Just a couple takeaways:
Moral victories? It's a bit of an empty thing to have to go to, but Purdue did outscore any other Michigan opponent, and you can see that this defense has a lot of fight and it can work. There were some maddening plays early, particularly with the early conversion on third and seven where Purdue showed man coverage and was ten yards behind the line and lost the receiver in the flat, but the Boilers defensive line got after McCarthy and Purdue tackled well. It held Michigan's run game in check minus the forty four yard touchdown run. It's about all Purdue can hang its hat on right now because...
Purdue's offense is broken. The numbers won't look as bad after a last second touchdown pass from Card to Burks, but Card continues to look lost and without confidence out there. The running backs performed surprisingly well, but the offensive line is in shambles. Card was constantly pressured, Hartwig can't actually play every lineman spot, and the growth that Purdue's shown on defense just hasnt' been there on offense. This game wouldn't be as alarming if it weren't following up poor performances against non-Michigan defenses. That's a great defense and team, Michigan, but Purdue didn't seem to have anything to answer them. Purdue's defense and special teams gifted Purdue two possessions in scoring range again. At least with Freehill back, Purdue was able to knock the field goals through the uprights.
Nic Scourton and this defensive line is for real. It's going to look good for Walters and company recruiting in the future to have the sack leaders on his team.
This game could have been a lot worse. While Purdue's 1 for 14 on third down is pretty damning towards its offense, it didn't shoot itself in the foot as much against Michigan as it has of late. Doesn't mean it didn't try. There was a couple throws by Card that should have been interceptions, including one in the end zone. Mockobee also barely avoided another fumble early in the game.
It's late. Purdue has three in theory winnable games to end the season and build some program momentum. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep tonight.
Purdue basketball and media tomorrow before the start of the season Monday!
Moral victories? It's a bit of an empty thing to have to go to, but Purdue did outscore any other Michigan opponent, and you can see that this defense has a lot of fight and it can work. There were some maddening plays early, particularly with the early conversion on third and seven where Purdue showed man coverage and was ten yards behind the line and lost the receiver in the flat, but the Boilers defensive line got after McCarthy and Purdue tackled well. It held Michigan's run game in check minus the forty four yard touchdown run. It's about all Purdue can hang its hat on right now because...
Purdue's offense is broken. The numbers won't look as bad after a last second touchdown pass from Card to Burks, but Card continues to look lost and without confidence out there. The running backs performed surprisingly well, but the offensive line is in shambles. Card was constantly pressured, Hartwig can't actually play every lineman spot, and the growth that Purdue's shown on defense just hasnt' been there on offense. This game wouldn't be as alarming if it weren't following up poor performances against non-Michigan defenses. That's a great defense and team, Michigan, but Purdue didn't seem to have anything to answer them. Purdue's defense and special teams gifted Purdue two possessions in scoring range again. At least with Freehill back, Purdue was able to knock the field goals through the uprights.
Nic Scourton and this defensive line is for real. It's going to look good for Walters and company recruiting in the future to have the sack leaders on his team.
This game could have been a lot worse. While Purdue's 1 for 14 on third down is pretty damning towards its offense, it didn't shoot itself in the foot as much against Michigan as it has of late. Doesn't mean it didn't try. There was a couple throws by Card that should have been interceptions, including one in the end zone. Mockobee also barely avoided another fumble early in the game.
It's late. Purdue has three in theory winnable games to end the season and build some program momentum. Enjoy the extra hour of sleep tonight.
Purdue basketball and media tomorrow before the start of the season Monday!
