The Illinois Fighting Illini face what looks like as close to a must-win game as is humanly possible against the Purdue Boilermakers this weekend in Champaign, Ill.

The Fighting Illini have dealt with injury problems in recent weeks and now must move forward without defensive coordinator Bobby Hauck, who resigned after a disastrous performance on the road against Ohio State.

Illinois is expected to beat the Boilermakers at home, but the game could be tougher than expected against a Purdue team in desperate need of a win.

Here are five Illinois players to watch as Bret Bielema's team looks to move to 3-2 on the season with a Week 5 win:

Houser has helped lead the Fighting Illini passing game to an average of 255 yards per game and he's done it without star transfer Jayshon Platt. Houser and the Fighting Illini will face a Purdue team that has given up 38, 52 and 49 points in three consecutive losses.

Houser might be tempted to gamble and take unnecessary risks against the Boilermakers based on their last few performances. He needs to make sure to play sound football and avoid the big mistake because turnovers look like the only way Illinois could possibly lose to Purdue.

Dixon has become a marked man after a string of strong performances to start the year that vaulted him to number one in the nation for receiving touchdowns after three weeks. He failed to score against Ohio State but should put up big numbers against Purdue.

Dixon needs help at the receiver position, but should get more of it in the near future amid Platt's injury recovery and Hudson Clement's breakout game in Week 4 against Ohio State.

Clement made the most of tight coverage on Dixon last week and led the Fighting Illini in receiving yards. Clement was MIA through much of the first three games, a surprising development considering how well he played last season.

If Clement can continue his strong play and Platt comes back to help Dixon out, the Fighting Illini passing offense could reach new levels in Big Ten play, something badly needed considering the poor state of its defense so far.

Feagin was solid as a running back for the Illinois but has been an invisible man for much of the season at tight end. The Fighting Illini need Feagin to become a weapon in its Houser-led offense for tougher games later in the season. This weekend is the perfect time for Feagin to show what he's learned in the passing game from tight ends coach Jared Elliot.

Scott's playmaking ability has been muffled because of a rough performance among Illinois' defense line and linebackers this season.

If Illinois can jump out to a sizable early lead on Purdue, Scott could become a major factor with pass break-ups and/or an interception or two. Scott is itching to show he belongs among a long line of NFL caliber Illini cornerbacks. He could have a big game against the Boilers as Illinois looks to stake its claim as a Big Ten contender again.