The bet im making states the team to represent the Big 10 in the BCS. Does anybody know the tiebreaker rule with this? With Purdue not playing Ohio St. or Michigan, if they tie with one or both of them in the Big 10 standings who goes to the BCS as the Big 10 representative? Is it the team that is higher in the BCS standings? Is that the next tiebreaker(after head-to-head) for a 2 way and 3 way tie?
Purdue 12-1 to win the Big Ten
- Thread starter txag
- Start date
Thanks Bluechip. Wow this bet looks even better now with Purdue most likely getting the tiebreaker agaisnt Ohio St. and Michigan. Anybody else think Purdue at 12-1 is good value here?
came across this preview:
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O.K. now this should be the year Purdue is one of college football's elite teams again. After starting out like a house of fire throwing up 189 points in the first four games, the wheels came off in the close games losing in brutal fashion in back to back to back to back weeks against Wisconsin, Michigan, Northwestern and Iowa. The season didn't end any better with a heart-ripping last second loss in the Sun Bowl to Arizona State. That's five games decided by 14 points. Five games, the team's only losses, that could've easily swung the other way. Who wins those types of close games? Veteran teams. Purdue has 41 returning lettermen and 20 returning starters including everyone back on defense. In other words, look out.
Even with the big personnel losses like quarterback Kyle Orton and top receiver Taylor Stubblefield there's hope for more explosiveness on offense with the exciting Brandon Kirsch finally getting his turn as the starting quarterback and a slew of talented receivers ready to make him look great. The defensive line is one of the best in the nation, and the back seven makes up for it's lack of all-around talent with heart and tackling ability.
So now the question is whether or not the team knows how to close the tight games. With the Big Ten looking as strong as ever from top to bottom, there won't be any room for inconsistency. This is the best team head coach Joe Tiller has had since Drew Brees led the way to the 2000 Rose Bowl. If you want your deep sleeper to get back to Pasadena, this is it because ....
The Schedule: There's no Ohio State or Michigan on the slate. Merry frickin' Christmas. The tough road trips are at Minnesota, Wisconsin and Penn State, and all are very winnable for a team as good as Purdue will be. Iowa will be the only real concern coming in a week after the high-profile Notre Dame showdown. Things couldn't close out any easier than against Illinois and at Indiana.
Best Offensive Player: Senior TE Charles Davis. While not the team's flashiest offensive player, the 6-6, 260-pound Davis is a fantastic all-around talent as a great blocker and great hands.
Best Defensive Player: Junior DE Ray Edwards. The 6-6, 270-pound junior is an NFL millionaire waiting his turn to step to the next level. He has too much quickness for a player of his size, and he's a rock against the run.
Key player to a successful season: Junior QB Brandon Kirsch. The junior is a high-energy playmaker who loves to improvise and makes things happen on the fly. That's not always a positive trait in this offense. While there are issues on the offensive line and in the pass defense, everything is in place for a huge season, but Kirsch has to be a star.
The season will be a success if ... Purdue wins the Big Ten title. Who knows when the Boilermakers will have this much experience again, and you don't miss the league's big two teams every year.
Key game: October 8th vs. Iowa. Let's put the pressure on; with a win over the loaded Hawkeyes, Purdue will win the Big Ten title. There are other landmines along the way, but Iowa is the biggest bad boy on the slate.
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O.K. now this should be the year Purdue is one of college football's elite teams again. After starting out like a house of fire throwing up 189 points in the first four games, the wheels came off in the close games losing in brutal fashion in back to back to back to back weeks against Wisconsin, Michigan, Northwestern and Iowa. The season didn't end any better with a heart-ripping last second loss in the Sun Bowl to Arizona State. That's five games decided by 14 points. Five games, the team's only losses, that could've easily swung the other way. Who wins those types of close games? Veteran teams. Purdue has 41 returning lettermen and 20 returning starters including everyone back on defense. In other words, look out.
Even with the big personnel losses like quarterback Kyle Orton and top receiver Taylor Stubblefield there's hope for more explosiveness on offense with the exciting Brandon Kirsch finally getting his turn as the starting quarterback and a slew of talented receivers ready to make him look great. The defensive line is one of the best in the nation, and the back seven makes up for it's lack of all-around talent with heart and tackling ability.
So now the question is whether or not the team knows how to close the tight games. With the Big Ten looking as strong as ever from top to bottom, there won't be any room for inconsistency. This is the best team head coach Joe Tiller has had since Drew Brees led the way to the 2000 Rose Bowl. If you want your deep sleeper to get back to Pasadena, this is it because ....
The Schedule: There's no Ohio State or Michigan on the slate. Merry frickin' Christmas. The tough road trips are at Minnesota, Wisconsin and Penn State, and all are very winnable for a team as good as Purdue will be. Iowa will be the only real concern coming in a week after the high-profile Notre Dame showdown. Things couldn't close out any easier than against Illinois and at Indiana.
Best Offensive Player: Senior TE Charles Davis. While not the team's flashiest offensive player, the 6-6, 260-pound Davis is a fantastic all-around talent as a great blocker and great hands.
Best Defensive Player: Junior DE Ray Edwards. The 6-6, 270-pound junior is an NFL millionaire waiting his turn to step to the next level. He has too much quickness for a player of his size, and he's a rock against the run.
Key player to a successful season: Junior QB Brandon Kirsch. The junior is a high-energy playmaker who loves to improvise and makes things happen on the fly. That's not always a positive trait in this offense. While there are issues on the offensive line and in the pass defense, everything is in place for a huge season, but Kirsch has to be a star.
The season will be a success if ... Purdue wins the Big Ten title. Who knows when the Boilermakers will have this much experience again, and you don't miss the league's big two teams every year.
Key game: October 8th vs. Iowa. Let's put the pressure on; with a win over the loaded Hawkeyes, Purdue will win the Big Ten title. There are other landmines along the way, but Iowa is the biggest bad boy on the slate.
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Purdue offense
Basically ... Considering the hot start and the nation's 13th best offense and 20th best scoring offense, the Purdue attack was a disappointment having problems with consistency along with an inability to come through in most of the big games. Seven starters return to an offense that has the potential to be far better despite the loss of QB Kyle Orton and top receiver Taylor Stubblefield. Brandon Kirsch takes over at quarterback and should add a bit more life and fire to the position. The receiving corps is loaded with rising star Dorien Bryant, 6-9 Kyle Ingraham and top tight end Charles Davis forming a dangerous trio. The backfield is experienced and good with redshirt freshman Kory Sheets pushing veteran Jerod Void and Brandon Jones. The line will be fine as long as there aren't any injuries to the starting five.
Star of the offense: Junior QB Brandon Kirsch
Player that has to step up and become a star: Kirsch
Unsung star on the rise: Redshirt freshman RB Kory Sheets
Best pro prospect: Junior WR Kyle Ingraham
Top three all-star candidates: 1) TE Charles Davis, 2) Ingraham, 3) WR Dorian Bryant
Strength of the offense: Wide receiver, running back
Weakness of the offense: Offensive line depth
Quarterbacks
As good as Kyle Orton was, many Boilermaker fans couldn't wait for Brandon Kirsch to get the full-time role. He's a fiery leader who's an exciting playmaker able to get the job done with his feet or his legs. He'll have to be able to consistently work within the system and trust his reads, but he'll make more big plays than bad ones. Curtis Painter is a fantastic prospect waiting in the wings who'll be almost certain to see a little bit of playing time this year.
Player to keep an eye on: Curtis Painter, RFr. ... Quarterback Rating: 7.5
Projected Starter
- Brandon Kirsch, Jr. - After backing up Kyle Orton the last two years, the 6-3 Kirsch finally has the starting job to himself. He has been a good, shot-in-the-arm fill-in with great mobility and an accurate arm throwing for 711 yards and seven touchdowns and finishing fourth on the team with 88 yards and a touchdown despite only playing in six games. He's more Drew Brees than Orton.
Top Backup
- Curtis Painter, RFr. - The 6-4 redshirt freshman has all the skills to become a superstar in the Purdue attack. He has a big arm and decent athleticism looking ready to start now if needed after a fantastic spring. He's a good one who has the coaches fired up for the future; he'll have to be ready considering Brandon Kirsch's reckless playing style.
Running Backs
Jerod Void and Brandon Jones are serviceable backs who'll easily combine for over 1,000 rushing yards and catch 40-45 passes, but they'll have to hold off hot-shot redshirt freshman Kory Sheets. Void has speed, but he hasn't used it much and isn't the big-time breakaway threat Sheets is. Jones is a hard-nosed power back and a great receiver. Purdue doesn't use a fullback, but Jones can fill the role.
Player to keep an eye on: Kory Sheets, RFr. ... Running back rating: 8
Projected Starters
- Jerod Void, Sr. - An underrated cog in the attack over the last few years leading the team with 625 yards last year after rushing for 952 yards. He has speed and at 6-2 and 212 pounds can be a power back, but he doesn't break off many big runs averaging a mere 3.9 yards per carry last season with his long only of 18 yards. He has a good nose for the goal line with 26 career touchdowns and has good hands as a receiver with 31 career grabs for 271 yards.
Top Backups
- Brandon Jones, Sr. - A 236-pound power back who's great at moving the chains, Jones has 1,431 career yards and eight touchdowns and is a terrific receiver with 42 career grabs for 553 yards and six touchdowns. He's tough to tackle and has the experience to carry the ground game when needed.
- Kory Sheets, RFr. - Sure to be the team's new rushing star, the 201-pound redshirt freshman has home-run speed that Jerod Void and Brandon Jones don't have and will be great at getting to the outside.
Receivers
Purdue lost the NCAA's all-time leader in receptions, Taylor Stubblefield, who caught 89 passes for 1,095 yards and 16 touchdowns. and will have an even better receiving corps. Dorien Bryant is on the verge of Big Ten stardom now that he's in a starting role, while 6-9 junior Kyle Ingraham appears ready for a huge season. Ray Williams is a steady veteran filling the third slot, but true freshmen Greg Orton and Selwyn Lymon will push hard for a starting spot. Brian Hare is one of the Big Ten's most dangerous deep threats, but he'll have a hard time seeing the field in more than a part-time role. Charles Davis should be the Big Ten's best tight end.
Player to keep an eye on: Dorien Bryant, Soph. ... Receiver rating: 9
Projected Starters
- Kyle Ingraham, Jr. - The 6-9, 228-pound junior has the size to pose matchup nightmares for most defensive backs, now he has the experience to be a good receiver. He finished second on the team with 51 catches for 624 yards and seven touchdowns, but he can do much more with good speed and excellent blocking skills. He has to stay healthy and has to be a steady target.
- Dorien Bryant, Soph. - One of the best receiver recruits Joe Tiller has ever been able to get to West Lafayette, Bryant showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman as one of the team's top deep threats averaging 15.4 yards per catch finishing third on the team with 38 grabs for 584 yards. He isn't the biggest receiver, but he's hardly small at 5-10 and 175 pounds. He's a blur on the outside and should have a huge year.
- Ray Williams, Sr. - Williams hasn't lived up to his potential, but he has the 6-2 size and the speed to become a superstar in a full-time starting role. he caught 14 passes for 146 yards last year and will have to battle the great true freshmen coming in, but he has too much experience and too much speed to keep on the bench.
- Tight end Charles Davis, Sr. - Known more last year for his ankle-injuring block on Wisconsin DE Erasmus James than for being a great player, Davis should change all that as, perhaps, the Big Ten's best tight end. He's 6-6 and 260 pounds with great hands and fantastic athleticism as a member of the Boilermaker basketball team. He caught 34 passes for 416 yards and three touchdowns averaging 12.2 yards per grab.
Top Backups
- Andre Chattams, Jr. - Chattams will have to battle the freshman recruits for playing time after being a decent backup and spot starter over the last few years. He caught five passes for 37 yards last season and will start out behind Dorien Bryant in Taylor Stubblefield's old spot.
- Brian Hare, Sr. - The JUCO recruit paid immediate dividends averaging a team best 26 yards per catch on 13 grabs for 338 yards with three touchdowns highlighted by an 80-yard touchdown catch against Arizona State in the Sun Bowl. He has good size at 6-3 and great deep speed playing behind Kyle Ingraham.
- Greg Orton, Fr. - The 6-4 recruit (no relation to Kyle Orton) is tough and strong with good hands and route running ability. He's expected to challenge for a number two spot right away this fall and could even push Ray Williams for time.
- Selwyn Lymon, Fr. - Yet another big receiver, the 6-5 freshman is a dangerous all-around threat rushing and passing for over 1,000 yards as a senior after averaging 24 yards per catch, with 13 touchdowns, as a junior.
- Tight End Dustin Keller, Soph. - The former wide receiver has hit the weight room hard getting up to 245 pounds to handle the work as the backup tight end. He's a phenomenal athlete and a good deep receiver averaging 20.4 yards per catch last season on five grabs for 102 yards with two touchdowns.
Offensive Line
The line allowed 31 sacks last year and was good, but not great, in the running game. It should be a more physical line with Mike Otto looking like the pounding blocker he was as a freshman rather than the inconsistent sophomore he was last year. The emergence of bulldozer Jordan Grimes on the right side should help the running game. Left guard Uche Nwaneri will be better than he was last year when he was learning on the fly, and Matt Turner will be one of the Big Ten's most consistent centers. As far as the depth, it'll be a work in progress needing several of the top prospects to get healthy.
Player to keep an eye on: Jordan Grimes, Soph. ... Offensive line rating: 7.5
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Basically ... Considering the hot start and the nation's 13th best offense and 20th best scoring offense, the Purdue attack was a disappointment having problems with consistency along with an inability to come through in most of the big games. Seven starters return to an offense that has the potential to be far better despite the loss of QB Kyle Orton and top receiver Taylor Stubblefield. Brandon Kirsch takes over at quarterback and should add a bit more life and fire to the position. The receiving corps is loaded with rising star Dorien Bryant, 6-9 Kyle Ingraham and top tight end Charles Davis forming a dangerous trio. The backfield is experienced and good with redshirt freshman Kory Sheets pushing veteran Jerod Void and Brandon Jones. The line will be fine as long as there aren't any injuries to the starting five.
Star of the offense: Junior QB Brandon Kirsch
Player that has to step up and become a star: Kirsch
Unsung star on the rise: Redshirt freshman RB Kory Sheets
Best pro prospect: Junior WR Kyle Ingraham
Top three all-star candidates: 1) TE Charles Davis, 2) Ingraham, 3) WR Dorian Bryant
Strength of the offense: Wide receiver, running back
Weakness of the offense: Offensive line depth
Quarterbacks
As good as Kyle Orton was, many Boilermaker fans couldn't wait for Brandon Kirsch to get the full-time role. He's a fiery leader who's an exciting playmaker able to get the job done with his feet or his legs. He'll have to be able to consistently work within the system and trust his reads, but he'll make more big plays than bad ones. Curtis Painter is a fantastic prospect waiting in the wings who'll be almost certain to see a little bit of playing time this year.
Player to keep an eye on: Curtis Painter, RFr. ... Quarterback Rating: 7.5
Projected Starter
- Brandon Kirsch, Jr. - After backing up Kyle Orton the last two years, the 6-3 Kirsch finally has the starting job to himself. He has been a good, shot-in-the-arm fill-in with great mobility and an accurate arm throwing for 711 yards and seven touchdowns and finishing fourth on the team with 88 yards and a touchdown despite only playing in six games. He's more Drew Brees than Orton.
Top Backup
- Curtis Painter, RFr. - The 6-4 redshirt freshman has all the skills to become a superstar in the Purdue attack. He has a big arm and decent athleticism looking ready to start now if needed after a fantastic spring. He's a good one who has the coaches fired up for the future; he'll have to be ready considering Brandon Kirsch's reckless playing style.
Running Backs
Jerod Void and Brandon Jones are serviceable backs who'll easily combine for over 1,000 rushing yards and catch 40-45 passes, but they'll have to hold off hot-shot redshirt freshman Kory Sheets. Void has speed, but he hasn't used it much and isn't the big-time breakaway threat Sheets is. Jones is a hard-nosed power back and a great receiver. Purdue doesn't use a fullback, but Jones can fill the role.
Player to keep an eye on: Kory Sheets, RFr. ... Running back rating: 8
Projected Starters
- Jerod Void, Sr. - An underrated cog in the attack over the last few years leading the team with 625 yards last year after rushing for 952 yards. He has speed and at 6-2 and 212 pounds can be a power back, but he doesn't break off many big runs averaging a mere 3.9 yards per carry last season with his long only of 18 yards. He has a good nose for the goal line with 26 career touchdowns and has good hands as a receiver with 31 career grabs for 271 yards.
Top Backups
- Brandon Jones, Sr. - A 236-pound power back who's great at moving the chains, Jones has 1,431 career yards and eight touchdowns and is a terrific receiver with 42 career grabs for 553 yards and six touchdowns. He's tough to tackle and has the experience to carry the ground game when needed.
- Kory Sheets, RFr. - Sure to be the team's new rushing star, the 201-pound redshirt freshman has home-run speed that Jerod Void and Brandon Jones don't have and will be great at getting to the outside.
Receivers
Purdue lost the NCAA's all-time leader in receptions, Taylor Stubblefield, who caught 89 passes for 1,095 yards and 16 touchdowns. and will have an even better receiving corps. Dorien Bryant is on the verge of Big Ten stardom now that he's in a starting role, while 6-9 junior Kyle Ingraham appears ready for a huge season. Ray Williams is a steady veteran filling the third slot, but true freshmen Greg Orton and Selwyn Lymon will push hard for a starting spot. Brian Hare is one of the Big Ten's most dangerous deep threats, but he'll have a hard time seeing the field in more than a part-time role. Charles Davis should be the Big Ten's best tight end.
Player to keep an eye on: Dorien Bryant, Soph. ... Receiver rating: 9
Projected Starters
- Kyle Ingraham, Jr. - The 6-9, 228-pound junior has the size to pose matchup nightmares for most defensive backs, now he has the experience to be a good receiver. He finished second on the team with 51 catches for 624 yards and seven touchdowns, but he can do much more with good speed and excellent blocking skills. He has to stay healthy and has to be a steady target.
- Dorien Bryant, Soph. - One of the best receiver recruits Joe Tiller has ever been able to get to West Lafayette, Bryant showed flashes of brilliance as a freshman as one of the team's top deep threats averaging 15.4 yards per catch finishing third on the team with 38 grabs for 584 yards. He isn't the biggest receiver, but he's hardly small at 5-10 and 175 pounds. He's a blur on the outside and should have a huge year.
- Ray Williams, Sr. - Williams hasn't lived up to his potential, but he has the 6-2 size and the speed to become a superstar in a full-time starting role. he caught 14 passes for 146 yards last year and will have to battle the great true freshmen coming in, but he has too much experience and too much speed to keep on the bench.
- Tight end Charles Davis, Sr. - Known more last year for his ankle-injuring block on Wisconsin DE Erasmus James than for being a great player, Davis should change all that as, perhaps, the Big Ten's best tight end. He's 6-6 and 260 pounds with great hands and fantastic athleticism as a member of the Boilermaker basketball team. He caught 34 passes for 416 yards and three touchdowns averaging 12.2 yards per grab.
Top Backups
- Andre Chattams, Jr. - Chattams will have to battle the freshman recruits for playing time after being a decent backup and spot starter over the last few years. He caught five passes for 37 yards last season and will start out behind Dorien Bryant in Taylor Stubblefield's old spot.
- Brian Hare, Sr. - The JUCO recruit paid immediate dividends averaging a team best 26 yards per catch on 13 grabs for 338 yards with three touchdowns highlighted by an 80-yard touchdown catch against Arizona State in the Sun Bowl. He has good size at 6-3 and great deep speed playing behind Kyle Ingraham.
- Greg Orton, Fr. - The 6-4 recruit (no relation to Kyle Orton) is tough and strong with good hands and route running ability. He's expected to challenge for a number two spot right away this fall and could even push Ray Williams for time.
- Selwyn Lymon, Fr. - Yet another big receiver, the 6-5 freshman is a dangerous all-around threat rushing and passing for over 1,000 yards as a senior after averaging 24 yards per catch, with 13 touchdowns, as a junior.
- Tight End Dustin Keller, Soph. - The former wide receiver has hit the weight room hard getting up to 245 pounds to handle the work as the backup tight end. He's a phenomenal athlete and a good deep receiver averaging 20.4 yards per catch last season on five grabs for 102 yards with two touchdowns.
Offensive Line
The line allowed 31 sacks last year and was good, but not great, in the running game. It should be a more physical line with Mike Otto looking like the pounding blocker he was as a freshman rather than the inconsistent sophomore he was last year. The emergence of bulldozer Jordan Grimes on the right side should help the running game. Left guard Uche Nwaneri will be better than he was last year when he was learning on the fly, and Matt Turner will be one of the Big Ten's most consistent centers. As far as the depth, it'll be a work in progress needing several of the top prospects to get healthy.
Player to keep an eye on: Jordan Grimes, Soph. ... Offensive line rating: 7.5
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Projected Starters
- Tackle Mike Otto, Jr. - Otto looked like a sure All-American-to-be after his freshman year as a great all-around season, and then he lost something off his fast ball struggling at times in pass protection and not looking nearly as physical as he did in 2003. He appears to be back to form; the 6-5, 292-pound junior with 25 games of starting experience should be strong on the left side.
- Guard Uche Nwaneri, Jr. - Nwaneri moved over from the defensive line and had an average first season starting every game at left guard. He's stronger now and in better shape, so the 313-pounder should be in for a better year.
- Center Matt Turner, Sr. - The leader of the line, the 6-3, 290-pound senior has seen time at guard and center playing well in his new role in the middle last year. He's a tenacious blocker who's the quarterback up front.
- Guard Jordan Grimes, Soph. - Many Purdue linemen get the tag of being finesse blockers; not Grimes. One of the team's strongest players, the 6-3, 313-pound sophomore is a dominant run blocker and will quickly become the go-to man to run behind for tough yards.
- Tackle Sean Sester, RFr. - The 6-8, 282-pound redshirt freshman has room to add another 15-20 pounds of muscle without being too bulky. He's a good athlete and should be a fine pass protector right away on the right side.
Top Backups
- T Garret Miller, RFr. - One of the team's best young lineman prospects, the 6-8, 263-pound Miller is a tall, lean ball of energy, but he has to add more bulk and has to get healthy after suffering a dislocated patella late last year. He'll play behind Sean Sester on the right side.
- C Zach Smith, RFr. - The starter at center in 2006, the 6-4, 285-pound understudy behind Matt Turner has excellent talent and is strong enough to play now, but he's trying to get back on the field after suffering a knee injury.
- Tackle Mike Otto, Jr. - Otto looked like a sure All-American-to-be after his freshman year as a great all-around season, and then he lost something off his fast ball struggling at times in pass protection and not looking nearly as physical as he did in 2003. He appears to be back to form; the 6-5, 292-pound junior with 25 games of starting experience should be strong on the left side.
- Guard Uche Nwaneri, Jr. - Nwaneri moved over from the defensive line and had an average first season starting every game at left guard. He's stronger now and in better shape, so the 313-pounder should be in for a better year.
- Center Matt Turner, Sr. - The leader of the line, the 6-3, 290-pound senior has seen time at guard and center playing well in his new role in the middle last year. He's a tenacious blocker who's the quarterback up front.
- Guard Jordan Grimes, Soph. - Many Purdue linemen get the tag of being finesse blockers; not Grimes. One of the team's strongest players, the 6-3, 313-pound sophomore is a dominant run blocker and will quickly become the go-to man to run behind for tough yards.
- Tackle Sean Sester, RFr. - The 6-8, 282-pound redshirt freshman has room to add another 15-20 pounds of muscle without being too bulky. He's a good athlete and should be a fine pass protector right away on the right side.
Top Backups
- T Garret Miller, RFr. - One of the team's best young lineman prospects, the 6-8, 263-pound Miller is a tall, lean ball of energy, but he has to add more bulk and has to get healthy after suffering a dislocated patella late last year. He'll play behind Sean Sester on the right side.
- C Zach Smith, RFr. - The starter at center in 2006, the 6-4, 285-pound understudy behind Matt Turner has excellent talent and is strong enough to play now, but he's trying to get back on the field after suffering a knee injury.
Purdue defense
Basically ... All eleven starters return to the nation's 40th ranked defense. Outside of a few hiccups, it was a consistent group finishing 17th in the nation in scoring defense allowing a mere 17.17 points per game. So why is it hard to get too excited about this group? The line is one of the best in the nation with the best ends (Ray Edwards, Anthony Spencer and Rob Ninkovich), that you've never heard of. The back seven is full of hard-hitting veterans, but there are few star playmakers and there should once again be problems against the better passing teams.
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Star of the defense: Junior DE Ray Edwards
Player that has to step up and become a star: Sophomore CB Paul Long
Unsung star on the rise: Freshman LB Kyle Williams
Best pro prospect: Edwards
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Edwards, 2) DE Anthony Spencer, 3) LB George Hall
Strength of the defense: Defensive line
Weakness of the defense: Pass coverage
Defensive Line
Where's the weakness? Ray Edwards and Anthony Spencer are first day NFL draft picks, if not top 60 selections, and Brent Grover and Brandon Villarreal are tough-as-nails veterans in the middle. To nitpick, there could be more size among the backup tackles, but that's reaching. Backup end Rob Ninkovich would be starting for almost any other Big Ten team. The line alone should account for at least thirty sacks.
Player to keep an eye on: DT Ryan Baker, RFr. ... Defensive Line rating: 10
Projected Starters
- DE Anthony Spencer, Jr. - 33 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 8 tackles for loss ... While not quite the prospect that Ray Edwards is on the other side, the 6-3, 263-pound Spencer is a high-motor pass rusher and a brick wall against the run. He'll be devastating all year long when matched up one on one with most tackles.
- DT Brandon Villarreal, Sr. - 50 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss ... A serviceable veteran against the run, the 6-2, 289-pound senior is fantastic at getting into the backfield using his speed and quickness to crank out 26.5 career tackles for loss. He got stronger in the off-season and should be more of a factor in the run defense.
- DT Brent Grover, Sr. - 41 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 8 broken up passes ... The 6-3, 303-pound senior is the space eater in the middle and great at batting down passes. He has 34 career starters and will be the anchor of the veteran line.
- DE Ray Edwards, Jr. - 45 tackles, 8 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 4 broken up passes ... The prototype NFL defensive end, Edwards is 6-6, 270 pounds and speedy. He's strong enough to be like a third tackle against the run, and quick enough off the edge to be one of the Big Ten's most dangerous pass rushers.
Top Backups
- DE Rob Ninkovich, Sr. - 23 tackles, 8 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss ... The Big Ten's best backup pass rusher, Ninkovich came over from the JUCO ranks following up a 95 tackle, 16 sack season at Joliet JC and tore it up as a reserve behind Ray Edwards. He isn't the run stopper that Edwards is, but he's a better speed rusher.
- DT Ryan Baker, RFr. - A fantastic prospect playing behind Brent Grover, Baker is 6-6, 267 pounds and has a non-stop motor. He sat out almost all of last year with an arm injury, but he's 100% and ready to be a part of the rotation inside.
- DE Eugene Bright, Soph. - 13 tackles, 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss ... Bright is a great athlete and a quality reserve playing behind Anthony Spencer. He's a potential sack artist who can step in if necessary and be a top producer.
Linebackers
This is a good group of veterans, but it's not a star-studded corps. However, things are far better than last year when linebacker was a major question mark. George Hall is a tenacious defender in the middle and one of the league's hardest workers. Stanford Kegler and Bobby Iwuchukwu are serviceable talents on the outside. The top talents are waiting in the wings with Kyle Williams and Cliff Avril fantastic young prospects who'll demand to get meaningful playing time.
Player to keep an eye on: Kyle Williams, Fr. ... Linebacker rating: 7.5
Projected Starters
- Stanford Keglar, Soph. - 61 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 interception ... Still a bit of a work in progress, the 6-2, 227-pound sophomore has gotten by on his speed, smarts and athleticism. He finished fourth on the team in tackles starting every game on the weakside. He should be more of a playmaker now that he knows what he's doing.
- George Hall, Jr. - 92 tackles, 1 sack, 6 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 4 broken up passes ... The 6-2, 250-pound junior has great range and a non-stop motor in the middle finishing second on the team in tackles. He's a hard hitter who's not afraid to mix it up against the run, and has the quickness to be strong in pass coverage.
- Bobby Iwuchukwu, Sr. - 40 tackles, 4 tackles for loss ... Coming back from a knee injury that sidelined him for the final four games, the 246-pound Iwuchukwu will return this fall as a steady veteran on the strongside. He's great at the point of attack and doesn't need space to make plays.
Top Backups
- Kyle Williams, Fr. - It's a question of when, not if Williams becomes an All-Big Ten force. After originally signing with Iowa, "Bonecrusher" had problems with his academic standing and transferred. Everything worked out this spring getting the all-clear on his eligibility. He's only 206 pounds, but he can fly playing behind Stanford Keglar on the weakside.
- Cliff Avril, Soph. - 36 tackles, 3 tackles for loss ... The 6-3, 231-pound Avril saw plenty of work last year on the strongside when Bobby Iwuchukwu went down. He's a big, strong run defender with enough talent to step into the starting role again without missing a beat.
Basically ... All eleven starters return to the nation's 40th ranked defense. Outside of a few hiccups, it was a consistent group finishing 17th in the nation in scoring defense allowing a mere 17.17 points per game. So why is it hard to get too excited about this group? The line is one of the best in the nation with the best ends (Ray Edwards, Anthony Spencer and Rob Ninkovich), that you've never heard of. The back seven is full of hard-hitting veterans, but there are few star playmakers and there should once again be problems against the better passing teams.
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Star of the defense: Junior DE Ray Edwards
Player that has to step up and become a star: Sophomore CB Paul Long
Unsung star on the rise: Freshman LB Kyle Williams
Best pro prospect: Edwards
Top three all-star candidates: 1) Edwards, 2) DE Anthony Spencer, 3) LB George Hall
Strength of the defense: Defensive line
Weakness of the defense: Pass coverage
Defensive Line
Where's the weakness? Ray Edwards and Anthony Spencer are first day NFL draft picks, if not top 60 selections, and Brent Grover and Brandon Villarreal are tough-as-nails veterans in the middle. To nitpick, there could be more size among the backup tackles, but that's reaching. Backup end Rob Ninkovich would be starting for almost any other Big Ten team. The line alone should account for at least thirty sacks.
Player to keep an eye on: DT Ryan Baker, RFr. ... Defensive Line rating: 10
Projected Starters
- DE Anthony Spencer, Jr. - 33 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 8 tackles for loss ... While not quite the prospect that Ray Edwards is on the other side, the 6-3, 263-pound Spencer is a high-motor pass rusher and a brick wall against the run. He'll be devastating all year long when matched up one on one with most tackles.
- DT Brandon Villarreal, Sr. - 50 tackles, 5.5 sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss ... A serviceable veteran against the run, the 6-2, 289-pound senior is fantastic at getting into the backfield using his speed and quickness to crank out 26.5 career tackles for loss. He got stronger in the off-season and should be more of a factor in the run defense.
- DT Brent Grover, Sr. - 41 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, 8 broken up passes ... The 6-3, 303-pound senior is the space eater in the middle and great at batting down passes. He has 34 career starters and will be the anchor of the veteran line.
- DE Ray Edwards, Jr. - 45 tackles, 8 sacks, 11 tackles for loss, 4 broken up passes ... The prototype NFL defensive end, Edwards is 6-6, 270 pounds and speedy. He's strong enough to be like a third tackle against the run, and quick enough off the edge to be one of the Big Ten's most dangerous pass rushers.
Top Backups
- DE Rob Ninkovich, Sr. - 23 tackles, 8 sacks, 9.5 tackles for loss ... The Big Ten's best backup pass rusher, Ninkovich came over from the JUCO ranks following up a 95 tackle, 16 sack season at Joliet JC and tore it up as a reserve behind Ray Edwards. He isn't the run stopper that Edwards is, but he's a better speed rusher.
- DT Ryan Baker, RFr. - A fantastic prospect playing behind Brent Grover, Baker is 6-6, 267 pounds and has a non-stop motor. He sat out almost all of last year with an arm injury, but he's 100% and ready to be a part of the rotation inside.
- DE Eugene Bright, Soph. - 13 tackles, 1 sack, 3 tackles for loss ... Bright is a great athlete and a quality reserve playing behind Anthony Spencer. He's a potential sack artist who can step in if necessary and be a top producer.
Linebackers
This is a good group of veterans, but it's not a star-studded corps. However, things are far better than last year when linebacker was a major question mark. George Hall is a tenacious defender in the middle and one of the league's hardest workers. Stanford Kegler and Bobby Iwuchukwu are serviceable talents on the outside. The top talents are waiting in the wings with Kyle Williams and Cliff Avril fantastic young prospects who'll demand to get meaningful playing time.
Player to keep an eye on: Kyle Williams, Fr. ... Linebacker rating: 7.5
Projected Starters
- Stanford Keglar, Soph. - 61 tackles, 4 tackles for loss, 1 interception ... Still a bit of a work in progress, the 6-2, 227-pound sophomore has gotten by on his speed, smarts and athleticism. He finished fourth on the team in tackles starting every game on the weakside. He should be more of a playmaker now that he knows what he's doing.
- George Hall, Jr. - 92 tackles, 1 sack, 6 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 4 broken up passes ... The 6-2, 250-pound junior has great range and a non-stop motor in the middle finishing second on the team in tackles. He's a hard hitter who's not afraid to mix it up against the run, and has the quickness to be strong in pass coverage.
- Bobby Iwuchukwu, Sr. - 40 tackles, 4 tackles for loss ... Coming back from a knee injury that sidelined him for the final four games, the 246-pound Iwuchukwu will return this fall as a steady veteran on the strongside. He's great at the point of attack and doesn't need space to make plays.
Top Backups
- Kyle Williams, Fr. - It's a question of when, not if Williams becomes an All-Big Ten force. After originally signing with Iowa, "Bonecrusher" had problems with his academic standing and transferred. Everything worked out this spring getting the all-clear on his eligibility. He's only 206 pounds, but he can fly playing behind Stanford Keglar on the weakside.
- Cliff Avril, Soph. - 36 tackles, 3 tackles for loss ... The 6-3, 231-pound Avril saw plenty of work last year on the strongside when Bobby Iwuchukwu went down. He's a big, strong run defender with enough talent to step into the starting role again without missing a beat.
Defensive Backs
Purdue gave up way too many big plays allowing 240 yards per game and 15 touchdown passes and despite a ton of returning experience, there likely won't be much of an improvement unless young players like Torri Williams and Fabian Martin get into the mix right away. On the positive side, this is a physical secondary that can tackle with hard-hitting safeties and big corners that will be strong against the run.
Player to keep an eye on: FS Torri Williams, Soph. ... Secondary rating: 6.5
Projected Starters
- CB Paul Long, Soph. - 23 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 4 broken up passes ... Long started for most of last year in place of injured Antuan Rogers. While he struggled a bit learning on the fly and is more of a safety playing corner, the 6-2, 193-pound sophomore is a good athlete and is physical enough to handle most of the bigger receivers.
- FS Kyle Smith, Sr. - 76 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3 broken up passes ... Smith is a good veteran and tough against the run, but he's nothing special when the ball is in the air. At 6-4 and 216 pounds, he's big providing a huge pop and always seems to be around the ball.
- SS Bernard Pollard, Jr. - 96 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 3 tackles for loss, 5 broken up passes ... The team's leading tackler last year, the 6-2, 226-pound junior is like a fourth linebacker against the run. Unfortunately, he's often like a fourth linebacker against the pass. He's a highlight-reel tackler and the leader of the secondary.
- CB Brian Hickman, Sr. - 52 tackles, 1 interception, 8 broken up passes ... Hickman is a strong tackling veteran handling one of the corner spots, but he gives up too many big plays. He's a good battler when the ball is in the air, but he needs to pick off more passes and be more dangerous against the better receivers.
Top Backups
- FS Torri Williams, Soph. - 14 tackles, 1 interception ... Williams is a far quicker, far more fluid option at free safety than Kyle Smith. While Smith is more of a strong safety at free safety, Williams a good-sized pass defender and a pure free safety. He should shine now that he knows what he's doing after originally coming to Purdue as a receiver.
- CB Fabian Martin, RFr. - Martin is a former receiver who spent last year learning how to become a top pass defender. He's a great worker and has the speed and quickness to become a starter at one of the corner spots. He'll start out playing behind Paul Long.
Special Teams
With Ben Jones healthy again and Dave Brytus back after a successful true freshman season, the kicking game should shine. The kickoff return game finished sixth in the nation averaging 24.9 yards per return. Jerod Void tore off a 71-yard kickoff return on one of his two attempts, and he should be strong getting the full-time role. Jake Cunningham and Dorien Bryant will take over for Taylor Stubblefield looking add some punch after finishing 112th in the nation in punt returns.
Special Teams rating: 8
- Placekicker Ben Jones, Sr. - 10-18 FGs, 49-50 extra points ... After an All-America caliber 2003, Jones struggled last year with his consistency. There were three blocked kicks, which weren't all hit fault, and he should be back to form after struggling through most of last year with a groin injury. He has great range and a big leg.
- Punter Dave Brytus, Soph. - Brytus had a great freshman season averaging 40 yards per kick and putting 15 inside the 20. At 6-4 and 227 pounds, he's a big kicker with a great leg.
Purdue gave up way too many big plays allowing 240 yards per game and 15 touchdown passes and despite a ton of returning experience, there likely won't be much of an improvement unless young players like Torri Williams and Fabian Martin get into the mix right away. On the positive side, this is a physical secondary that can tackle with hard-hitting safeties and big corners that will be strong against the run.
Player to keep an eye on: FS Torri Williams, Soph. ... Secondary rating: 6.5
Projected Starters
- CB Paul Long, Soph. - 23 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 4 broken up passes ... Long started for most of last year in place of injured Antuan Rogers. While he struggled a bit learning on the fly and is more of a safety playing corner, the 6-2, 193-pound sophomore is a good athlete and is physical enough to handle most of the bigger receivers.
- FS Kyle Smith, Sr. - 76 tackles, 3 tackles for loss, 3 broken up passes ... Smith is a good veteran and tough against the run, but he's nothing special when the ball is in the air. At 6-4 and 216 pounds, he's big providing a huge pop and always seems to be around the ball.
- SS Bernard Pollard, Jr. - 96 tackles, 1 sack, 1 interception, 3 tackles for loss, 5 broken up passes ... The team's leading tackler last year, the 6-2, 226-pound junior is like a fourth linebacker against the run. Unfortunately, he's often like a fourth linebacker against the pass. He's a highlight-reel tackler and the leader of the secondary.
- CB Brian Hickman, Sr. - 52 tackles, 1 interception, 8 broken up passes ... Hickman is a strong tackling veteran handling one of the corner spots, but he gives up too many big plays. He's a good battler when the ball is in the air, but he needs to pick off more passes and be more dangerous against the better receivers.
Top Backups
- FS Torri Williams, Soph. - 14 tackles, 1 interception ... Williams is a far quicker, far more fluid option at free safety than Kyle Smith. While Smith is more of a strong safety at free safety, Williams a good-sized pass defender and a pure free safety. He should shine now that he knows what he's doing after originally coming to Purdue as a receiver.
- CB Fabian Martin, RFr. - Martin is a former receiver who spent last year learning how to become a top pass defender. He's a great worker and has the speed and quickness to become a starter at one of the corner spots. He'll start out playing behind Paul Long.
Special Teams
With Ben Jones healthy again and Dave Brytus back after a successful true freshman season, the kicking game should shine. The kickoff return game finished sixth in the nation averaging 24.9 yards per return. Jerod Void tore off a 71-yard kickoff return on one of his two attempts, and he should be strong getting the full-time role. Jake Cunningham and Dorien Bryant will take over for Taylor Stubblefield looking add some punch after finishing 112th in the nation in punt returns.
Special Teams rating: 8
- Placekicker Ben Jones, Sr. - 10-18 FGs, 49-50 extra points ... After an All-America caliber 2003, Jones struggled last year with his consistency. There were three blocked kicks, which weren't all hit fault, and he should be back to form after struggling through most of last year with a groin injury. He has great range and a big leg.
- Punter Dave Brytus, Soph. - Brytus had a great freshman season averaging 40 yards per kick and putting 15 inside the 20. At 6-4 and 227 pounds, he's a big kicker with a great leg.
at Minny
Iowa
NW
at Wisky
at Penn State
Michigan State
Illinois
at Indiana
Would expect them to be favored in every Big 10 game, so there's definitely some value in the 11-1, but they ALWAYS lose close games. Can see Iowa and Michigan State giving them a real headache as well as their trip to Madison. I'd say +800 would be a fair line.
Iowa
NW
at Wisky
at Penn State
Michigan State
Illinois
at Indiana
Would expect them to be favored in every Big 10 game, so there's definitely some value in the 11-1, but they ALWAYS lose close games. Can see Iowa and Michigan State giving them a real headache as well as their trip to Madison. I'd say +800 would be a fair line.
Also. if they're undefeated and tied with Michigan or Ohio State (assuming an undefeated non-conference schedule), one of those teams should be #1 or #2 and would represent the Big 10
Great info IE2002!
txag thanks for posting this and bringing it to my attention. This might be the best bet of the year after my USC to win it all at +250!
I am going to study this for next couple weeks and might put big bet on it. This is some great value and you easily can hedge it throughout year.
txag thanks for posting this and bringing it to my attention. This might be the best bet of the year after my USC to win it all at +250!
I am going to study this for next couple weeks and might put big bet on it. This is some great value and you easily can hedge it throughout year.
I would be surprised if Purdue goes 12-1 or even 10-2 even with missing Mich and OSU. Personally, I think the Big 10 is going to have one of it's better seasons in quite some time with as many as 8 or 9 teams capable of beating each other. I think the schedule for purdue shapes up well to win the Big 10, but road games at Zona, PSU, Wisky and Minny are not going to be givens as PSU quite possibly could have a top 5 defense. Home games against Iowa, ND and MSU are also possible pitfalls as I think that the Spartans could be a wildcard in the Big 10. Theres no doubt that the pieces are in place for the Boilers to have a nice run, but to project them at 12-1 is a little too much in my opinion.
MC,
I was about to hatch my own conspiracy theory on why I saw my posts, but ***poof***, they were removed by underground organization.
Back to what's important. . .
Purdue - Big 10 Champs?
I was about to hatch my own conspiracy theory on why I saw my posts, but ***poof***, they were removed by underground organization.
Back to what's important. . .
Purdue - Big 10 Champs?
- Feb 26, 2001
- 13,593
- 164
- 63
Trampled Underfoot
Purdue is 10-1 at Bowmans Sportsbook. Olympic has Purdue at 6-1 so 12-1 was great value and looks like people are jumping all over it. I only put small bet down mostly because I agree with what Master Capper posted. Bowmans still has it at 10-1. Good luck!
Purdue is 10-1 at Bowmans Sportsbook. Olympic has Purdue at 6-1 so 12-1 was great value and looks like people are jumping all over it. I only put small bet down mostly because I agree with what Master Capper posted. Bowmans still has it at 10-1. Good luck!
