2010 Purdue Football: Game 12

As part of the BS football season preview at the end of August, we'd like the readers of BS to weigh in on the Boilermakers' chances in each of their games. Today, we discuss game 12.


For the first time in a while, the Big Ten season will extend at least through Thanksgiving, which is nice. As far as I can remember (and I'm too lazy to look it up), the Boilermakers haven't played a regular season game this late in the season (besides the 9/11-interrupted 2001 season) since they played IU on Thanksgiving in 1995.

The Boilers have owned the Hoosiers for most of their series, and recent history has been very kind to the men in black and gold. Since losing Jim Colletto's last bucket game in 1996, the Boilers have won all but two games -- a 13-7 loss at IU in 2001 and a 3-point loss that IU barely clung to in 2007. Otherwise, the last game of the season has been steamroller time, with the Boilers clearing 50 points four times since '96 and exceeding 60 points twice.

But you know all that. In fact, I'd have to say that with this game at home, there's absolutely no excuse -- no matter what kind of season they're having -- for our boys to not win this game by at least two to three touchdowns.

But hey, you tell us.

2010 Purdue Football: Game 11

As part of the BS football season preview at the end of August, we'd like the readers of BS to weigh in on the Boilermakers' chances in each of their games. Today, we discuss game 11.

Michigan State ended the Boilermakers' resurgence last year and snuffed out the flickering bowl hopes, though the 40-37 loss shows that the Boilers were quite close to overcoming a 1-5 start to make a bowl game. Let's hope the team remembers this and takes some grumpiness into East Lansing with them.

I have no idea how to handicap this one -- I thought MSU would be a lot better than they were last year. So I'm through trying to predict their outcomes. This year's game is on the road in front of a likely rowdy Spartan crowd. While they don't get much credit for being a tough road venue, the Spartan fans and students can make that place somewhat intimidating. Especially if this winds up being a night game in one of those cold November rains in Michigan. It will again be a late-season game that will likely heavily impact one or both teams' bowl positioning.

Whattya think?

2010 Purdue Football: Game 10

As part of the BS football season preview at the end of August, we'd like the readers of BS to weigh in on the Boilermakers' chances in each of their games. Today, we discuss game 10.


The Purdue-Michigan series has never been what you'd call a white-hot rivalry. But RichRod, Coach Hope and Roy Roundtree have combined to make things a lot more interesting recently. More eyes will be on the postgame handshake on November 13 than usual.

Michigan has owned the series for most of history, having won 41 of the 55 matchups, including 27 of 32 played in Ann Arbor. Purdue won at Michigan last year for the first time since 1966. And this year, the Boilers will be going for their third straight win over Michigan. You'll probably hear us ask a few times this year what B-dowd asked me not long ago: "Can Purdue really beat Michigan three straight times?" To a Purdue fan, that question sounds nutty, but there it is, ready for the taking. This year's game is in West Lafayette, the Boilers are possibly on a nice upswing, while Michigan hasn't looked good under RichRod, though we don't know at this point what 2010 will hold.

When was the last time Purdue won three straight over the Wolverines? Try four and a half decades ago, when Purdue won five straight (including the last four in a row AT Michigan -- nice scheduling, jerks). But still, it sure feels like it's possible, doesn't it? Especially is mailing in their season on a cold November Saturday.

2010 Purdue Football: Game 9

As part of the BS football season preview at the end of August, we'd like the readers of BS to weigh in on the Boilermakers' chances in each of their games. Today, we discuss game 9.

The most embarrassing moment of the 2009 season is not very difficult to pinpoint. No, it wasn't the loss to Northern Illinois, a team Purdue should have beaten. At least the Boilermakers competed in that game -- it was just a bad game and Northern Illinois was prepared. No, the worst moment was on the road against Wisconsin, a good team, but not a great team. Yet they were a team that absolutely bludgeoned Purdue, shutting out our boys and making them look like, as Boilerdowd put it, they were all on quaaludes.

The thing is, though, Purdue is kind of due against Wisky, if you believe in that sort of thing. The Boilers haven't beaten Wisconsin since before the '04 game that derailed the program. And with a few embarrassing beatdowns, I have to believe that if Coach Hope is going to circle some games -- even metaphorically -- this has got to be one of them.

Your thoughts?

2010 Purdue Football: Game 8

As part of the BS football season preview at the end of August, we'd like the readers of BS to weigh in on the Boilermakers' chances in each of their games. Today, we discuss game 8.

We'd make fun of Illinois a little bit here, but as detailed in the past, we're afraid of Ron Zook.

But seriously, Illinois is one of those really confusing teams....recruit well, have an up year, three down years, seriously underachieve, look like you've quit, yet have players fiercely loyal to their crazy coach. Actually, that's kind of the Ron Zook coaching theme -- bring in talent and then hope your emotion and intensity can win you the day. It rarely does, but that hasn't stopped spinoffs like Brewster up in Minnesota from taking the same approach. Problem with playing on emotion, of course, is that when you're 3-6 it's hard to be up for anything anymore.

Zook has got to be on thin ice at this point and desperately needs a good season. He's had losing seasons in four of his five seasons in Champagne, with the one non-loser being the Rose Bowl season of 2007. Yes, that buys you some cred and it should. But how much?

Last year's 3-9 squad lost by ten at Purdue and with all of us thinking Purdue should be a better team, it makes this game one of those sneaky-critical games. You have to beat teams like Illinois -- even on the road -- if you want to move towards that proverbial "next step." If you're not beating Illinois on the road, don't even bother getting on the bus for Columbus (never mind that OSU is the previous week -- just let me go, I'm rolling).

In fact, the Illini are riding a five game losing streak against the Boilermakers, with their last win over the Old Gold and Black coming in 2002.

So, readers, what say you?

2010 Purdue Football: Game 7

As part of the BS football season preview at the end of August, we'd like the readers of BS to weigh in on the Boilermakers' chances in each of their games. Today, we discuss game 7.

On October 23, the Boilers will face their toughest test yet. Best care scenario, they're 6-0, ranked, and being taken seriously. But regardless of whether that's the case or not, this game represents a lot. The Boilers getting shellacked in this game would destroy whatever amount of credibility they have built up to this point, be it of the 6-0 variety, the 4-2 variety or whatever. You can lose this game -- you just can't get embarrassingly pummeled.

The Boilers haven't won in Columbus since the '80s. And there's no doubt the Buckeyes remember who gave them their only Big Ten loss last year. Personally, I'm just hoping for a good showing and it's one of the few times I won't be disappointed this year by a loss. Sure, I'll be wishing for a win -- but I understand where these two programs stand right now. OSU has national title aspirations. Purdue is just trying not to aspirate. (See what I did there?)

And as though you need any more reasons to beat OSU, well, they deserve to lose everything after this nonsense.

What say you?

2010 Purdue Football: Game 6

As part of the BS football season preview at the end of August, we'd like the readers of BS to weigh in on the Boilermakers' chances in each of their games. Today, we discuss game 6.

The Boilers return home to play their fourth (out of the first six) game, this one against another team they lost to last year and never should have, the Minnesota Golden Gophers.

Tim Brewster has had a rough offseason and has been barely retained by his lukewarm AD. All indications are Brew needs a good year to save his job. Of course, winning on the road is one of the key ingredients of a good year. And for the Boilermakers, winning at home is an absolute must -- especially against lesser teams -- if you're going to build the program back into an upper-tier Big Ten program.

As noted, there will be plenty of motivational reminders available for the Boilers in most of their games this year. This one is no different.

2010 Purdue Football: Game 5

As part of the BS football season preview at the end of August, we'd like the readers of BS to weigh in on the Boilermakers' chances in each of their games. Today, we discuss game 5.

The Boilermakers begin Big Ten play on the road at Northwestern, in likely their only night game of the year. This one will be under the lights and on the Big Ten Network. I don't think this means anyone beyond Northwestern and Purdue fans will be watching, but still, worth noting. Of course, if the Boilers win at UND and then blow out their next three foes, the Boilermakers and Rob Marve could be getting some attention at this point. Which, in most years, is the perfect time for the banana peel. And Northwestern will be more than willing to eat our banana. Wait, what?

Last year, the Boilers blew a 21-3 lead at home in a gut-wrenching, inexcusable loss to a mediocre Cats team. It's time to return the favor. Let's hope the players remember.

2010 Purdue Football: Game 4

As part of the BS football season preview at the end of August, we'd like the readers of BS to weigh in on the Boilermakers' chances in each of their games. Today, we discuss game 4.

Last year, the Danny Hope Era got off to a rousing start with an ass-whupping of a Toledo team that probably wasn't as bad as they looked in West Lafayette. It's reasonable to think they might have just been out of their element against a Purdue team that was ready to impress their new coach.

Regardless, Toledo is a school Purdue should beat and there are few circumstances under which a loss would even be remotely acceptable. Again, this is not boastful talk -- the fact is, Purdue has the resources and the talent to simply be better. As we've discussed, Big Ten schools should never lost to MAC schools.

That said, the Boilers are only 3-2 all time against the Rockets. But in all three of those wins, the Boilermakers have cleared 50 points. Expect more of the same, in my opinion.

But what do you think?

2010 Purdue Football: Game 3

As part of the BS football season preview at the end of August, we'd like the readers of BS to weigh in on the Boilermakers' chances in each of their games. Today, we discuss game 3.

On September 18, Purdue plays their second intra-state game of the year, welcoming in old punching bag standby Ball State. Last year, the Cardinals went 2-10; the year before, 12-2. I'd say the Boilers are catching them at the right time.

The Boilermakers are 7-0 against Ball State in a rivalry that goes back to 1985. This was one of the first teams I saw Purdue play in person back in 1994. The team started out with wins of 51-17 against Toledo and 49-21 against Ball State. Mike Alstott looked amazing. I was hooked and thought, "Damn, this Coletto guy is an offensive genius!"

Yeah.

2010 Purdue Football: Game 2

As part of the BS football season preview at the end of August, we'd like the readers of BS to weigh in on the Boilermakers' chances in each of their games. Today, we discuss game 2.

There will be a distinct feeling to the season as the Boilers head into their second game on September 11 against Western Illinois. If the Boilers have pulled out a win in South Bend, there will be an air of optimism and excitement, to be sure. If they do what they always do in SB, it might be a bit more dour.

What better way to cure what ails your football team than by facing an FCS school that went 1-11 last year?

If the Boilers don't win this game by 30, there's something seriously wrong and we might as well pack it in. Seriously, this isn't blustery talk -- WIU should not present a challenge.

Just click on the Boilermakers as the winner and let's move along. Comment if you must.

2010 Purdue Football: Game 1

As part of the BS football season preview at the end of August, we'd like the readers of BS to weigh in on the Boilermakers' chances in each of their games. Today, we discuss game 1. 

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?

Not Bad For a Role Player

As has been pointed out before, a know-nothing clown who can barely bang out coherent sentences and yet still works as a journalist, once said that he wasn't impressed with Robbie Hummel and that he's likely be a "role player" and unlikely to get any serious minutes until maybe his junior or senior seasons.

Well, Role Player Rob has been selected as one of only 50 players from across the nation to earn a place on the Naismith Trophy 2009-10 preseason watch list.

The watch list was compiled by the club's Board of Selectors, which based its criteria on players' performances from the previous year and expectations for the 2009-10 season. The 50-player watch list featured 33 upperclassmen, including 19 seniors and 14 juniors.

Not bad for a guy not good enough to go to IU.

Another tidbit to share is the Rivals/Yahoo Big Ten "League Preview," which isn't all that long for a preview and doesn't talk much about Purdue at all, except to say they'll finish second in the league and that JaJuan Johnson and Robbie Hummel are first team, all-conference, and E'Twaun Moore is second-team, all-conference.

The BS Podcast -- Live and Interactive (Maybe)

We probably should have promoted this more, but the Boiled Sports Podcast for August is tonight at 11:30 PM, Eastern Time (10:30 Central). And, as we promised, we've improved the podcast and now want your participation. Instead of only being able to be downloaded and listened to later (and thus subjecting you to basically listening to a typical phone call between us), the new and improved BS podcast will be live, streaming and interactive thanks to the fine folks at blogtalkradio.

What does this mean? Well, it means that we not only want you to stay up late and listen to it live (where all our mistakes will be recorded for posterity), but we want you to call in and participate. Yes, you. The one who has a valuable opinion and some insight to share, but no where to share it. And don't get stage fright -- nobody's really listening anyway.

The official start time is 11:30 PM, Eastern. If you're a college student or an insomniac (or a drunk), this might be perfect. If you're in the central, mountain or pacific time zones, well, do the math. It's not hard.

So we'll start at 11:30 PM, EST, and then about 30 minutes in, we'll take calls. Don't call beforehand or you'll sit on hold. (Look at me, pretending we'll actually have anyone call in.)

Why call in? Because for one thing, you get to talk to us, and if that's not thrilling, we don't know what is. But also, we get to talk to you, and we actually want to. You've read some of our thoughts on the new football season, and then you'll hear our take on it some more at 11:30. And then at around 12, we'll want to know what your take is. You can riff on anything we've said or something completely unrelated. Just try to make it about Purdue football.

And finally, if you're willing to come give us a listen live, swing back this way at about that time (again, 11:30 PM, Eastern Time, for those of you with short attention spans) and there will be a player to click on. We'll also provide the dial-in number for ya. Because we lova ya.

Oh, and don't worry if you can't catch it live but are indeed interested -- it'll still be an on-demand podcast like usual. We're even going to be able to make it available via iTunes. I know, it's like we know what we're doing or something. Don't worry, we don't.

2008 Boiled Sports Season Preview (About Time)

Well, here we are, probably the last site to roll out our season preview for 2008. But hey, we haven’t missed anything yet since Purdue is finally just now getting around to playing a game. If you can count our opener against Northern Colorado as a “game.” (Sweet hey-soos, I hope we don’t lose.)

We’re not a site that overanalyzes things (yes, I’m sure you’ve noticed). If you want an overly-detailed breakdown of the Purdue season, go ahead and take a look at the detailed work over at OffTheTracks. Or read the mediocre-fest take from Varsity Blue.

From us you’re going to continue to get what you come here for and that’s our rambling, stream-of-consciousness thoughts on the team, life, boobies, and all sorts of things in between.
Here are the categories for the BS Season Preview:

Thoughts on Offense
Thoughts on Defense
Thoughts on Special Teams
Impact Players – Heralded Department
Impact Players – Unheralded Department
X-factors
Miscellaneous Thoughts
Predicted Record (including our own versus the readers)

So here we go.


Thoughts on Offense

Painter will likely have plenty of time to pass this season, and this o-line will – get this – actually create holes for the running game. However, this receiving group will struggle to hang on to all of the balls thrown their way, especially in the first half of the season. Look for Keith Smith to have serious impact very quickly...kind of a hybrid of Keller and Bryant last season. All of the receivers are big and strong this year...and unlike Bryant and Lymon, they all seem very willing to block and play hard every play. This should translate into a solid running game. With Jaycen Taylor out with a blown out knee Korey Sheets gets to show if he deserves the full load of a #1 back. He’ll get help from Frank Halliburton and maybe even former QB Justin Siller, but it’s essentially Sheets’ job to lose and we think he’ll thrive in the role.

Will Painter win the Heisman or even be in the discussion? Doubtful, but he should put up some more impressive numbers this season. The real question, as mentioned, is whether he can do it against the big boys in his final rodeo.

As an aside, I love the prevailing wisdom that’s currently out there about Curtis Painter. That being that he simply can’t win big games and simply never does. Well, nobody wins big games until they do. Remember how three years ago, Peyton Manning was considered a playoff choker who couldn’t win big games? That was the case… until it wasn’t. It was also the case with Eli Manning… until it wasn’t. And with Vince Young… until it wasn’t. And Drew frickin’ Brees…until it wasn’t. And on and on. So let’s see how young Curtis handles his senior season.

Thoughts on Defense

The defensive backfield should be unusually sound, especially for a Tiller team...same with the front four...and the LBs, who are typically strong for Tiller, will struggle due to a lack of depth. Look for Werner to play similarly to Laurinaitis @ aOSU – very high energy and with reckless abandon. Brock Spack could screw up anything, though, so you never know. But this defense looks fairly stout. However, we’ve been fooled before. When you’re known as an offensive team and your offense has trouble outscoring MAC teams, well, somethin’ ain’t right. (I’ll also never get the image of Indiana State putting up five TDs on us a few years back – sure, we scored 60 but it was a harbinger of things to come…Brock.)

Thoughts on Special Teams

Not much reason to worry about the kickoff return game because both Tardy and Sheets have returned kicks and done it quite well. What is worrisome, though, is the void Jaycen Taylor leaves on special teams coverage...that might be a concern. Summers will punt and kick well and we’re not worried about the kicking portion of special teams.

Impact Players – Heralded Department

Painter, Orton on offense, and Heygood & Magee on defense all have a chance to collect accolades at the end of the season... Magee will be the most noteworthy, nationally, at the end of the season. Again, Purdue seems to have a pipe dream of promoting Painter as a Heisman candidate. We don’t see it having any legs unless he just catches fire out of the gate and the Boilers start 5-0 or something. Not unpossible, but definitely unlikely.

Impact Players – Unheralded Department

Offensively, we like Smith and Adams quite a bit. Both will run safer routes than Orton, Curry or Whitest. We hope to see Smith and Tardy on the field together quite a bit. Defensively, Werner and Brown remind some of Koutivides and Ayodele, respectively. That wouldn’t be a bad surprise to have them live up to those impressions.

X-Factors

When people talk about x-factors, it always seems kind of silly. Because if you know what the “x factor” is, then it’s not an x-factor anymore, right? The very definition of an x-factor is something we haven’t factored in, right? Hello, is this thing on? *tap tap*

Anyway, to us, the biggest X factors on both defense and offense is how well the less-experienced players come along. Players like Tardy, Smith, Curry, Dierking and Halliburton will all play very important roles and haven't seen significant PT prior to '08.

On defense, similarly, Werner, Brown and McClean need to play like seasoned vets right away...and the backups may be even more important as we could see a significant drop-off in quality of play in the twos and threes...That translates to a worn-down team in the fourth quarter.

Miscellaneous Thoughts

We like kolaches. And ice cream. And pizza.

As for miscellaneous thoughts about the Purdue football team, we'd love to see Tiller get Jack's all-time wins record vs. Oregon...that could be a big momentum-builder for this team.The period of September 27 to October 11 can make a difference between a Jan. 1 bowl and another unimportant late December contest.

The schedule is designed perfectly for a run at a major bowl and a bunch of surprises for the national media and Purdue fans alike. Tiller compares this team to '97, and that is valid. No one saw that team coming, and no one has expectations for this group either. Just like in '97 there are a ton of players who are unknown that might turn out to be difference-makers.To us, an 8-win season is a successful final season for Tiller, 6 or 7 wins will remind Boiler faithful why we're all looking forward to Hope's era. That said, there are so many question marks for '09 (quarterback, depth, system) that we Purdue fans might want to savor this season because a bowl next year might be a long shot.

Predicted Record

The exercise in futility that so many people try to do each year. Of course, in college it’s usually a little easier than in, say, the NFL. But predicting Purdue is one of those painful experiences. It’s not difficult, and therein lies the sadness. You look at the schedule and you see some sure wins, some likely wins and some truly “winnable” close matchups. And yet, as a longtime Purdue fan, and as guys who have watched the entire Tiller Era with close, watchful eyes, we all know what a leap it is from “winnable” to actually winning. And even when we’ve seen them pull together a season where they win those tight games against quality opponents (see 2000 and Brees, Drew), they find a way to turn around and kick us in the nuts with a letdown loss to a subpar MSU team or something. It never seems to fail.

So what do we think? Well, here’s the thought process…

Best Case Scenario: 10-2

Don’t laugh. This would mean wins over Northern Colorado, ND, CMU, NW, Minny, MSU, Iowa and IU. All of those are games the Boilers should – wait, let me put more emphasis on that word – “should” win. Will they win them all? Of course not. But it’s not, like, ridiculous to think they should if they play to their potential. So that’s eight wins. Then you need two wins against: Oregon (at home), OSU (on the road), Michigan (at home) and PSU (at home). Could we see them beating, say, Oregon and Michigan? Or Michigan and PSU? Sure, we could. The only game I think we’ll all “put in Sharpie” as a loss is the contest in Columbus. This team hasn’t ever shown the mettle to win a game like that. So doesn’t that make “best case” 11-1, you say? No, we answer, because there’s zero chance the Boilers will win all those other games. Best case scenario includes a loss at OSU and a hiccup elsewhere along the way.

Worst Case Scenario: 6-6

Conversely, as bad as things can get for some teams, they can’t get worse than .500 for the Boilers. Sure, a lot of those teams have the potential to beat the Boilermakers, but we don’t think they will. This team has every reason to be focused – Tiller’s swan song, Painter’s senior season, a favorable schedule with most big games at home. Let’s hope Tiller has enough left in the tank to motivate this group for twelve games. But if he can’t, we see losses likely to: Oregon, Notre Dame, Penn State, OSU, Michigan and Iowa. ND and Iowa because they’re on the road and the Boilers don’t often fare well in either locale. The others because, well, if recent seasons are any indication, Purdue doesn’t beat anyone they’re not supposed to beat. And the stars say we’re not “supposed” to beat powers like PSU, Michigan, OSU and ranked Pac Ten teams.

Boiled Sports Official Prediction: 7-5

And so here we are, with our official prediction. And we’ll go with 7-5. And not because we think this team won’t do better – I think we all feel they can and should have 8-9 wins this year. There’s really no excuse not to beat PSU and Michigan at home this season. But we’ve just seen it all before and become believers again each September, only to see them perform at the same middling level they have for so long. Do we think Painter could bust out and be a wonderful surprise? Yes, we think it’s possible and not in one of those 2% possible ways.

Tim thinks 6-6 is likely, boilerdowd came in around 7-5 and I feel 8-4 is likely. So we’re taking the average. And we think it’ll be a fitting end for Tiller; ending his career in San Antonio at the Alamo Bowl.

Oh, and more importantly, the BS reader voting is in. And you all collectively think the Boilers are going 8-4 with the losses coming to Oregon, OSU, Michigan and MSU. We had hoped the homerism of a Purdue-themed site would bring about a predicted record of 12-0 so we could mock you, but thankfully you guys proved to be humble, reasonably-intelligent humanoids and not, you know, Sparty MSU readers. (Oh, snap!)

Some interesting stats to note in the voting…

Closest margin was the Oregon game, where Oregon was tapped as the winner by our readers with just a slim 51% margin.

The game the readers are most confident in? A victory over IU, with 94% of the vote.

Curiously, everyone seems sure we’ll crush Iowa on the road – to the tune of 89% confidence. Which is odd, especially considering only 66% think Purdue’s going to win tomorrow versus D-2 Northern Colorado.

Anyhow, the season is now upon us and it’s no longer necessary to kill time until football season with mindless antics like de-pantsing Terry Hutchens or interviewing other bloggers. The games are here and we’re off to the races.

Thanks for continuing to read and share your opinions. We love it and we’ll do our best to keep the content coming.

Boiler Up.