How nice that the Boilers get to be Brian Kelly's first opponent as coach of Notre Dame. Kicking off the season against Notre Dame is definitely going to feel weird. These two haven't started their seasons against one another since 1984. That game was a 23-21 Boilermaker victory, for whatever that's worth (nothing).
Brian Kelly is here to resurrect a program that has done nothing but underachieve in the past two decades. Sure, they've had some high rankings and they've made a couple of BCS games, but they've also been downright embarrassed in most of their bowl appearances and have been de-pantsed by USC for what feels like forever (eight consecutive, last UND win: 2001).
They've also had their share of losses to our Boilermakers, though of course they've still won more against our boys than they've lost. Last year was one of the more impressive blackouts we've seen by the Purdue fans and football program, even going so far as to black out the "PURDUE" written in the end zones. Of course, then they overdid it by using that look for the rest of the season.
As for the venue, the game is in South Bend, which to understate it, has been unkind to the Boilers in recent.... lifetimes. In the past 36 years, Purdue has won there ONE time. And that was the 2004 bludgeoning by Kyle Orton and company. And remember, that team looked like a world-beater and ultimately peaked in the top 5 in the country. Does this 2010 team have that kind of potential?
No cupcakes to start things out this year and get everyone some positive feelings and playing time. It's go-time on opening day.
Let us know in the comments what your analysis is for this game. Does Purdue have a chance? Should they be favored? Is a win in South Bend just a pipe dream at this point? Or does the rivalry (sorry, non-rivalry, if you ask UND fans) take a turn now? Perhaps the Boilers can own it for a while?
16 comments:
Notre Dame stadium is always a tough place to play, especially on opening day with a new QB, new secondary, and many new starters on the O-Line. I don't like our chances.
FOOTALL!!
Welcome back, guys. Now that the summer sports drought is winding down, I'm glad to see you’re back on your game. Excellent pair of posts...
As far as the season opener against ND, I think it's crucial for the Boilers to jump out to a lead early. Konwing that Marve and company can move the chains, and the revamped secondary is clicking will give the Boilers the confidence they need.
I don't see a blow out by either team, and I like the Boilers jumping out early and holding on to win 24-21.
I think this is Purdue's game to lose: meaning, the stupid mistakes teams make the beginning of the year could bite them. The only good thing is that this is UND's first game as well, so they will have the same problem. Maybe even more so with a new coach and system. Kelly's teams usually take a year or two before they start clicking, so this is the year to take advantage of them.
Notre Dame will be favored. Its at their place and they beat us last year and they're ND, so they'll be favored. As for the game, Notre Dame has tons of weapons, but Kelly's never been a defensive coach and ND's defense last year was mediocre at best. I expect a high scoring game, hopefully giving Marve a chance at a coming out party. This is the year to beat ND, before Kelly gets more time to build up the program his way and start winning (which I think he ultimately will). Dayne Crist throws 2 late interceptions and Purdue wins behind Marve's arm, 31-30.
It scares me that our fans are assuming our offense will be potent and put up big points from the get go... With so many new pieces (QB, RB, most of the o-line, a few WR), it is bound to take a few games for them to full synch up. While I don't think another 1-5 start will happen, I wouldn't be surprised to drop a couple in the early going again.
Nothing would make me happier than being wrong and starting the year by taking down the Irish, though.
Agree with Ryan, I think the expectations of the offense are unreal at this point. I see lots of frustration in the begining, with signs of brilliance from our O. I suspect the same from ND. The deciding factor in my mind is that Coach Hope has an entire year to get his team rolling under his coaching. I HOPE and feel that Purdue will win, but won't be suprised if we lose by 20.
It's worth noting that the 1984 contest was the first game played in the brand spankin' new Hoosier Dome in Indy.
Marve breaks onto the national stage in this game! Boiler up!
The last few games at South Bend have been gut-wrenching because of Purdue turnovers at horrible times. It seems to me that Marve is much better than Crist and will be the difference in the game. If Purdue has a clean game, they have a great chance to win. If they fumble more than twice, I have a hard time seeing Purdue win. Here's to strong Boilermaker hands!
Let's not forget that, like Marve, Crist was a top-5 player out of High School. The real question is how well the systems fit the quarterbacks.
I love that game 1 is meaningful right out of the box. I wish that were the case every season for several reasons.
1) Eliminate that false security that the team has time to get their act together. They do not. 2) If ever Purdue were going to make a BCS splash, it would require some doing...scheduling...beating good teams early in the season to get into the rankings....this is how a championship season begins- not against Northern Valley Ohioville U or whatever crap soft scheduling team(s) we usually kick off the season with.
Also, with the uncertainties that exist with this young squad, we should know something about this team right away.
Although I remember thinking last year when Ralph Bolden was tearing it up early in the season that Purdue football was back- and then I was sadly disappointed.
Duck the Fomers- Go Boilers!!!
I hate ND, but I have a tough time seeing us win this one. Too many unknowns across the board on both sides. Our run defense - has it improved enough to keep them from running roughshod over us? Our secondary - is it a weakness with upside or a train wreck? Our play on special teams - will Gibboney have the right adjustments dialed-in? Turnovers - first game, big stage...do we value the football?
I pray I'm wrong, but I see us losing this after too many first half mistakes.
Boilerdowd, Marve has almost a full season of college experience. Granted, it was the ACC, but that is still a world of difference from HS competition. You must admit that Marve has a decided advantage over Crist. Not to mention once Kerrigan drives Crist into the ground the first time, the freshman shouldn't be right for the rest of the game. An average Purdue team finds a way to lose this one. An above average team will find a way to win.
Crist played last season...he's not a Freshman. I like Marve a lot more for a lot of reasons- but that's just my opinion. I think the jury is out on both guys and how well they'll do next year and the season after.
Great point, Ben, on the feeling that "there's time" to get things in order.... completely agree.
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