Illinois Falls to Purdue

Despite a fast start, Illinois couldn't keep up with Purdue on Saturday, falling to the Boilermakers, 46-7, at Memorial Stadium.

On the Board Early

The Illini offense didn't take long getting points on the board, as senior quarterback A.J. Bush Jr. found the end zone on a five-yard keeper on Illinois' second drive of the game. Bush connected with running back Reggie Corbin on a career-long 52-yard pass to set the Illini up to take the early 7-0 lead. 

The play also marked a career-long reception for Corbin. 

20-Straight

The Fighting Illini defense extended its streak of forcing an opponent turnover to 20 games on Saturday, as freshman defensive back Sydney Brown intercepted a David Blough late in the third quarter. The pick is the first of Brown's career and the 11th of the season for the Illini defense. 

The last time Illinois did not have at least one takeaway was 11/12/16 at Wisconsin.

Team Notes

• Illinois and Purdue are tied 44-44-2 in the all-time series. 
• Illinois is 23-22-2 all-time against Purdue in Champaign.
• Illinois has forced a turnover in 20 straight games, the longest active streak in Power 5.
• Illinois started three true freshmen (TE Daniel Barker, NB Sydney Brown, CB Jartavius Martin).
• Illinois' true freshmen have combined for 19 starts, the sixth most in a season in Illinois history. Last year, Illinois set the program record with 86 cumulative true freshmen starts.
• Illinois captains: OL Nick Allegretti, LB Dele Harding, K Chase McLaughlin, LB Del'Shawn Phillips

Individual Notes

• Freshman CB Jartavius Martin started for the sixth straight game, tying for the eighth-most by a true freshman defensive back in Illinois history. Martin's six straight starts to open the season is the third-most by an Illinois defensive back to begin a true freshman season. 
• Freshman SS Sydney Brown had his first career interception during the third quarter. Brown led the Illini with a career-high 12 tackles.
• Junior RB Reggie Corbin caught a career-long 52-yard pass during the first quarter.
• Sophomore P Blake Hayes had a 43.4 net punting average on eight punts. Hayes limited Purdue to six punt return yards while averaging 44.1 yards per punt.
• Freshman DL Calvin Avery blocked a PAT attempt in the second quarter.
• Senior OL Nick Allegretti started for the 30th straight game.
• Sophomore OL Alex Palczewski started for the 17th straight game.