Illinois vs. Purdue: 5 Halftime Adjustments the Fighting Illini Must Make

Purdue (3-3) is running Illinois up and down the field on the road right now.. The defense needs to step it up and stop making Caleb TerBush look like Russell Wilson. They are getting beat on pass plays and run plays.

Not to mention, nothing is going right on offense. If the Fighting Illini want to push back at the Boilermakers and make a run in the second half, they need to step it up. Otherwise, you can forget about being ranked.

Here are five big halftime adjustments Illinois must make:

1. Defend the Roll Out

Much of Purdue's success in the passing game today has been a play-action roll out by TerBush that allows him to beat the blitz and run into the flat to his right. From there, he's seemed very comfortable throwing the ball on the run and hit his targets in stride.

Illinois has to realize that this is their bread and butter. They've allowed them to score on 88 and 91-yard scoring drives. And a lot of that could have been avoided if they defend the roll out. Keep a spy on TerBush or just stick tighter with the receivers for longer.

2. Push the Pace

Illinois has looked lost on offense. The Purdue defense is just pushing them around. This is not something Illinois fans are accustomed to seeing. We know about their great rushing attack, but QB Nathan Scheelhasse also needs to air the ball out a little bit.

The Purdue defense is not allowing Scheelhasse much time time to get set and throw, but that's exactly what he needs to do to get the pace going in their direction. Try running a play action or roll out pass that can open up a little space in the pocket for Scheelhasse to work.

3. Capitalize

The defense forced a turnover in the first quarter, and promptly punted the ball away on the ensuing possession. A turnover on the road, when you're down, is HUGE. They really need to get at TerBush and force him to make a mistake so they can get another big turnover and get some points out of it.

On the flip side of that, Scheelhasse has been nearly intercepted a couple times and a muffed punt in the 2nd quarter was just ugly. Instead of giving the ball away, the Illini need to wrap their minds around the importance of this contest and be smart with the pigskin.

4. Use That Running Game

I mentioned the running game earlier, and how we know it is a juggernaut. So, why haven't we seen more than mere glimpses of it so far? Illinois under Ron Zook has had the premiere rushing attack in the Big Ten. Yes, even better than Wisconsin's. 

Run some formations that allow a little space to be opened up for your big backs. Maybe a sweep or toss to the side, to allow them a little space to make moves and get downfield like they are so good at doing. It's only a matter of time until an Illinois RB breaks off a big run. The question is, will it be too late?

5. Squash the Momentum

It's hard enough to come into a conference game on the road and beat an upset-minded squad like Purdue. Allowing them to capitalize on turnovers, crank up the momentum on quick scoring drives and take the ball away on defense might be devastating to Illinois.

You are playing this hostile crowd as well as the inspired Purdue offense. They need to get a turnover or a big play to quiet the crowd down a little bit and instill some confidence. The sooner they reverse the momentum, the sooner they climb back into the game.