Illinois vs. Purdue: Are Illini Crashing After Hot Start to Season?

It looks like the Illinois Fighting Illini are in a lot of trouble in their matchup with the Purdue Boilermakers.

There is still a ton of time in this game, precisely a half, but if the Illini can't get things going there is about to be a very big upset in the Big Ten.

Illinois came into this game at a very respectable 6-1 and ranked No. 23 in the country. 

They may have taken themselves out of the BCS race with their loss to Ohio State last weekend, but there is no doubting that the Big Ten was still in the picture.

All of that could change today though if they can't find a way to regroup and come back on the road at Purdue.

Halftime Score 

Ilinois: 0

Purdue: 21

What's Gone Wrong

Illinois defense is an absolute mess right now. They've allowed 11 first downs from the Boilermakers and have watched them go four-for-six on third down conversions. 

As if their defensive woes were not enough, starting quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase has been benched.

What's at Stake

Illinois can essentially take themselves out of Big Ten contention with a loss to Purdue, and I can all but guarantee you that they would lose their ranked status in the BCS.

Upset Potential: 8

The Fighting Illini haven't been able to score all half, so if they can't make some big changes I don't see how they are going to be able to come back.

How Will Voters React

Losing to Purdue will not go over well in the BCS, which is unfortunate for an Illinois team that showed so much potential just a few short weeks ago.

Will Illinois Come Back?

Their woes on both sides of the ball lead me to believe that we won't see a comeback, but you never know in college football.

Who Benefits Most From Illinois' Collapse?

The Michigan State Spartans are one of the biggest benefactors from a Fighting Illini collapse. With only one loss on their schedule so far this could be a huge boost in the Big Ten, especially with a showdown with Wisconsin coming up tonight.