Devin Mockobee rushed for 126 yards and two touchdowns, including his first multi-score game of his career. Coach Barry Odom emphasized they need to be a running team, and Mockobee's performance in the Wildcat formation shows Purdue has found a reliable ground game that will be crucial against tougher opponents like USC next week.

While Purdue allowed 14 first-quarter points to an FCS opponent, the defense locked down afterward, limiting Southern Illinois to just a field goal over the final three quarters. The unit generated three sacks and seven tackles for loss, showing they can adjust and dominate after early struggles.

Coach Barry Odom became the first Purdue coach to start 2-0 since 1916, doubling last season's win total already. This early success provides crucial confidence and momentum heading into a major test against USC, showing the program's dramatic turnaround from last year's 1-11 disaster.

Purdue trailed an FCS opponent 14-7 in the first quarter, marking just the second time in school history they've trailed an FCS team. This slow start against a 22.5-point underdog raises questions about their readiness for Power 5 competition like USC next week.

Ryan Browne threw two touchdown passes to different receivers (Armad Branch and Nitro Tuttle), showing Purdue has multiple offensive threats. The combination of Browne's passing and Mockobee's rushing gives them versatility that will be tested against USC's likely superior defense.

After throwing a career-high four interceptions in his Northwestern debut loss to Tulane, Stone responded with 245 yards and 3 TDs on 21-of-29 passing against Western Illinois. His resilient performance and leadership suggest he's settling into the offense ahead of Big Ten play.

Northwestern scored 42 points and accumulated 526 total yards after managing just 3 points against Tulane. The offense found its rhythm with touchdowns on the first two possessions, indicating the unit may have solved early-season issues.

Leading rusher Cam Porter (91 yards, 1 TD) left the game with a lower-body injury in the third quarter and was on crutches post-game. His availability for the crucial matchup against #6 Oregon is uncertain, which could significantly impact Northwestern's ground game.

The Wildcats defense limited Western Illinois to 181 total yards and broke up eight passes with one interception. This defensive performance, while against a weaker opponent, shows potential improvement heading into Big Ten competition.

Northwestern hosts #6 Oregon in their Big Ten opener, representing a dramatic increase in competition level from Western Illinois. The Wildcats will need to prove their offensive resurgence and defensive improvements can translate against elite competition.