For Maryland’s upcoming game against Purdue, we wanted to get the lowdown on everything you need to know about the Boilermakers. So we went out and contacted three people who are experts on the team: Nathan Baird of the Lafayette Journal & Courier and George Landsly and Greg Mochen of the Purdue Exponent.
Purdue head coach Darrell Hazell has won exactly two Big Ten games in his first three seasons with the Boilermakers. What’s the mood like in West Lafayette for how he’s performed thus far? Also, is there optimism for Purdue’s future with him in charge?
Nathan Baird, the Lafayette Journal & Courier: The fan base is certainly growing impatient, and that’s been reflected in paid attendance, which was about half capacity for the first two games and the actual attendance was even lower. Winning two of the first three was a positive start.
Skepticism remains, however, and the only thing that will change that is more consistent results. A new athletic director, Mike Bobinski, took office earlier this month, and he’s already said fixing football is his first priority.
Quarterback David Blough currently has more interceptions than touchdowns. What has been the biggest concern with his play in Purdue’s first three games?
Baird: It’s been a mixed bag. Blough has actually played very well at times, making some tough throws and moving the ball around to a lot of receivers. He also showed off his mobile accuracy against Nevada.
However, he needs to make better decisions, especially around the red zone. He’s been intercepted there in each of the past two games.
What’s the biggest thing you have learned from Purdue’s first three games?
George Landsly and Greg Mochen, the Purdue Exponent: They actually look like a Big Ten team this year and they look better than they have the past few years. They have been able to the move the ball on offense pretty handily and on defense they’re doing well pushing teams to third downs.
Who are some of the players who can be a difference maker for Purdue against Maryland?
Landsly and Mochen: The top spot goes to running back Markell Jones. He has the skills and talent to be in the NFL undoubtedly, even as a sophomore.
David Blough is an Elite 11 quarterback and has the potential to be a pretty great player. He’s had some questionable decision making at times, but he has a cannon for an arm and can throw on the run.
On defense, the main difference maker is defensive end Jake Replogle. He played very well against Nevada last week and really shut down their running game. Linebacker Ja’Whuan Bentley also played really well against Nevada, he has been flying all over the place and making tackles.
What is Purdue’s biggest strength as a team? Their biggest weakness?
Landsly and Mochen: Purdue’s biggest strength is their running game, just because of how good Markell Jones is, but they can not rely on it all season long. Also, their offensive line has also picked up this season and they have moved the ball through the air pretty decently.
The biggest weakness is the secondary. Teams that can pass can probably do it at will against the secondary. They also have struggled with getting stops on third down.
Turnovers on offense have killed them, too.
Fill in the blank: If Purdue wins, it will be because ______
Baird: They didn’t turn the ball over and repeated their fundamental successes in run defense. The Boilermakers have enough offensive weapons that they can score against just about anyone on their schedule. But they can’t give away possessions, and the defense has to force difficult third-down situations and get off the field.
