FanNation - The Republic of Sport

Saturday's unbelievable Boilermaker victory over THE Ohio State Buckeyes provided a fairy tale ending worthy of a Disney movie script. But this week's game against the Fightin' Illini reminded me of a few cinematic moments.

Remember when Jimmy Cagney shouted "Top of the world, Ma!" in the movie "White Heat" right before the gas tank he was standing upon blew up?

Do you remember, "I'm the king of the world!" Leonardo DiCaprio screamed from the bow of an ocean liner in the movie "Titanic" hours before the ship sank and he drowned?

And how could you forget, "It's good to be King!" Mel Brooks said smugly as Louis XIV in "History of the World Part II." Of course it was this swagger that got Louis' head hacked off in a guillotine.

Last Saturday's victory sets the stage for an ominous encore if the Boilermakers aren't focused. As Illini coach Ron Zook told reporters Tuesday, the 1-5 Illini are in the exact position Purdue faced last week. And no one knows more than Purdue fans that on any given Saturday...yeah, you know the rest.

Purdue was showered with accolades and awards following the Ohio State upset. Defensive end Ryan Kerrigan and kicker Carson Wiggs were named the Big Ten Defensive and Special Teams Players of the Week. The upset earned the team the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl Champion of the Week. More importantly, alumni were congratulated by complete strangers either because of the impressive win or simply because some strangers cheer any team who beats the Buckeyes.

After passing for 281 yards and two touchdowns against the Buckeyes, Joey Elliott heads into Saturday's game against Illinois ranked first in the Big Ten in average passing yardage (265.1) and total offense (287.7). One of Elliot's favorite targets, wide receiver Keith Smith posted his fifth 100-yard game and is first in the Big Ten and fifth nationally in receptions per game (7.7), and his 101.43 receiving yards per game average is second in the conference as well. Wide receiver/kick returner Aaron Valentin also remains a powerful offensive weapon as well. He leads Big Ten players in both punt return average (13.7) and average all-purpose yardage (138.3). The senior is 16th nationally in returning punts and 34th in all-purpose yards. As a receiver, Valentin is sixth in the Big Ten in receptions (5.57) and seventh in receiving yards (64.7) per game. Of course, these accomplishments could be due to defenses targeting running back Ralph Bolden who still owns the Big Ten's rushing record for a single game this season. This week he could get a chance to chalk up some big gains against a porous Illini defense.

Purdue's defense looked impressive against an Ohio State offense that only managed to gain 287 yards of offense, far below the Buckeyes' typical game performance. Big Ten sack leader Ryan Kerrigan will be licking his chops when lining up against an Illini offensive line that has allowed the most sacks of any Big Ten team this season. Linebacker Jason Werner continues to improve every game and should increase his season tally of 14 tackles for a loss.

The Illini average 358 yards per game, fairly balanced between the run and pass. Ohio State's quarterback Terrell Pryor was often compared to Illini's senior quarterback Juice Williams. However, this Illini team is hardly an image of the team that Williams led to the 2008 Rose Bowl. With the exception of a blow out against Division II Illinois State, the Illini have lost games by two touchdown margins or more. Last week, Indiana defeated Illinois 27-14 in a game that will likely determine the Big Ten cellar dweller. Had Purdue not won last week, this week's game could've dtermined that unpleasant honor.

The question on many Boiler fans' minds is whether or not Purdue has fixed their fumbling problems. Last week the team only had three turnovers, none of which Ohio State could capitalize on. More impressive was the lack of penalties committed. These are definite good signs and hopefully continue this week. There's some doubt as to who will quarterback the Illini: Juice Williams or freshman Najee Tyler. Williams has been banged up a few times this season and his presence will require a similar defensive strategy as Purdue devised against Pryor last week. Illini injuries have also hurt the defensive side of their line as well. Their defensive backfield lacks experience and that can be a big plus for Purdue's passing ability this week.

This week Purdue fans would like to believe what they read in the papers. The Ohio State game performance reconfirmed what preseason hype said about an experienced defense and Purdue being the best 1-5 team in college football. Believing what's on paper gives fans an expectation Purdue will win Saturday. But remember, turnovers and penalties can change all that as painful as those memories are. Purdue needs to control the ball offensively like they did against Ohio State and pressure Illini quarterback Williams or Tyler. Special teams play must be consistent and don't be surprised if it's improved further if Carson Wiggs picking up punting duties from an errant Chris Summers, as is rumored.

Let's hope Purdue fans get a bang out of this weekend's game. Purdue and Illinois compete for a cannon trophy, believe it or not. The cannon trophy dates back to some Purdue students who took the cannon to Champaign in 1913 to celebrate a game victory. However, the cannon was discovered by Illinois students and confiscated. The trophy didn't become an annual battled prize until the 1940s. Purdue has possession of the trophy, won two years ago the last time the teams met. Let's keep the powder and shot dry and hope last week's Buckeye upset wasn't a flash in the pan. Boiler Up! Scalp the Fightin' Illini!