A look towards Purdue

This week’s opponent, Purdue, won its last game 59-0, compiling 627 total yards of offense.  It was a fairly balanced attack with 393 yards rushing and 234 passing (Purdue is a run first team).   They dominated their opponent statistically; 33 first downs to 9 and their 627 yards on offense to their opponents.  Coming back down to earth, it was against Southeast Missouri State.  The week before that, Purdue lost to Rice 24-20 and squeaked by Middle Tennessee 27-24 in their first game of the season (and they held on by blocking a field goal attempt as time ran out).

With a massive offensive line and a confident backfield, look for the Boilermakers to run the ball against the Irish’s three down linemen and take their chances with their talented linebackers.  In last week’s blowout, Purdue was able to get their younger and backup running backs some work coming out of the backfield.  Purdue’s offense averaged 7.4 yards per carry last week using eight different rushers (not counting quarterbacks).  Purdue’s two quarterbacks spread the ball in the passing game as well distributing passes to eight different receivers. 

I feel confident that our offense could put up big numbers against their defense, but I am not confident that they will.  If Middle Tennessee can gain 330 yards in the air, Tommy Rees and his receiving corps could have 600 (they won’t but they could).  After you get past the defensive tackle and nose guard, size is not on the Boilermakers’ side.

Make no mistake about it, this is an instate rivalry going back to 1896 and 82 games.  And just like every other road game, teams and their fans see an opportunity to play the Irish as an opportunity to win and make a name for themselves.  A win against Notre Dame helps with in state recruiting and of course it’s a lot easier to get alumni to donate after beating the boys from South Bend.

Going out on limb, I feel confident the Notre Dame will leave Purdue with a win.  My concern is not the win but the play.  The Irish need what some would call a “slump buster.”  Even with back to back wins, Notre Dame is not firing on all cylinders.  Our boys need to build confidence; they need to go out and beat this team like they stole something.  Not a couple of good plays, but career type games by key players, no turnovers, something like 49 -0.

I know Brian Kelly doesn’t care about style points and says he would rather be out-coached and win ugly then gain 500+ yards of offense and lose.  Why can’t we have style points and win?  When I listen to Kelly talk he is a little too optimistic for me right now, or at least a little too easy on some of his players.  It may be what he does in front of cameras.  Maybe he’s giving the team the Lou Holtz treatment behind closed (locker room) doors.  I hope so.