Bob and MIke also talked on video here

Q&A with Mike Carmin

Staff writer Bob Asmussen's chat with the Lafayette Journal & Courier sports writer.

Will Danny Hope be elected mayor of West Lafayette?

No doubt, he would win this week. He might win the election in Lafayette as well giving him a chance to run two city governments.

Did that win surprise people or did they think it was coming?

Purdue has been so close to winning during its five-game losing streak that it wasn't a big surprise. Maybe since the win came against Ohio State is the surprise. Once the Boilermakers eliminate the turnovers, they'll win more games.

Is Purdue now a football school?

Let's not go there. That's only two wins this season. Most fans are excited for basketball season to start. Can't say that I blame them.

Did Gene Keady storm the field after the big win?

Coach Keady was in attendance. If he was a little younger, I could see him in the middle of the student body, pumping his fist in the air and shouting "Boiler Up."

I'm voting for the All-Big Ten team. Should Joey Elliott be the quarterback?

No one else in the league has put together what I term a great season. Elliott leads the conference in passing and total offense but he also has 10 interceptions. He is coming off his best game of the season and is making the most of his one opportunity. Purdue has to finish strong for Elliott to be considered.

What's the biggest difference between Danny Hope and Joe Tiller?

Not a lot of difference. Both are energetic and both have a great sense of humor. When Tiller's 1997 team upset Notre Dame at Ross-Ade Stadium, he was right in the middle of the celebration. When Purdue beat Ohio State, Hope was in middle of the mayhem.

Can you give us a prediction for Saturday's game.

Purdue 38-20. Elliott remains accurate, Purdue's running game finds some success and the Illini can't slow down defensive end Ryan Kerrigan.