CFB Week 6 picks: Should Illinois beat Purdue? Sure — but bet on it only if you dare

Perhaps there’s something about orange and blue that makes Purdue football teams forget their identities.

‘‘Boilermakers?’’ the Boilermakers say. ‘‘Never heard of ’em.’’

For whatever reasons, Illinois shows up and Purdue turns into the Indianapolis Colts. Or maybe it’s the other way around, and the Illini turn into an inferior version of themselves. (Insert Bears joke here.)

Remember the matchup last season, when the Illini survived 50-49 in overtime in Champaign? The Boilers deserved to win that game after storming back from a 27-3 deficit, a comeback that defied reason, considering they were awful enough to end the season 0-9 in the Big Ten and 1-11 overall. And yet it was on brand for the Cannon series, in which the Illini have — almost inexplicably — managed to lose 15 of the last 20 games. The staff at Harry’s Chocolate Shop would fare better against the Boilers than that.

‘‘To have [the Cannon trophy] in our hands right now, we’re obviously going to do everything we can to keep it,’’ Illinois coach Bret Bielema said.

Is that how No. 22 Illinois (-9½) at Purdue (11 a.m., BTN, 890-AM) will shake out, with the Illini (4-1) owning back-to-back victories in the series for the first time since 2001 and 2002?

I’m expecting a competitive game — or at least a non-blowout. Purdue’s quarterback, Ryan Browne, torched the Illini last season and has multiple 300-yard passing games this season. Browne and Illini QB Luke Altmyer each had a huge day against USC, though the Boilermakers (2-2) eventually let the Trojans pull away. Both defenses have been shredded by potent passing attacks.

One big difference: The Boilers are minus-five in turnovers; the Illini are plus-five.

But here’s another: The Illini are playing for the sixth week in a row, while the Boilers are coming off a bye.

First-year coach Barry Odom and his staff look at this as a winnable game, and they’re probably not wrong. If nothing else, it’s an oddly entertaining rivalry between schools merely 90 miles apart. Illini make it out alive 31-24, then spend the bus ride home wondering why it wasn’t easier.

Other Week 6 picks

All games are Saturday.

Boise State (+20½) at No. 21 Notre Dame (2:30 p.m., NBC 5, Peacock, 780-AM): The Broncos are ranked in the top 20 nationally in rushing and passing, so they should put up some points unless the Irish — coming off a near-flawless victory at Arkansas — truly are past their early-season struggles on defense. Saddled with two losses, the Irish have to treat every game as an audition for the playoff selection committee. Irish, 38-20.

UL Monroe (+11½) at Northwestern (2:30 p.m., BTN, 720-AM): Not trying to alarm you, Wildcats fans, but UL Monroe went to Alabama four weeks ago and lost by a mere 73 points. Look, it could happen to anybody. The truth is, the Warhawks are 3-0 outside of that unspeakable blowout and can be tricky if their running game is working. It’s their only hope because they can’t pass it a lick. Cats, 31-13.

No. 16 Vanderbilt (+10½) at No. 10 Alabama (2:30 p.m., ABC 7): It’s still true: Vanderbilt beat Alabama last season. Stunned the Tide. Humiliated the Tide. Caused fans of the Tide to set their crimson overalls ablaze and chuck their muck boots at the TV. Well, it’s revenge time, isn’t it? Raise a hand if you’re dumb enough to believe the Tide can’t lose to the unbeaten Commodores again. My hand is up. Tide by 14.

No. 3 Miami (-4½) at No. 18 Florida State (6:30 p.m., ABC 7): Doak Campbell Stadium will be dadgum up for grabs with the Hurricanes in the house and having the audacity to be favored against the Seminoles. If FSU gets the jump on the ’Canes, look out. I’ve got the visitors by a touchdown, though.

My favorite favorite: Clemson (-14) at North Carolina (11 a.m., ESPN): Clemson might be the most disappointing team to date, but it’s still a serious operation. What’s happening with Bill Belichick and UNC, on the other hand, is some kind of a twisted joke. Tigers in a blowout.

My favorite underdog: Florida (+6½) vs. No. 9 Texas (2:30 p.m., ESPN): Nothing about the Longhorns’ offense is frightening. The Gators have been messy, but they’re excellent on defense, and that’s enough to stay in this game at home. Matter of fact: Upset.

Last week: 5-3 straight up, 4-4 against the spread.

Season to date: 21-14, 16-19.