Almost made a historic comeback

Purdue special teams: C+

For the second time in a row, a major faux pas leads directly to an opponent's touchdown. This week, the inexplicable decision was made to let a kickoff land in the game, and Illinois rallied to take a 24-3 halftime lead. Keeland Crimmins continues to shoot well and Spencer Porath has become an automatic threat from close range since the start of his career when he misses. However, this phase cannot give away touchdowns. None of the other phases can currently overcome this handicap.

However, the successful onside kick put the Boilermakers in position to win the game.

Purdue Coaching: B-

Walters took over an even larger portion of the offense, and you can't argue with the results. I'm not thrilled with that failed fourth-and-1 pass early on when the rushing game was in full swing. I'm also not sure the decision was made to go for 2 in an eight-point game in the fourth quarter, even if it was in Purdue's favor. But the reverse flea flicker was well staged and well executed.

Purdue's team needed to stop the free fall and instill hope that more wins were possible this season. Mission accomplished, even if a cleaner performance would have secured victory on Saturday.

Game play

Leland Smith caught an onside kick at the Illinois 43-yard line with 1:27 left in regulation, setting up Purdue's go-ahead touchdown.