Purdue beats quarterback-depleted Illinois 31-24

Aiden O'Connell passed for two touchdowns and Purdue hung on to beat a COVID-19-decimated Illinois team that was down to its fourth-string quarterback, 31-24, on Saturday in a game marred by player absences and moments of utter confusion.

Sophomore Coran Taylor found himself at the Illini helm on his team’s second possession, following what appeared to be an ankle injury to last-minute starter Matt Robinson. Taylor threw for two touchdowns and was intercepted twice.

Starting QB Brandon Peters was announced as a scratch shortly before kickoff after testing positive for COVID-19 on Thursday. Peters’ backup, Isaiah Washington, also missed the game due to contact-tracing protocols, said Illinois spokesman Kent Brown. Also among the missing was field-goal kicker James McCourt.

Purdue quarterback Aidan O'Connell passes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Champaign, Ill. (AP PhotoCharles Rex Arbogast)

Despite all of its player issues, Illinois (0-2, 0-2 Big Ten) still made a game of it and was within seven points and 15 yards of tying the game with less than two minutes to play. Taylor’s pass fell short and the Boilermakers (2-0, 2-0) took over on downs, sealing the victory.

The game was played without spectators and, for the most part, without updated official statistics available in the press box.

THE TAKEAWAY

Illinois defensive lineman Owen Carney Jr., left, strips Purdue quarterback Aidan O'Connell of the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Champaign, Ill. (AP PhotoCharles Rex Arbogast)

Purdue: Did what it had to and came away with a solid win over a team that wasn’t expected to put up much of a fight, even with its starting roster intact.

Illinois: The game was frightful for the Illini. A rash of COVID-19 positive results and the first-quarter injury to fill-in starter Robinson left Illinois fourth-string QB Taylor, who was lifted for one play in the second half after being sacked. He was replaced for one play by true freshman Deuce Spanner, before limping back onto the field.

UP NEXT

Illinois defensive lineman Owen Carney Jr., left, strips Purdue quarterback Aidan O'Connell of the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Champaign, Ill. (AP PhotoCharles Rex Arbogast)

Purdue: Scheduled to travel to Wisconsin Nov. 7. It’s not clear whether Wisconsin, whose game with Nebraska was canceled this week, will be cleared to play.

Illinois: Hosts Minnesota, a surprise winner at Maryland on Friday, on Nov. 7. Most of the Illinois players out with COVID-19 are expected to miss that game, as well.

More AP college football: https://apnews.com/Collegefootball and https://twitter.com/AP_Top25

Purdue linebacker Derrick Barnes advances his interception of a pass by Illinois quarterback Coran Taylor, as running back Mike Epstein defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Champaign, Ill. (AP PhotoCharles Rex Arbogast)

Illinois running back Mike Epstein (26) carries the ball as Purdue cornerback Cam Allen defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Champaign, Ill. (AP PhotoCharles Rex Arbogast)

Cardboard cutouts of Illinois football fans are erected in the east seats of Memorial Stadium as family members of both Illinois and Purdue players occupy the west seats during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Champaign, Ill. (AP PhotoCharles Rex Arbogast)

Illinois tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe (88) falls into the end zone for a touchdown as Purdue cornerback Simeon Smiley, left, and DJ Johnson defend during the second half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Champaign, Ill. (AP PhotoCharles Rex Arbogast)

Purdue wide receiver Milton Wright, right, celebrates his touchdown reception as Illinois defensive back Sydney Brown (30) and Nate Hobbs watch during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Champaign, Ill. (AP PhotoCharles Rex Arbogast)

Purdue wide receiver Milton Wright, left, celebrate his touchdown reception as Illinois defensive back Sydney Brown (30) and Nate Hobbs watch during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Champaign, Ill. (AP PhotoCharles Rex Arbogast)