Rocket Predicto

That's not Erin Esurance riding a rocket...but looks enough like her to get the nod for this week's predicto

Next to New Mexico's loss to Oregon in week one, Toledo's game at home v. Arizona is right up there The 41-2 loss has put the Rockets in a tough place statistically: Dead last in the NCAA in total offense. Purdue's defense made strides forward last week as they had two interceptions and seem to be more-comfortable as a unit. If they take the next step, Toledo will never be in the game Saturday, regardless of the strides the offense makes. Here's what we think will happen:

Tim says:

Purdue is heavily favored. I just don't buy it. They play down to the level of their opponent. The running game is not impressive. The passing game is not impressive. With the exception of a handful of drives the offense has not gelled.

The most positive thing about this week is who they're playing. Toledo is less impressive in every category than Purdue, and that's saying something. If the secondary can shut down Eric Page then the game is over as he's the go to wide out for Toledo.

Hopefully we don't see another blah game, but I'm not counting on it.
Purdue 27 Toledo 17

J says:

What's a lot less potent than a "Rocket"? A bottle rocket? The Toledo Bottle Rockets? Maybe even less potent than that... the Toledo Stationary Objects? The Toledo Rocks?

Not trying to excessively disparage Toledo right now -- this is more about Purdue. And if Purdue ho-hums through another marginal performance, this time against the worst offense in Division 1 -- WORST OFFENSE IN DIVISION 1 -- then you are all right to be seriously concerned.

Keep in mind that Purdue definitely warmed up as the season went along last year and clearly, noticeably got a lot better as the season progressed. Even the losses in the second half of the season were not horrible defeats. Would we like it if the team came out of the gate strong? Of course. But think about college football in general... a lot of teams come out of the gates kind of sluggish. That's precisely why you schedule some delicious cupcakes early in the season.

B-dowd said he saw improvement last week from the previous week. That surprised me a bit, but I guess one could argue the first quarter was a good showing. Let's hope for 2-3 quarters of good showing this week and then we can say it's a step in the right direction.

I think there's absolutely no wayPurdue loses this game, but more because Toledo is so bad. And maybe if theBoilermakers find themselves behind at some point, well, maybe that will be a good thing because it will force them to open things up a bit more.
Purdue 23 Toledo 15

boilerdowd says:

The last three quarters of Purdue gave us no reason to believe our offense can do anything but sputter without Marve, Dierking and ATM. But, Marve will be playing and Dierking should be fine...I believe ATM is probable at this point. Regardless, the coaches are more-prepared for life without any normal healthy running backs, as are the players...and I think we'll see a more-consistant offense because of this.

Toledo is coming off of road wins versus Ohio and Western Michigan...so they have the bad taste from the Arizona game out of their mouths. Their turnover numbers might be a touch skewed as the Rockets' defense got fat off of a true Freshman who attempted 64 passes last week and ended with 4 interceptions...but causing 11 turnovers in three games is noteworthy.

Toledo's QB, Austin Dantin has completed 67% of his passes this season, but I have a feeling he's going to be nervous for much of the day in the pocket as 94 roughs him up early and often. Bonus blind guess: Kawaan Short gets his first pick of the season...a one-hander, perhaps?

Boilers roll, the offense finally clicks, and LBD sees his second victory of the year (thanks to BSer, Chad!). Is it wishful thinking to say Marve is going to have 300+yds. and 3 TDs? It might be at this point...but it feels so right, I don't wanna be wrong.

Purdue 37 Toledo 20

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