Greeting people (and others),
We're here at Ross-Ade Stadium, where the Boilermakers (1-1) host Nevada (2-1) in the last pre-Big Ten game. We do have RULES, not even remotely joking. Among them, the meatloaf is mine and mine alone. Hands off.
OK.
Should be an interesting game today for many reasons. No. 1, Purdue's offensive tackle situation, both Martesse Patterson and Matt McCann are out today. We'll see if Patterson is even dressed - I would guess not - but we'll see here shortly. He's out with a "personal thing" and McCann has a right ankle. Have to wonder if both those things will be a one-week absence or extended. (On radio, Tim Newton just said McCann was likely out three weeks).
Today at least, this is a major issue. Jalen Neal, who has struggled in camp, particularly with being physical at the point of attack, will start on the left side. Nevada would be crazy not to load up there, see if they can confuse him and get pressure off David Blough's blind side. And Cameron Cermin starts at right; a little more comfortable there, because he's started 20 games. But he's not been the same guy this season, coming off the shoulder stuff. But have to think he'll rise to the occasion.
On its official two-deep today, Purdue actually lists Jordan Roos, the starting right guard, as the backup at LT and RT. And Mike Mendez as the backup on the interior spots. Purdue is only six deep right now on the line. If it would need to go to a seventh, I have no idea who that would be. Even Peyton Truitt (left elbow) is likely out today.
If I had to guess, Bearooz Yacoobi would be up next. He's not ready to play significantly.
(Aside, Rob Blackman with the Lt. Dangle reference on the pregame show, so that's a win.)
Can Purdue stop the run?
We'll see. They will be tested by James Butler and Jaxson Kincaide, a pretty dynamic duo. What will the defensive adjustments be? Purdue will still run nickel, but maybe we'll see someone else up in the box. The safety play hasn't been good. Maybe C.J. Parker gets a chance, although not really sure he knows what he's doing in the passing game.
Purdue could be helped by the return of Austin Larkin and Da'Wan Hunte today, but not sure if they'll play more than 20 or so snaps. Maybe Hunte can go a little more, but he's not yet looked 100 percent either, although he's getting closer.
Markell Jones could have a big day, if healthy.
So, I don't know. Trying to handicap a game like this is close to impossible.
We're here at Ross-Ade Stadium, where the Boilermakers (1-1) host Nevada (2-1) in the last pre-Big Ten game. We do have RULES, not even remotely joking. Among them, the meatloaf is mine and mine alone. Hands off.
OK.
Should be an interesting game today for many reasons. No. 1, Purdue's offensive tackle situation, both Martesse Patterson and Matt McCann are out today. We'll see if Patterson is even dressed - I would guess not - but we'll see here shortly. He's out with a "personal thing" and McCann has a right ankle. Have to wonder if both those things will be a one-week absence or extended. (On radio, Tim Newton just said McCann was likely out three weeks).
Today at least, this is a major issue. Jalen Neal, who has struggled in camp, particularly with being physical at the point of attack, will start on the left side. Nevada would be crazy not to load up there, see if they can confuse him and get pressure off David Blough's blind side. And Cameron Cermin starts at right; a little more comfortable there, because he's started 20 games. But he's not been the same guy this season, coming off the shoulder stuff. But have to think he'll rise to the occasion.
On its official two-deep today, Purdue actually lists Jordan Roos, the starting right guard, as the backup at LT and RT. And Mike Mendez as the backup on the interior spots. Purdue is only six deep right now on the line. If it would need to go to a seventh, I have no idea who that would be. Even Peyton Truitt (left elbow) is likely out today.
If I had to guess, Bearooz Yacoobi would be up next. He's not ready to play significantly.
(Aside, Rob Blackman with the Lt. Dangle reference on the pregame show, so that's a win.)
Can Purdue stop the run?
We'll see. They will be tested by James Butler and Jaxson Kincaide, a pretty dynamic duo. What will the defensive adjustments be? Purdue will still run nickel, but maybe we'll see someone else up in the box. The safety play hasn't been good. Maybe C.J. Parker gets a chance, although not really sure he knows what he's doing in the passing game.
Purdue could be helped by the return of Austin Larkin and Da'Wan Hunte today, but not sure if they'll play more than 20 or so snaps. Maybe Hunte can go a little more, but he's not yet looked 100 percent either, although he's getting closer.
Markell Jones could have a big day, if healthy.
So, I don't know. Trying to handicap a game like this is close to impossible.
