Check out Rossow's prediction here

QUARTERBACKS

Check to Purdue

Joey Elliott has been a hit with the Boilermakers, though the coaches would like to see fewer interceptions (10). Halfway through the season, Illinois doesn't know who its starting quarterback is. The school's career total offense leader hasn't been the answer.

RUNNING BACKS

Check to Purdue

It's a close call, but the Boilermakers have something the Illini are looking for: a go-to guy. Ralph Bolden is second in the Big Ten in rushing and averages 5 yards per carry. Illinois' leading rusher is quarterback Juice Williams.

RECEIVERS/TIGHT ENDS

Check to Purdue

The top two Purdue receivers – Keith Smith and Aaron Valentin – have combined for 93 catches and 11 touchdowns. The two two Illini – Arrelious Benn and Jarred Fayson – have combined for 33 catches and one touchdown.

OFFENSIVE LINE

Check to Purdue

Putting in freshman Hugh Thornton shows the desperation that Illinois is feeling. The team is last in the Big Ten in sacks allowed with 19, which is tied for 110 in the nation. Purdue ranks among the league best in protecting the quarterback.

DEFENSIVE LINE

Check to Purdue

End Ryan Kerrigan leads the Big Ten with seven sacks and is coming off a massive game against Ohio State. He's got help from end Gerald Gooden and tackle Mike Neal. Illinois needs to get Corey Liuget back on the field.

LINEBACKERS

Check to Purdue

Senior Jason Werner is among the league leaders in tackles and sacks. Joe Holland and Chris Carlino are third and fourth on the team in tackles. Illini are trying to get through the season without their best linebacker, Martez Wilson.

SECONDARY

Check to Purdue

Hard to believe that six games into the season the Illinois secondary has only one interception. The Boilermakers have been more disruptive with their defensive backs, picking off eight balls. Like Illinois in 2007, Purdue doesn't have a return yard.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Check to Purdue

The Boilermakers have found another good field goal kicker is Carson Wiggs, who nailed a 59-yarder this season and had a 55-yarder to give Purdue the lead against Ohio State. Illini have fixed their punting problem, currently ranking 27th in the nation.

COACHING

Check to Purdue

Though he's only been at the Division I-A level for a season, Danny Hope did good work at Eastern Kentucky. And it looks like he's got Purdue on the right track. The team could easily have three or four more wins. Beating Ohio State was huge.

PREDICTION

Check to Purdue

The Boilermakers have already had their breakthrough moment. It will continue as Elliott hits open receivers and the Boilermakers take a big early lead. The Illini will score in the first half, but it won't be enough as Purdue earns a 34-10 win.