Elliott, running game lead Purdue to 24-14 win over Illinois for 2nd straight victory

Elliott leads Purdue to 24-14 win over Illinois

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Joey Elliott passed for 166 yards and ran for 62 yards and a touchdown, and Purdue beat Illinois 24-14 Saturday to avoid a letdown after upsetting Ohio State last week.

Ralph Bolden ran for 78 yards and a touchdown, and Jaycen Taylor ran for 71 yards and a score for the Boilermakers, who rushed for 220 yards on 39 carries.

Mikel LeShoure rushed 15 times for a career-high 122 yards for the Fighting Illini (1-6, 0-5 Big Ten). Illinois lost its fifth straight, and all have been by double digits.

Juice Williams started at quarterback despite Illini coach Ron Zook’s decision not to commit to him during the week. Williams completed 9 of 18 passes for 77 yards and ran 14 times for 38 yards.

The Boilermakers (3-5, 2-2) won back-to-back games for the first time this season. It was Purdue’s first turnover-free game this year.