Ball security looms large as Purdue prepares to face Illinois

• David Blough has one interception in 151 passing attempts
• Tight end Cole Herdman has made "considerable improvement" since last week
• Jeff Brohm isn't ready to start playing more true freshmen after the open week
• The Oct. 20 Ohio State at Purdue matchup starts at 7:30 p.m.

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Back from the open week, here’s what we learned from Purdue coach Jeff Brohm on Monday:

Turnovers were a problem against Northwestern and Eastern Michigan.

Not so much in the last three games.

That’s one reason why the Boilermakers are riding a two-game winning streak heading into Saturday’s matchup at Illinois. Purdue didn’t commit a turnover in the win at Nebraska and lost two fumbles in the victory against Boston College.

But the Fighting Illini lead the Big Ten in turnover margin (plus 8). They’ve collected 12 turnovers – 10 interceptions and two fumbles – in the first five games.

“We have actually been pretty good lately at not turning it over and it's giving us a chance to win,” Brohm said. “When we have turned it over, we've been really bad.”

In fact, Illinois has forced at least one turnover in 19 straight games, dating back to the 2016 season. The Illini have forced at least two in every game this season.

Meanwhile, quarterback David Blough has one interception in 151 passing attempts. It came in the first quarter against Missouri on a trick play.

“They are going to play pressure, get up on you, challenge every throw and when they play zone they are going to play their typical Tampa 2 zone with their eyes on the quarterback and hope that they bait you into throwing it up the field and they are going to react and pick it off,” Brohm said.

Blough and Elijah Sindelar have thrown just the one interception in the last 18 quarters, a statistic that likely will be challenged this week.  

GAME WEEK:Purdue at Illinois

STAYING SHARP:Offense looks to maintain production after open week

NO GIMMICKS:Lack of trick plays good sign for Purdue offense

“We were not great in practice (Sunday),” Brohm said. “We threw some contested balls that would have been picked off in a game, so we have to get back to being aggressive but knowing where the outlet is and making sure we practice ball security and make sure that we're not giving the other team another opportunity to convert by turning the ball over. We have to win that battle.”

The Big Ten announced Monday that the Oct. 20 matchup against Ohio State will start at 7:30 p.m. at Ross-Ade Stadium. The game will be broadcast on ABC. Fewer than 1,500 tickets remain. 

Brohm said tight end Cole Herdman has shown "considerable improvement" in the last week after dealing with stingers suffered against Nebraska. 

"He's improved greatly and we'll give it until Tuesday to see where he's at," Brohm said. "We're hopeful that he could play. Now, whether that's the whole game or as much as he used to, that remains to be seen." 

Last week, Brohm put his younger players - specifically true freshmen - through two scrimmages to gauge their progress. 

Although no one made a move to play this week against Illinois, it doesn't mean you won't see a couple hit the field later in the season. He mentioned defensive end/linebacker Branson Deen last week and did again Monday along with defensive lineman Willie Lane, linebacker Jaylan Alexander, defensive back Jordan Rucker, tight end Payne Durham, running back Evan Anderson and safeties Elijah Ball and Cory Trice. 

Since Ball and Trice were on the travel squad for the Nebraska game, are they closer to seeing action? 

"We like Cory. We like Elijah," Brohm said. "It's as far as knowing all the small things, the details of their position, making sure they are lined up properly in the right spot. That's where they are slightly lacking compared to the others. It's just the experience factor, and the ability to not hurt us badly on one or two plays and that could happen, possibly, with them."

Former Purdue quarterback Drew Brees is expected to set the NFL record for career passing yardage Monday night when New Orleans plays host to Washington. 

Brees needs 201 yards to pass Brett Farve and Peyton Manning to sit atop the record books. 

"I think it's tremendous," Brohm said. "He's a great ambassador for the program. He's been great to me. I reached out to him last week and he responded right back. He wants to win. He's a winner. He wants Purdue to win. He follows our games. He's a guy that defied the odds and played at a high level and now will go down as one of the great quarterbacks in the history of the game."

Saturday's game

Purdue (2-3, 1-1) at Illinois (3-2, 1-1)

Time: 3:30 p.m. 

TV: FS1

Radio: WAZY (96.5)