backup QB Brandon Kirsch in the final seconds to preserve a thrilling win for the Hawkeyes that dropped Purdue to 3–3. Amazingly clutch Iowa QB Brad Banks had just led the Hawkeyes on an 87-yard drive, culminating with a 4th down TD pass to TE Dallas Clark for what turned out to be the winning points. The Purdue passing game moved the ball well with 400+ passing yards combined between Kyle Orton and the freshman Kirsch, who replaced the injured Orton and rallied the Boilermakers from a 24–14 deficit with two 4th quarter TD drives before Banks' heroics. Ultimately, the Boilermakers were undone by big plays – two special teams miscues (blocked FG returned for TD, blocked punt returned for TD), and a 95-yard TD catch-and-run by Dallas Clark. Illinois After overcoming a 24–0 first half deficit, the Boilermakers fell to 3–4 in spectacular – and controversial – fashion in an exciting non-televised game. The Illini (2–5) built their lead by returning the opening kickoff for a TD, then getting an 83-yard run from Antoineo Harris (who narrowly avoided a safety on the play), getting a 47-yard TD run from Harris (23 carries, 195 yards) and finally a Dustin Ward TD pass to Brandon Lloyd. Freshman QB Brandon Kirsch relieved starting QB Kyle Orton for the second straight week with much success, rallying Purdue to a 31–24 lead in the 4th quarter. Redshirt freshman RB Brandon Jones was a big part of the rally as well with 127 rushing yards and a 36-yard TD catch. After Purdue's go-ahead score, Illinois mounted a long drive that came to a 4th and goal from the Purdue 1 yard line with 7 seconds left. Despite protest from the Purdue coaching staff, officials ruled Antoineo Harris had crossed the goal line for a tying TD with 3 seconds remaining. After downing a short squib kick, Kyle Orton re-entered to complete a "Hail Mary" pass to WR John Standeford, who made the catch near the end zone before being pushed back. Officials ruled him down at the 1 yard line (despite further protest from the Purdue coaching staff), sending the game into overtime. Illinois then won the game in OT, getting a TD catch from WR Greg Lewis, and then stopping Purdue at the 7 yard line on 4th down. Purdue compiled almost 600 yards of offense, and LB Niko Koutouvides had 14 tackles in