Illinois (3-4, 1-3 Big Ten) ranks in the bottom three in the league in scoring defense, total defense, run defense, pass efficiency defense and third-down conversion defense. But dig deeper and the progression becomes clear. The Illini are seventh in sacks, eighth in red zone defense, second in turnover margin and have a league-high 17 takeaways including three in last week’s 24-23 upset over then-No. 6 Wisconsin.

The Illini will look to continue the positive trends Saturday when they visit the Purdue Boilermakers.

The injury-depleted Boilermakers (2-5, 1-3) desperately need a win, too.

Four losses in five games have put their postseason hopes in peril though the West Division schedule gives Purdue a chance. After the Illinois game, they still have home dates against Nebraska and rival Indiana and road trips to Northwestern and the Badgers, now No. 13.

But lose Saturday, and the Boilermakers would have to win out for to reach Brohm his sixth straight bowl game as a head coach.

Purdue has won the last four against Illinois.