CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today) – Illinois football hosts Purdue on Saturday at 2:30 for possession of the Cannon Trophy. The Boilermakers have won four straight over the Fighting Illini, and Purdue holds a 40-30-2 advantage in Cannon Trophy games. The Cannon started in 1905 when a group of Purdue students took the weapon to Champaign in anticipation of firing it to celebrate a victory. Although Purdue did win the game 29-0, Illinois fan discovered the Cannon in its hiding place and confiscated it before the Purdue students could start their celebration. The rivalry stopped for a few years but was resumed in 1943 after a 12-year lapse.
Illinois Coach Bret Bielema emphasizes the team can’t get complacent this weekend. “I know Purdue has a 1-4 record, but we need to look at every opponent as a formidable one. We need momentum leading us into Michigan the following week.”