No. 22 Illinois looks to carry USC upset momentum into Purdue

No. 22 Illinois will look to carry the momentum from a dramatic 34-32 upset of No. 21 USC into Saturday's Big Ten road game at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., where the Fighting Illini meet the Purdue Boilermakers at noon Eastern on the Big Ten Network. The Illini improved to 4-1 overall while Purdue enters 2-2 and coming off a bye.

Illinois secured last Saturday's win on a 41-yard field goal by David Olano as time expired. Quarterback Luke Altmyer completed 20 of 26 passes for 328 yards and two touchdown passes, rushed for 28 yards and a rushing touchdown, and also caught a three-yard touchdown pass on a trick play. That performance made him the first player in Illinois history to throw for 300 yards and record a passing, rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game. Coaches credited a game plan that emphasized the team's strengths and an offensive line that gave Altmyer time to operate.

Defensively, Illinois generated two turnovers, including a forced fumble by Leon Lowery and an interception by Dylan Rosiek. USC moved the ball effectively on the ground and through the air, however. Running back Waymond Jordan rushed for 94 yards and two scores, while receiver...