A very promising day was building for the Illini.
Homecoming.
Coming off a Big Ten victory.
Great crowd near capacity.
An early touchdown that gave Illinois a 7-0 lead had the Orange and Blue rattling the columns that align Memorial Stadium.
But, that would end the thrills. Purdue, led by QB David Blough, obliterated Illinois from that point forward.
Hope manifested itself in the form of active tailgating and a buzzing crowd prior to kickoff. Grange Grove outside Memorial Stadium swelled with fans ready to greet Coach Lovie Smith and their struggling, but beloved Illini. The alumni band took the field first with homecoming pride and the Marching Illini followed with “Illinois Loyalty” and “Oskee Wow Wow.” All that excitement came to its summit far too early with that first and only touchdown. The stadium then became an hour glass as fans drained like grains of sand with every minute and Purdue point that followed – 46 unanswered to be exact.
The game ended with two 3-3 teams going in completely different directions. Purdue has Ohio State next with many seeing the Boilers having a good chance to upset the Buckeyes. Illinois has to travel to Wisconsin with many seeing the Illini needing Jesus.
