SB Nation - Justin Siller

Show up for the Seniors: Beat State!

BoilerTMill — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 18:07:14 -0000

(Hat tip/fist bump to to NJ Boiler83 for the slogan)

I have been working with Bleacher Report blogger Tim Cary and the guys over at Boiled Sports on some kind of slogan for Saturday. We all want to push for a sellout this week against Michigan State. This team has fought hard, especially the seniors, and they deserve a proper send off. As I stated late Saturday night, we need to pack the house and support this team in order to make a push for a bowl game. We can start by creating a rowdy atmosphere this weekend for Michigan State. We can keep it going next week when we venture to Ross-Ade South for the Bucket game.

This game against Michigan State has the potential to be a program changer. Win it, and we can go to a bowl when absolutely no one expected it after the 1-5 start. That will set the tone for future classes just like the NCAA berth in 2007 did for basketball. If you're within 3 hours of West Lafayette, come to the game. Bring three friends and get in for just $25 each. If you come, stand up and be loud. Don't sit on your hands alumni. Get back to your student roots and get loud and crazy. Let's send the following seniors off right.

#2 Torri Williams - S -It seems like Torri has been here forever. He played as a true freshman on special teams in 2004, making him the last player left from The Fumble. It is therefore fitting that he is around for what could be the rebirth. A broken leg cost him 2005. A shredded knee cost him 2006. A torn achilles tendon cost him half of 2007. Legal issues nearly pushed him off the team. After a pair of redshirt years (one due to medical reasons) he is finally at the end of his Purdue career. If not for the injuries, he could have been one of Purdue's best DB's. Instead, he has provided leadership and versatility moving between safety and corner these past two seasons. Thank you, Torri.

#4 Dwight McLean - S - McLean came to us as a late JuCo transfer before last season. He is known as a hard hitter, but he had some critical interceptions in his career. A few weeks ago he had a big pick to stop a key Illinois drive in the first half. He also sealed last year's Central Michigan game with a late pick. He seems to be involved in every play, and we will miss his hustle.

#7 Brandon King - CB - If we make a bowl game this year it will be because of Brandon King. He had two critical interceptions against Ohio State and his forced fumble against Michigan turned that game around. I love Brandon because he never gave up both on and off the field. Academics cost him a year, but he did not become a Brandon Irwin. Instead, he got eligible, got back on the field and made a difference. We need more guys with his heart.

#9 David Pender - CB - Pender has really grown as a player. His tackling is still frustrating, but no one has more pass break ups in the last four years than Pender. Forced to start as a freshman in 2006, you won't find a more experienced corner int eh conference. He will have the distinction of batting away Ohio State's final pass to seal this year's huge upset. This is the first of three seniors graduating in which I won his jersey, and one of my favorites because every number I wear when competing in sports is #9.

#10 Royce Adams - WR - Adams' senior year has not turned out the way he expected. He has been hurt most of the year, hasn't contributed as much as we hoped on offense, and has had to move back to defense for some action. Still, he has never voiced his frustration. He has been the consummate team player throughout his career, playing where he was asked to play and quietly doing his job. He has been a cornerback, punt returner, and wideout.

#12 Chris Bennett - QB - It is likely that his career stats will read just one rush for 6 yards. That came at Michigan State last season when Bennett was forced to play because Justin Siller was shaken up for a few plays. The former walk-on 4^th string scout team quarterback saw the only action of his career for three plays, then headed back to the bench after his short keeper. We'll only likely see him on the field again if an absolute disaster happens to Elliott and TerBush or if we have a big lead against Indiana or MSU and Hope rewards him with some garbage time minutes. Still, his contributions in practice will not go unnoticed. Thank you, Chris.

#13 Chris Summers - P - Has anyone had a more up and down career than Chris. As a freshman walk-on he struggled to hit 8 of 20 field goals. Coming back as sophomore he wont he job with few other options, yet had a great season. He hit on 18 of 22 attempts (one miss was blocked) and will always have the game winner in the Motor City bowl on his resume. He struggled again last year with both placekicking and punting, and has struggled this year with just punting duties. When he is good, he can be very good. This past week he had several nice kicks and got a good one off inside his own end zone facing a heavy rush. The final rugby-style punt maybe have been one of his best this season. Over the course of his career Chris has done everything asked of him and has performed above some pretty low expectations at times. You can't ask for more than that.

#14 Joey Elliott - QB - I know I am probably not alone in wondering how different things would have turned out if Elliott had become a starter earlier in his career. We came into this season asking for his best Billy Dicken impression and he has been fairly close. While he certainly would like some throws back, I have been most impressed by the element of mobility he has given us. We haven't had that at the quarterback position since Brandon kirsch, and Elliott seems to be almost as heady as Brees as far as knowing the right moment to tuck and run. If anyone deserves to lead this team to a bowl game, it is Elliott.

#17 Aaron Valentin - WR - Valentin is another brief JuCo transfer that has emerged as our most dangerous player after the catch. He has even gotten over the fumbling issues that plagued him earlier this season. Coming into the season we needed our few experienced receiver to step up and give us an actual passing game. Valentin did just that. He leads the team in TD receptions and still has an outside shot at a 1,000 yard season with a bowl game. We can't ask for more than that.

#24 Jason Werner - LB - This could be a short stay for Werner on this list. The back injuries that cost him 2006 and 2008 could allow him to receive a 6^th year of eligibility next season like Torri Williams. Now that he has finally had a chance to play he has been exactly what we expected of him. He has become our best linebacker at a position that has had severe issues for several seasons. If he does come back next year linebacker will become a major position of strength for the first time since 2003.

#26 Adam Wolf - WR - Wolf is another former walk-on that has become a special teams ace. Like Frank Duong before him, he is a kamikaze special teams guy that looks to make a play on every kick. His work paid off as he was awarded a scholarship prior to this season.

#33 Jaycen Taylor - RB - If you're looking for the team leader in heart, there is no question it is Jaycen Taylor. Last season he was gone with a torn ACL and it seemed like something was missing all year. Injuries have limited him somewhat this year much like in 2007, but he has still played an integral role in our success. He has always been there to spell Ralph Bolden, and I respect him for accepting a backup role when many expected him to be the starter in the offseason. I met him once at Tippecanoe Mall after he broke his arm against Central Michigan in 2007. He's a nice kid and I will miss his leadership.

#44 Frank Halliburton - FB - I know this guy is one of Boilerdowd's favorites. It seems like he always should have played more than he actually has. I know injuries have slowed him this year when he was expected to play more, but he is another player that is known simply as a great guy and a great teammate. He has always been one of the more positive personalities on the team and has been a fan favorite for his dancing to Shout. I hope we get to see that one more time on Saturday. If you read this, Frank, don't disappoint me.

#47 Jarrod Shaw - FB - I admit I don't know much about Shaw. He was awarded a scholarship as a former walk-on before the season like Wolf, but I don't remember ever seeing him on the field. I could be confused on special teams, as I know he does share #47 with starting linebacker Chris Carlino. His efforts have certainly paid off in practice though. You don't get awarded a scholarship as a walk-on without contributing there.

#50 Eric Hedstrom - OG - Hedstrom has yet to play this season after offseason shoulder surgery, thus making him another candidate for a medical redshirt. He has been a critical starting offensive linesman in the past, however. If he is able to return next season he will provide much needed depth on a line that must replace three starters. He is also versatile in that he can play almost any position on the line.

#54 Jared Zwilling - C - A former defensive lineman, Zwilling switched over to offense and has had few problems in his first year as a starting center. His one bad snap was unfortunately returned for a TD at Oregon, but otherwise he has been rock solid in the middle of the line. He is yet another case of a guy performing in a variety of positions and doing everything we have asked of him.

#61 Zach Jones - OT - Another versatile lineman that has had to play everywhere in his career, Jones was one of the guys I saw enjoying the Ohio State upset the most on the field. It has been nice to put him at tackle this season and not have to worry about the right side of the line. Just a nice guy who is enjoying a fine senior season.

#62 Andy Huffman - LS - Can you name the last time long snapping has been an issue? The 1998 Alamo Bowl, probably. Purdue has turned long-snapping into an art, and Huffman was a solid snapper for three seasons before this year. It won him a scholarship for this season, but injuries have given the position to John finch. Still, Huffman was more than able in the three seasons before this one.

#75 Zach Reckman - OG - Reckman has been the center of controversy this week thanks to the completely stupid pissing contest between Danny hope and Rich Rodriguez. It's unfortunate too. If you take away his NIU incident he has been exactly what we have needed: a solid offensive guard doing his job. Not bad for a two-star guy expected to do very little in his career.

#92 Mike Neal - DT - Possibly the strongest guy on the team, Neal has drawn the attention of every team we have faced. Part of the reason Ryan Kerrigan is performing like a beast is because Mike Neal is drawing so much attention at defensive tackle. He is a damn good defensive tackle that will soon be drafted. He makes everyone around him better because he is so good and draws so much attention.

#95 Keyon Brown - DE - The hero of the 2007 Motor City Bowl with three sacks of Dan LeFevour, Brown hasn't had as dominating of a game since. He has still provided key depth at defensive end for Kerrigan and Gerald Gooden. It is always good to have a solid third defensive end. One has to think Brown has one great game left in him as well.

These 21 seniors have given us everything they have for the last four years. We owe them everything we have as a crowd on Saturday. Let's send them off right. Show up for the Seniors. Sell Out Ross-Ade. Beat State.

Welcome to the Fold: Reggie Pegram

BoilerTMill — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 19:09:29 -0000

Saturday was productive in more ways than one as Purdue picked up its first running back commitment for the 2010 class. Pegram is a 6' 210 lbs running back from Dallas, Texas. This is a return to our recruiting roots, of sorts. Joe Tiller made his mark be recruiting the state of Texas well. He recruited Texas almost as well as Danny Hope has recruited Florida. There is nothing wrong with this, either. Pegram is only a 2-star commitment from Texas, but he had some pretty good offers on the table. Oklahoma State and Texas A&M were his best offers other than Purdue.

Pegram is an interesting specimen because he has been relatively unheralded by the recruiting services, but some Dallas area fans think he may be the best running back in the city. That is pretty high praise from people that know their football. That thread has a couple of good comments about his size and speed, but they tend to think he is a bit underused.

Pegram comes into a backfield that might be a little crowded, at least early in his tenure. Ralph Bolden has two years left after this season. Al-Terek McBurse looks poised to take over at least the #2 role and he has three years left. You also have Dan Dierking left with a year to go, though he has not been used much as a featured back lately. It will be nice to have some young depth behind those three. I suppose you could possibly throw Justin Siller into the mix if he returns, but does not play quarterback.

I have managed to find a few interesting links on the young Mr. Pegram. TexasFootball.com has a video link listed for him, but there is no opportunity to download the right plug-in. One of his linemen recently committed to Texas Tech, so he his far from the sole player on his team. His team currently has a 5-2 record going into a game at home against Ft. Worth Castleberry.

If you're looking at raw numbers theya re pretty good. He currently ranks second for Dallas-area running backs with 915 yards and 10 touchdowns. He is also a bit of a receiving weapon out of the backfield with five catches for 43 yards. His team does like to mix up the run and the pass, so he is used to playing in an offense that passes that ball. This will help with his blocking skills.

So what would his role be next year? Ideally, he would redshirt, but there is not a ton of depth behind Bolden, McBurse, and Dierking. Right now I would those three players on the depth chart in that order, with McBurse closer to Bolden. Pegram's size could get him to the field next season instead of earn him for a redshirt. At 6' 210lbs he is already bigger than Bolden (5'9" 194 lbs.) and McBurse (6' 198lbs). That might make him a bit of a punishing change of pace back where Bolden and McBurse tend to have more pure speed.

Previewin': Purdue

Beauford — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:14:03 -0000

via www.pycomall.com

Maize n' Brew mercilessly drifts through another preview. This week is going to be a bit preview heavy as we lead into the season. Ladies and Gentlemen, the Purdue Boilermakers.

Previously: Illinois, Northwestern, Penn State, Iowa, Michigan State, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Indiana

Explanation and indemnifications found: here

Apologies for this preview being a bit on the perfunctory side. It's not great. With the Rodriguez kerfluffle and the fact that I still need to do OSU and Michigan, well, Purdue took a back seat. Apologies.

Last season didn't go so well for the Boilermakers as they compiled a 4-8 record - just one win better than the Wolverines. That win could have very well come from the Wolverines who lost against a Purdue team featuring a converted ball-boy at starting quarterback. Ok fine, not a ball boy. Still though, not a quarterback. Justin Siller killed us last year by basically being the exact type of quarterback we all thought we would be; running. This was, as you'll recall, also the game during which it became increasingly apparent that the Scott Shafer at Defensive Coordinator era was over.

This season doesn't look much better for the Boilermakers as they return only 3 offensive starters from an offense that was only the 68th best scoring offense in the country. The defense, meanwhile, returns 7 from a serviceable if not "good" unit. Also worth mentioning, Joe DIABEETUS Tiller has moved on to where the Lloyds go when they retire, and Danny Hope makes his debut at the helm. This season is going to be rough; there is very little doubt about it. Let's Hope (get it?) the new coach gets more time to prove himself.

More Previewin' after the jump

2009 Schedule

9/05	Toledo	12:00 PM
9/12	@ No. 16 Oregon	10:15 PM
9/19	Northern Illinois	12:00 PM
9/26	No. 23 Notre Dame	8:00 PM
10/03	Northwestern	12:00 PM
10/10	@ Minnesota	12:00 PM
10/17	No. 6 Ohio State	TBA
10/24	Illinois	TBA
10/31	@ Wisconsin	TBA
11/07	@ Michigan	TBA
11/14	Michigan State	TBA
11/21	@ Indiana	TBA

All I can say is watch out for Toledo.

One thing the media will harp on that is off base:

Yeah, we all know that the offense is replacing a ton of starters. Witness this returning leader list:

Rushing: Frank Halliburton, RB, 37 yards
Passing: Joey Elliott, QB, 81 yards
Receiving: Keith Smith, WR, 486 yards

Yikes. So that's going to be the main focus of any hand-wringing. But that offense last year; the one that's being replaced? Yeah, not so good. I mean, it can't get much worse (says Michigan fan coming off a 3-9 season wherein the offense was record-shatteringly bad). I'm not so sure that the offense can't be at least competent, which brings us to our next point...

One thing the media will completely ignore that is integral to this team's success:

What I would be concerned with would be a defense that gave up an average of 174 yards rushing per game last year, dead last in the conference. When you're allowing opposing teams to run over you like that, you're not going to win many ball games. If the defense shores up and stops the run, they could win some football games. But probably not many.

Most important contributors on each side of the ball:

Offensively it's going to be the fact that they at least return the majority of their offensive line.

Defensively it's defensive end Ryan Kerrigan who had 7 sacks and 12 TFL's last season.

Area that scares you as Michigan Wolverines:

Much like Indiana, there isn't a whole lot on this Purdue team that scares me. I suppose we could get into another match like last season where both teams just said "f-this" to defense and we got into a shooting match. Beyond that, the defense looks pretty porous for the rushing attack.

Area that makes you salivate as the Michigan Wolverines:

It's in Ann Arbor, where Purdue has a record of -23 and a billion.

Overall Record:

2-10

Final Big Ten Standing

11th

Predicting the Season - Purdue Boilermakers

dvieira — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 17:00:15 -0000

via blog.oregonlive.com. No Jarius Byrd next year but Oregon should have more opportunities like this punt return.

Although Boise State is getting most of the attention from the media, I'm personally looking forward to the 2nd week of the season when the Purdue Boilermakers come to town. BoilerTMill, with the SB Nation blog Hammer and Rails, took a look at the matchup with Oregon back in June. We also talked him into doing a question and answer session in May. Even though the Big-10 has been getting a bad rap the past few years for being "down", there is something exciting about seeing a good, old-fashioned Pac-10/Big-10 matchup.

In 2008, Oregon escaped Ross-Ade Stadium with a victory in overtime as LaGarrette Blount ran it into the endzone for the go ahead score. I wish I had seen it. Back in the early part of the year, I agreed to help out some friends by working at the Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire. It was blistering outside, dusty with no chance for relief. Because I was working the faire, I had to be in costume. Of course, I picked the hottest, most uncomfortable monk's outfit I could find for the event. I sat in my car with the engine on, air conditioning blazing, listening to Jerry Allen call the game on an extremely weak radio broadcast, cursing and banging my head into the steering wheel, honking the horn at regular intervals. At halftime, I had all but given up. I was depressed, weakened from the Boilermaker onslaught, the searing heat and the looks of fellow nerds scoffing at the prospect of someone enjoying a sporting event. I worked a shift at a stage and slowly marched back to the car after 45 minutes just in time to find out that Oregon had come back to send the game into overtime. Heavenly...

With Purdue coming to town in early September, let's take a look at the Boilermakers and how things match up for Oregon

Oregon's Offense vs. Purdue's Defense

Purdue's defense is similar to Boise State's in that they bring back a very talented and experienced secondary with a very young front seven that hasn't performed well against the run. Because of the other schools in the Big-10 scooping up the majority of the talent, Purdue's approach seems to be taking talented athletes and putting them in position to help the team, no matter what that position is. They are the type of team that might put a quarterback at linebacker if it meant helping the team win. The talent and athleticism is there to defend the spread and the issues it poses. With the team being so young and inexperienced however, there may be some cases of over-pursuit on the zone read and that's where Oregon's offense can win the day. Jeremiah Masoli is firmly entrenched as the starter for Oregon and ended the 2008 season on a tear. If the offensive line can gel quickly, Purdue may be in for a long afternoon on the ground, especially if their inexperience rears its ugly head. Purdue did a great job against Justin Roper last year but Jeremiah Masoli is a much bigger deep threat and with an improved passing game, Purdue's defense will have to respect the passing game which should open up the run even more.

The Purdue secondary is all coming back and is very deep. Even with an improved passing game, Oregon should have some difficulty passing against this veteran group, especially Torii Williams who is back for his 17th year of eligibility. Where Oregon can take advantage is the inexperience of the linebacking core and the lack of depth to create opportunities in the short to medium passing game as well getting to the second level in the ground attack. With all of the talk from Chip Kelly about using some double tightend sets, Purdue could be exposed to these types of plays, especially given the experience and talent level of the Duck tightends. We might see Ed Dickson break out.

The X-factor will be Kwann Short, 6-4, 310lb redshirt-freshman defensive tackle. This guy looks like a future NFL pick. If he turns it up a few degrees, he might cause some massive disruptions early on in the game that could change the outlook of the contest. With Oregon replacing several starters on the offensive line, his play could very well determine how successful Oregon can be executing the offense.

Oregon's Defense vs. Purdue's Offense

Purdue lost some key players from last year's squad including QB Curtis Painter and RB Kory Sheets. If you remember from last year, Sheets ripped Oregon up carrying the ball 29 times for 180 with 2 touchdowns. Jaycen Taylor, who was going to be splitting time with Sheets last year, should be coming back after missing last season with an ACL tear. Ralph Bolden and new comer Al-Terek McBurse will round out the stable of running backs that should give Purdue lots of options, depending on who has the hot hand. They've all got quickness and can run both inside and outside. Experience may be a factor when you start going down the depth chart but with Oregon essentially rebuilding their front 7, Purdue should have some opportunities to exploit the defense in the ground game.

With Curtis Painter gone to graduation and Justin Siller having academic issues, the job falls to senior Joey Elliott who saw some limited time last year before getting a shoulder injury. He doesn't have a lot of game experience but seems a serviceable replacement for Painter. A lot of what we will see from him will be determined by how good a fall camp he has. It will also depend on what the coaching staff sees from redshirt freshman Caleb TerBush. At 6-5, 222lb with a cannon for an arm, he may very well push Elliott out of the job during the season and should see time against Oregon as a change of pace. Depending on how crazy Coach Hope goes, could we see some double quarterback sets? The pass rush for Oregon should help to pressure Elliott or TerBush into some bad decisions. Will Tukuafu is back on the defensive line and is looking to break out of Nick Reed's shadow but he will be going up against an experienced Purdue offensive line. The injury bug made for a lot of shuffling last year for the Boilermakers but the upside of that is a ton of experience coming back. With a warmup game before traveling to Autzen, you may see them come together at just the right time to help neutralize a rebuilt Oregon defensive line.

The receiving core for Purdue is young and inexperienced but talented. The offensive schemes employed always seem to get the ball into the hands of their receivers and next year should be no different, despite the inexperience. Last year, Purdue dinked short passes all the way down the field and with Elliot back there, that success should continue. Oregon has a good amount of depth in the secondary coming back but defending the passing game was not one of their strong suits. The much-heralded linebacking core for Oregon will have a lot of opportunities to make plays, but it needs to translate to the field and not just practice. Purdue should be able to move the ball in the air in the short to medium passing game but the deep ball shouldn't be a factor in the game given Elliott's arm strength and the speed/experience of the Oregon secondary.

Special Teams

Chris Summers will have the punting duties for Purdue, averaging 38.4 yards per kick last year. He was doing the field goal kicking as well but only kicked 50% last year, causing Tiller to turn to Carson Wiggs. Summers had great success kicking field goals 2 years ago so he may come back to the job. The key is consistency and if I'm a Boilermaker, I don't feel good about having to guess about field goals. Purdue's biggest weakness appears to be in punt return coverage, giving up 16.7 yards per return and 3 touchdowns, one of those touchdowns being Jarius Byrd's 87 yard run. Oregon should have an advantage as returning kicks and punts has been a hallmark of Oregon teams the past few years. The kicking game should be good for Oregon with Morgan Flint coming back but punting is up in the air going into fall camp. Jackson Rice will be looked to for an immediate contribution in punting. If he doesn't stand out as the clear favorite going into the season, Oregon could be in a world of hurt in field position.

The Bottom Line

I think Oregon fans may be looking at Purdue's 4-8 record last year and be thinking that the Boilermakers will be a pushover. Even though Purdue has some question marks, they appear to be a solid team with several ways to hurt you. There is a lot of potential to couple with inexperience and sometimes that can be a dangerous mix. With Oregon coming off an emotional game at Boise State, the outcome of that game may very well impact how the Ducks home opener will go. Win at Boise State, and it could be a long day for Purdue. Lose at Boise State, and Oregon may come in flat with Purdue able to steal one at Autzen.

Prediction

A Big-10 team coming into Autzen is always huge but I predicted a win against Boise State and I'm going to predict a win here against Purdue to start us out 2-0. I think the Boilermakers will be able to score but not enough to keep Oregon's offense at bay.

Oregon 32 - Purdue 20

Bringing Down the Hammer: Q&A with Hammer & Rails

dvieira — Wed, 13 May 2009 17:30:29 -0000

Travis over at Hammer and Rails has graciously agreed to do a little question exchange to talk a little Purdue Football and we let him have it. Last year, we saw injuries take out Justin Roper and Jeremiah Masoli, but we still pulled off the win behind Chris Harper at quarterback and a touchdown run in double-overtime by Lagarrette Blount. This time, Purdue comes to Autzen Stadium in the home opener for the 2009 season. Check out Hammer and Rails for my answers and read on to see what the Boilermakers are up to. If you need a review of what happend that game, check out this video.

Oregon Ducks at Purdue Boilermakers 2008 (via kabuman)

Addicted to Quack: Back in April, news came out that sophmore quarterback Justin Siller was dismissed from Purdue for the 2009-10 academic year for a violation of the university academic policy. How much did that news impact the QB situation at Purdue?

Hammer and Rails: The main thing is that we now have a no doubt starter in 5th year senior Joey Elliott. Elliott was Painter’s backup the past three seasons, patiently waiting for the 2009 campaign. When painter struggled early last season many fans were clamoring for him to start then. He came in for Painter midway through the Northwestern game, but his season ended because of a separated shoulder in that game. Since then, Siller emerged as a promising player and dual-threat quarterback. He torched Michigan in one of his three starts while Painter was hurt, but was still raw.

I am one of the fans that is excited to see Elliott. When he starts the 2009 season it will be very much like Joe Tiller’s first season in 1997. That year, a 5th year senior quarterback named Billy Dicken came out of nowhere (after a shoulder injury, no less) to have an All-Big Ten-type of season. We went 9-3 and won the Alamo Bowl after missing bowl games for 12 straight years. I don’t know if Elliott will have that kind of instant success, but I feel very good that he knows the system and is not totally inexperienced.

His backup will likely be redshirt freshman Caleb TerBush, with true freshman Rob Henry as our #3 guy. Elliott is a more mobile quarterback than Painter, but less than Siller. I look for him to have a respectable year before TerBush, Henry, Siller (if he returns) or potentially Robert Marve takes over in 2010.

ATQ: How many night games will it take for Ross Ade Stadium to get permanent lighting?

HR: There has been some discussion of installing permanent lights if an upper deck is built on the east side of the stadium. We have never had the permanent lights, but when they bring in the portable ones it is a special event. This year’s Notre Dame game has an 8pm kickoff, so it will be exciting. Until we get the upper deck, though, I expect to be lightless like much of the rest of the Big Ten. I think that is just old-school tradition kicking in. Very few stadiums in the conference have permanent lights, so virtually every night game has the portable ones brought in. The Big Ten also has a rule that there are no night games (that is, after dark kickoffs. 3:30 ones still happen that need lights) after November 1st.

ATQ: Oregon fans are generally very excited about the new Chip Kelly regime in Eugene. What they may not know is that Purdue is going to have their own first year head coach in Danny Hope. What is the general mood of the Purdue fanbase on this change?

HR: We generally feel that it was needed. We had leveled off and even declined during Tiller’s last few seasons. Last year, injuries to our offensive line and quarterback struggles led to a 4-8 season. Coach Hope brings a new energy to the program that was sorely needed. I was at our spring game and I got the sense that we are going to be much better than people think. People are excited that Hope is bringing in some better recruits and is aggressively going after South Florida guys. I think they even are willing to give him a few years to get back to a bowl, but personally, I don’t think we’ll have to wait that long.

ATQ: From what you can tell, are there any major differences in offensive/defensive schemes under Danny Hope versus Joe Tiller?

HR: None, really. Hope was Tiller’s assistant for years and has already said we will have the same general offensive scheme in place. I think we might rely a bit more on the running game this season, but that is for two reasons. First, we have very little experience returning in our receiving corps. Second, we have four quality running backs that give us some serious depth at the position.

ATQ: Running back Ralph Bolden has absolutely gone off this spring. How we will he do replacing Kory Sheets in running the rock?

HR: Bolden was a bit of a shock, as he is expected to be about third or fourth on the depth chart. Jaycen Taylor is in line to be the starter. Taylor has rushed for more than 1,200 yards in his career, but tore his ACL before last season started. He is back for his final season because he still had a redshirt to use. Our top recruit, Al-Terek McBurse had enrolled early to go through spring practice, but missed it because he hadn’t cleared the NCAA Eligibility Center yet. He cleared just after spring practice ended, so we at least get to see him go through summer conditioning.

Junior Dan Dierking, son of one of our best running backs ever, has also improved. He has seen some spot duty the past couple of years, but it looks like he has finally grown into the size of a Big Ten running back. He had 181 yards and two scores as a freshman two years ago, but dropped off last season. Bolden, McBurse, Dierking, and Taylor will all do quite well in replacing Sheets.

ATQ: From the outside, it looks like the Boilermakers have a pretty good schedule. Playing Oregon at Eugene is tough but you get Ohio State and Michigan State at home, plus you skip Penn State this year. In your estimation, could Purdue be heading back to a bowl game this year?

HR: I certainly think so, but I am alone in that opinion. I was granted pres access for the Spring Game and it was actually a disheartening experience many of the members of the press that were there openly mocked the team and felt like we would battled Indiana for last place in the Big Ten. I believe we can get the six wins needed to make a bowl. Toledo, Northern Illinois, and Indiana have to be wins. I think we’ll also be slight favorites against Northwestern and Illinois at home. From there, we just have to pull off one other game such as at Minnesota. The Big Ten is not going to be very strong this season, so the opportunity is there to make a bowl.

I know you’ll disagree, but I actually really like our chances at Oregon after the way we played you last year. (ED note: Purdue scares me in their short passing game. I think this will be a closer game than people think)

ATQ: The NCAA recently released the Academic Progress Rate (APR) report showing Purdue at 926. Is there any concern among the Purdue faithful about the potential to dip before the magic 925 cutline?

HR: I actually haven’t given it much thought. I know Football is one of the harder sports to stay above the line, but as long as we are above it I am happy.

ATQ: Gary Nord was brought in to be the offensive coordinator at Purdue and has a long history with Coach Hope. He was ranked No. 20 on the top 20 coordinator hires during the offseason. What can we expect out of Gary Nord offensively?

HR: I expect that he’ll improve the quarterbacks we already have on the roster and hopefully spice an offense that has been stagnant at times lately. Some of the coaching decisions last year that were made were downright absurd. One in particular was running a no huddle against you guys when we led 20-3. To me, that just didn’t make sense. We were making a killing on the ground (which runs the clock), but we decided to pass from the no huddle and play right into your hands. I honestly want a coaching staff on both sides of the ball that realizes it is completely legal to make in-game adjustments rather than continue to try what hasn’t been working.

ATQ: What are your main concerns coming out of spring ball?

HR: Our receivers. We have only two coming back with real in-game experience: Keith Smith and Aaron Valentin. We have added a couple of JuCo guys and there is some serious talent coming in with our freshmen in the fall, but other than there is very little experience. Our passing game may take awhile to get moving, but I think we can make up for it in the running game. I am also excited to see what should be a vastly improved defense. That is what will win us games.

Final Thoughts: Special thanks to Travis for entering the "No Husky Zone" and providing some great insight into the Purdue Boilermakers. Coming after the Boise State game, the Purdue game scares me on a number of levels. I still think Oregon will pull it out though, despite the outcome of the Boise St game but it will be closer than most people will think. 38-30 Ducks.

Poll

Does Oregon take care of business and beat Purdue in Autzen Stadium?

Yes

386 votes

No

23 votes

409 votes | Poll has closed

Justin Siller dismissed from football team

BoilerTMill — Fri, 03 Apr 2009 20:56:29 -0000

Obviously this is huge news and I only have a few minutes to post something about it. Thanks to carmen_fanzone for pointing this to me today.

To me, Justin was obviously no longer interested in being Purdue's quarterback. He couldn't have been if he did something as righteously stupid as this. So let's open the discussion. What does the QB depth chart look like now? I think it is as follows, from most likely to start to least.

Joey Elliott - Sr. (5)

Caleb Ter Bush - Fr. (RS)

Rob Henry - Fr.

Chris Bennett - Sr. (5)

Najee Tyler - Fr.

Elliott is obviously the most experience. Bennett is a scout team former walk-on, but has been in the system awhile. Ter Bush has experience running the scout team last year. Henry has promise, but is really young. Tyler is a project right now.

There's a Game on Saturday? Purdon't

Hawkeye State — Sat, 15 Nov 2008 04:00:06 -0000

I am the Walrus

Iowa hosts Purdue (11:00 kickoff, Big Ten Network, called by Thom Brennaman, Chris Martin, and Anthony Herron) Saturday, in what will be Joe Tiller's last road game as a head coach. The Boilers enter the game at 3-7 (1-5), but the record doesn't tell the entire story. Every team that has beaten Purdue was, at one point, in the top 25 this year, and Oregon, Penn State, Ohio State, and Minnesota struggled to put them away. They're struggling, but the Boilers are no cupcake.

Fun With Depth Charts

Moeaki is Noeaki. Again. Andy Kuempel is also doubtful. Everyone else is apparently good to go. Chad Geary is listed ahead of Adrian Clayborn on the two-deep at defensive end. It could be a nod to the former walk-on junior, who is finishing his fourth year and might not come back for his fifth. Otherwise, the depth chart remains stable.

When Purdue Has the Ball

Ironically, Tiller's final season has been marked by offensive struggles. In their seven losses, Purdue has averaged only 13.5 points per game. That's bad for Iowa; it's horrendous for Purdue.

I have no idea who will play quarterback for Purdue. Reports this week indicated Curtis Painter is nearly back to full health, but sophomore Justin Siller could start and will likely play significant minutes. Siller is a former running back who was thrown into the position and proceeded to post 48 on Michigan. There's no doubt he can run; it remains to be seen if he can pass.

Kory Sheets completes the backfield. He's a senior, he has played significant minutes for four years, and he's having his best season yet. He's also a wee bit frustrated:

"I'm kind of starting to get used to [not getting passes in the flat]," he said. "It seems like the defenses aren't even covering me because they don't think I'm going to get the ball anyway. It's been that way last week and the week before. So get used to it.

"A number of things are going through Painter's mind, and he's just kind of forgetting that I'm out there. I honestly couldn't tell you. You've got to ask him."

"In my eyes, I need some help. I can't do it all by myself," he said. "Everybody's coming to me, 'Sheets, get the offense going.' I do something good and then something bad happens. I need some help."

"You need somebody in there [at quarterback] who's going to be consistent," he said. "Right now, Painter hasn't been consistent and they're trying to find out if Joey can be consistent, but he got hurt.

"If they don't have consistency at quarterback, and I'm being real consistent, I think they have to start looking at me for some answers and giving me the ball and let me carry the team, instead of keep putting it in Painter's hands."

Yikes.

With Sheets and Siller in the game, Purdue mutates from the typical Joe Tiller pass-first spread to a run set. Given their offensive line, neither one worries me. Iowa should have no trouble putting pressure on the quarterback, whoever that is.

When Iowa Has the Ball

Shonn Greene will run for 6 yards a carry while Brock Spack humps a bagel.

Prognosis

Iowa's better on offense. Iowa's better on defense. Iowa's healthier. Iowa's at home. Purdue will hang close, if only because the weather is going to be horrible and that's what Purdue does. Iowa pulls away late and cruises to a 23-9 win.

Wha Happened? Week Eleven

Hawkeye State — Tue, 11 Nov 2008 02:20:20 -0000

Let's start right out: Hey, wha happened?

Ohio State 45 - Northwestern 10

Northwestern is banged up. Ohio State is Ohio State. That's probably good for 28 points. But that last touchdown? That was unnecessary showboating, you jackasses.

Northwestern clearly set themselves to limiting the impact of Terrelle Pryor, and they largely succeeded (9/14 for 197 yards passing, 33 yards on 6 rushing attempts). They weren't quite so lucky with Beanie Wells, however...

Just a word of advice: You guys might want to avoid arm tackling him. Beanie ran for 140 yards and 2 scores as Ohio State racked up 244 total rushing yards.

In other news, Northwestern might be onto something with this Kafka character. The junior quarterback-in-waiting threw for 177 yards and ran for another 83 against one of the better defenses in the conference. It's just a shame he had no help. Of course, he probably should have thought of that when he chose to attend Northwestern.

Michigan 29 - Minnesota 6

So I went over to The Daily Gopher a couple of weeks ago, reading what can only be called the delusional rantings of crazed freezing flannel-clad lunatics. After reading about how Minnesota was a lock for a New Year's Day bowl, I couldn't help myself and left this comment:

Look, I don’t want to completely rain on your parade. Last year, you weren’t killing cupcakes; you were one. Congrats to Brewster & Co. for turning it around and getting bowl eligible. You took advantage of a favorable schedule that doesn’t include 2 of the conference’s top teams, as well you should. I’m just saying those of you (fortunately, not either one of the esteemed writers at TDG, but, for instance, WSR) who are yelling about lack of respect and ROSE BOWL BABY WOO are delusional on a level never before seen. Minnesota won’t beat Northwestern. They probably won’t beat Wisconsin at Madison. They’re 50/50 at best against Michigan (they’d have a far better chance if they played now, but the longer you wait to play a talented team in a new offensive system, the worse the chances become). And on November 22, Shonn Greene is going to turn that rickety sham of a defense into his own personal hand puppet. That’s 8-4 (4-4) at best, and when combined with that traditional Gopher fan base who would go to a bowl but gets the keys frozen in the ignition, that gets you to Phoenix.

"Minnesota won't beat Northwestern" Check.
"They're 50/50 at best against Michigan." Wrong 50. Check.
"They probably won't beat Wisconsin at Madison." Soon-to-be Check.
And Goldy? In two weeks, we're comin' to your ci-taaaay.

(The best part of that? Gopher fan - and occasional BHGP commenter - WhiteSpeedReceiver was adamant that Iowa's only remaining win was going to be against Purdue. Enjoy Detroit, boys).

As for the actual game, well, Minnesota is a turnover-created fraud. Michigan found the handle, and Minnesota collapsed into a heap of talentless brown air-conditioned bleh. Michigan's lackluster offense outgained Minnesota 435-188. The rushing yards were even more lopsided, which is fine given Minnesota's propensity to throw the rock. Problem is, Adam Weber's 13/24 for 105 isn't nearly enough to get it done. As for Nick SheriDEATH's performance for Big Blue, go read MGoBlog. Cook writes better prose about his 3-7 team blowing out Minnesota than we do about our 6-4 team beating the #3 team in the country with a last-second field goal.

Wisconsin 55 - Indiana 20

Indiana hung with Wisconsin for a half, but then the Badgers HOLY CRAP 441 YARDS RUSHING. WIsconsin had three - THREE - players run for more than 100 yards. David Gilreath, a wide receiver, had 168 yards on eight carries. Wisconsin seems to be figuring it out: The easiest way to hide your inept quarterback is to keep the ball out of his hands.

Wisconsin is a two-touchdown favorite aganst Minnesota next week. That might be a little low.

Michigan State 21 - Purdue 7

So much for the Justin Siller boomlet. The Spartan defense held Purdue to just 191 yards of total offense. As for the converted running back who killed Michigan last week, Siller was a horrific 13/30 for 83 yards passing, and added a meager 6 yards rushing on 13 attempts. Michigan State's run-first, run-second, chuck-it-deep offense might not be particularly efficient, and their quarterbaack might be thoroughly mediocre, but when it's up against one of the worst offensive performances of Joe Tiller's tenure at Purdue, it's more than enough.

For all the "Greeene for Heisman" people, Javon Ringer racked up 122 yards and 2 touchdowns on 32 carries. A good day, to be sure, but not nearly the day our guy had.

Western Michigan 23 - Illinois 17

Look, it's nowhere near the embarassment as our loss to Western Michigan was last year; the Broncos are 8-2 and have an outside chance at the MAC championship this year.

With that said, Illinois simply didn't show up. Western Michigan built a 20-7 halftime lead on the back of two Juicy interceptions, then held on through a second half full of missed Illinois field goals and failed fourth down conversions. The Illinois running game was virtually nonexistent; Williams went for 68, while Benn and a trio of running backs added just 47 more yards. When Illinois doesn't run, Illinois doesn't win. And then Zook smashes things.

Someone remind me again how we lost to these guys.

(All photo credits: Associated Press)

Wha Happened? Week Ten

Hawkeye State — Tue, 04 Nov 2008 01:24:56 -0000

Let's start right out: Hey, wha happened?

Michigan State 25 - Wisconsin 24

In a day of crazy finishes in the conference, a last-second go-ahead field goal was one of the least insane. A 32-yard John Clay run gave Wisconsin an 11-point lead with 9:20 to play. A touchdown and two field goals later - the last coming with 7 seconds left to play - and Michigan State escaped with a win. It was a meltdown of epic proportions by Wisconsin, who completely dominated the first 50 minutes of this game.

Wisconsin also dominated the stat line. They outgained Sparty by 118 yards. They noutrushed Michigan State 281-25. Ringer was held to 54 yards on 21 carries, Hoyer threw for 252 despite a sub-50% completion percentage. Wisconsin only turned it over once. It was exactly the kind of stat line Wisconsin wanted from this game. At some point, you have to conclude that, no matter how many times they grab inexplicable victories against opponents who thoroughly outplay them, the tide is never going to turn against Michigan State. Might as well ride the wave.

Northwestern 24 - Minnesota 17

On the other hand, you have Minnesota. The Gophers have lived by the turnover through eight weeks. They died by the turnover Saturday in most glorious fashion. Adam Weber threw a pass over the middle, which bounced off his receiver and into the hands of Northwestern defensive back Brendan Smith, who housed it with 12 seconds remaining to seal the win.

Northwestern backup quarterback Franz Mike Kafka was comically inept in C.J. Bacher's stead against Indiana. He was a one-man wrecking crew against Minnesota, throwing for 143 wards on 12-for-16 passing and running for 217 YARDS. Yeah, holy crap indeed. Despite all the yards, however, Northwestern repeatedly stalled in Minnesota territory. The kid has some things to learn, but if destroying Minnesota means something (and, this year, it kinda does), he's going to be one hell of a weapon for the 'Cats.

Purdue 48 - Michigan 42

Purdue was playing its third string quarterback, a freshman who was playing halfback three weeks ago. Michigan had its best offensive performance of the year so far (though Steven Threet had another day of fail, 9-for-21 for 123). Brandon Minor runs for 155 and three scores, and is dangerously close to solidifying himself as the Michigan feature back in Sam McGuffie's absence. So how does Michigan lose to arguably the worst team in the conference?

Did someone say hook and lateral?

Siller completed a pass to Greg Orton, who lateraled to Desmond Tardy and watched his teammate outrun Donovan Warren and, with 26 seconds, add to the LOLverines' trail of tears. Siller finished with 266 yards on 21-for-34 passing with three touchdowns; either he's one hell of a quick study or Michigan's defense thoroughly sucks.

Central Michigan 37 - Indiana 34

Sure, Central Michigan is pretty good and has arguably the best non-BCS quarterback in the country (hell, maybe the best quarterback, period). Nevertheless, Indiana is a hot mess. The battle for the Old Oaken Bucket might create that Earth-swallowing black hole the Hadron Supercollider failed to produce. As for this game, I think it's safe to say nobody cares.

(All photos courtest of AP)