No. 22 Illinois (4-1) looks to build on last week's dramatic win over USC as they face Purdue (2-2) at Ross-Ade Stadium at noon ET on Big Ten Network. Here's how to watch for free.

The Illini (4-1) appear to be back on track, but they a road game against the always-pesky Boilermakers (2-2) is no sure thing

No. 22 Illinois visits Purdue at 11 a.m. Saturday in the battle for The Cannon trophy.

Purdue is NOT a de facto bye week. They are a squad with a new coach, a higher floor, and a home date with a ranked opponent. Last year, Purdue signal-caller Ryan Browne notched over 400 total yards in Champaign. In doing so, he looked like Graham Mertz in his first start against the Illini.

Boilermakers lead all-time series, but barely, as 101st meeting between two nearby teams kicks off Saturday in West Lafayette, Ind.

Since 1943, the winner of Purdue-Illinois keeps possession of "The Cannon" rivalry trophy. Bielema said rivalry trophies make the Big Ten standout, winning them energizes a fanbase and preserve history. But the Cannon has paid rent in West Lafayette, Indiana. Since 2003, Purdue leads the series 15-5. Illinois has beat Purdue just once since 2019.

Purdue football's 82 new players have no connection to rivalry games like Saturday's against Illinois. But the Boilers still use them for motivation.

Illinois commits and targets continue to make plays this fall, and the Illini must respond in kind when many visit for the Ohio State showdown