The Cradle's Overflowing

Sure, we have readers who think we're not paying attention to Purdue sports this summer. But, my pals at Comcast have been doing their best to derail the awesomeness that is BS. I haven't had a consistent internet OR phone, thanks to Comcrap in 10 days. So, between losing signal, I've been reading my sports updates on my iphone...and AT&T's fantastic service has allowed me to check the internet on my phone at speeds similar to my Net Zero dial up back in ought-ought.

Honestly, it couldn't happen at a better time as there isn't a ton going on around my favorite sports program. Sure, the yahoos are releasing their prognostications for this coming fall...and our Boilers are falling into their predictions of conference standings anywhere from the upper middle to the lower-third of the conference. All that's inconsequential.

But, getting a verbal from another solid QB is noteworthy. Granted, I'm not a big fan of slathering attention upon a kid who's not signed- so much can change between now and February (read as 'we need an early signing period for football')...but, Russell Bellomy has been a Purdue lean for a few months, so he seems like a pretty safe bet to come to Purdue (unless UT or another of their ilk decides to flutter their collective eyelashes at the Arlington, TX native).

The thing I'd like to look at is what this does to Purdue's stable.
If I was a betting man, which I'm not, I wouldn't put money on this happening as planned. Injuries, defections and position changes coaching changes and anything else can render this handy-dandy chart useless. Plus, I think Rob Henry will be playing another position as early as this fall...and will be a damned-good slot receiver by the time he leaves campus. But, once again, that's just an educated guess.

What we do know is that 18 and 19 year olds change their minds from time-to-time, so things can change. But we also, as a fanbase, should be very excited and pleased that a player with offers from MSU, Boise State and a ton of others thinks Purdue is the bestest of the bestest. I'd guess Bellomy will be a high-3 or low-4 star-rated recruit come mid-fall. But moreso, this kid is really smart, has a good arm, possibly better feet and plays against very good competition down in Texas...what's not to like?

What might be more interesting to note is Danny Hope's taste in quarterbacks. All five of those with the highest odds to become a starter in the next 5 years seem to be able to pass the ball well and run as the situation dictates. Run-first and pass-only QBs seem to need not apply. Plus, these types of QBs like what they see and hear from Hope and Nord.

My opinion of Hope's recruiting philosophy and results is "so-far, so-good". If the quality of players and speed of the team keeps trending the way it is, as Hope builds depth across the board, Purdue will be a team that people outside of the Purdue family won't be able to ignore.

Keep it up, Coach Hope!

You know how it is in November...Survive and advance.

Purdue fans soak up the pre-game atmosphere in St. Thomas

Purdue beat South Dakota State, 74-63. If I would have seen tonight's game, it might have reminded me of a few last season - Hummel got in early foul trouble and played less than 10 total minutes in the first half...and Purdue rebounded poorly. But, last season, Smooge didn't play this way too often.

I'd give you a link for EsPN's box score...but that doesn't exist. Sure, the BC and Tennessee games both received such a luxury...but they're both ranked higher than Purdue. Oh wait, they're not.

Then again, as a fan, what do we really need? TV- nah. Internet media coverage- nope. I can't wait until they put the muzzle on Cliz...it'll complete the media trifecta.

Smooge drives on a player from the sitcom University "State"

Moore finished with 22 points, 5 assists and 2 steals. Hummel and Johnson had 14 and 13 pts. respectively. Kramer had 5 assists while running the point...Smith hit a few shots off of the bench and Byrd had 6 rebounds...and Barlow played significant minutes. But, he made some Freshman mistakes in the closing minutes- silly foul, a turnover...he'll learn.

Purdue will play the upset-minded St. Joe's Hawks who beat BC by 4. On the other side of the bracket, Tennessee whipped ECU by 39 and scored 105.

After the game, Painter assured everyone that if Purdue played like they did tonight against St. Joe's, they'd lose.

This game seemed to be the type that I can remember Purdue teams losing in the past- poor free throw shooting, poor performances by multiple starters...overall sluggishness. But they didn't- that's good.

They played down to their competition- that's bad.
The really good news is they get to play in two days...this time hundreds will be able to watch as the game is on Fox College Sports in super-low definition. I actually have that because I pay an extra $7/mo, mainly for the NFL network through Comcast.

Have I told you how happy I am with the TV coverage Purdue's gotten this season?

Thanks again to all media outlets involved who have made all of this possible.