rhythm of the Purdue offense.

This is something that they won't necessarily be able to defend any better with halftime adjustments. In this case, you don't fix what isn't broke. Keep shoving it down their throats and building on that lead.

3. Hang on to the Ball

This is a pretty obvious one, but that first quarter fumble is huge. Sure, it didn't lead to any points for Illinois, but even giving them that opportunity is dangerous. Props to the Purdue defense for shutting them down on the ensuing possession and getting the ball back unharmed.

Illinois is a top 25 team for a reason. They've been great this season, and will capitalize on turnovers if given that chance. TerBush needs to keep the ball out of the hands of their DBs, and anyone running with the ball should focus on wrapping up hard.

4. Watch the Run

Illinois has been the most effective running team in the Big Ten since Ron Zook took over. Yes, even more so than Wisconsin. They have a balanced, bruising rushing attack that can take over a game in no time. That should be priority No. 1 on the defensive game plan.

On obvious passing downs, Purdue should stack the box and stuff the running backs. And Illinois QB Nathan Scheelhasse is actually their leading rusher, so if he gets out on a roll out or option, they should have a spy on him as well.

5. Keep the Momentum

A win is a win. But a Big Ten win against a ranked opponent is huge. This could be the exact catalyst the Boilermakers need to split the remaining schedule and be invited to a bowl game. So, the last thing they want to do is lose the momentum and deflate the home crowd.

Illinois is having a tough go as it is, but allowing them to get back in the game on a big turnover or a big scoring play on offense could ruin the home field advantage and steal the all-important momentum, controlled by Purdue so far.