Greetings from sun-splashed and chilly Madison.
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Limit big plays. Purdue can’t allow the Badgers to rip off big gainers. Specifically, the Boilermakers can’t let running back Jonathan Taylor run wild. If he is ripping off six, seven, eight yards per carry, Purdue will have little chance to win. Purdue needs to make Wisconsin QB Jack Coan win the game.
2. Create turnovers. There probably is no way Purdue can win today unless it generates at least three turnovers. That was the magic number for Illinois when it shocked the Badgers earlier this season. And Purdue’s cause would be augmented big time if it can score on defense … pick-six, scoop-and-score.
3. Protect Aidan O’Connell. The kid is poised and calm in the pocket. But he isn’t a great athlete. So, he can’t be running for his life. The Boilermaker line needs to offer O’Connell protection so has time to find David Bell and Brycen Hopkins. With the sledding likely to be tough when it comes to running the ball, Purdue needs to pass the ball well.
Picks to click ...
Offense
Let’s go with the hot guy: WR David Bell. He has played well for over a month now, emerging as the team’s go-to weapon. Not bad for a true freshman who has had to battle through injuries. The key: Will Aidan O’Connell have time to find Bell?
Defense
Ben Holt. The grad transfer has been a prolific tackler who will be busy trying to contain Jonathan Taylor. Holt is due to make a big play. This may be the day he picks off a pass … and maybe takes it to the house.
Injury reminders: WR Jared Sparks and LB Cornel Jones are out. Sounds like WR Rondale Moore and DT Lo Neal are, too.
What are your thoughts on the game? Your keys? Your picks to click? Lemme have 'em!
Today's depth chart:
Here are my keys to the game:
1. Limit big plays. Purdue can’t allow the Badgers to rip off big gainers. Specifically, the Boilermakers can’t let running back Jonathan Taylor run wild. If he is ripping off six, seven, eight yards per carry, Purdue will have little chance to win. Purdue needs to make Wisconsin QB Jack Coan win the game.
2. Create turnovers. There probably is no way Purdue can win today unless it generates at least three turnovers. That was the magic number for Illinois when it shocked the Badgers earlier this season. And Purdue’s cause would be augmented big time if it can score on defense … pick-six, scoop-and-score.
3. Protect Aidan O’Connell. The kid is poised and calm in the pocket. But he isn’t a great athlete. So, he can’t be running for his life. The Boilermaker line needs to offer O’Connell protection so has time to find David Bell and Brycen Hopkins. With the sledding likely to be tough when it comes to running the ball, Purdue needs to pass the ball well.
Picks to click ...
Offense
Let’s go with the hot guy: WR David Bell. He has played well for over a month now, emerging as the team’s go-to weapon. Not bad for a true freshman who has had to battle through injuries. The key: Will Aidan O’Connell have time to find Bell?
Defense
Ben Holt. The grad transfer has been a prolific tackler who will be busy trying to contain Jonathan Taylor. Holt is due to make a big play. This may be the day he picks off a pass … and maybe takes it to the house.
Injury reminders: WR Jared Sparks and LB Cornel Jones are out. Sounds like WR Rondale Moore and DT Lo Neal are, too.
What are your thoughts on the game? Your keys? Your picks to click? Lemme have 'em!
Today's depth chart:
