Know Your Opponent: Purdue Boilermakers

Written by: TJ Inman (@TJHoosierHuddle)

Head Coach: Jeff Brohm

Overall: Sixth Season at Purdue - 35-33 (25-25 in Big Ten)

Bowl Appearances at Purdue: Three

2021 Record: 9-4 (6-3)

Mascot: Purdue Pete

Colors: Black and Old Gold

Outfitter: Nike

National Titles: One

Conference Titles: 12

Heisman Winners: 0

Last Week: 17-9 over Northwestern

Statistical Leaders

Passing: Aidan O’Connell – 270 for 423 (63.8%) for 2834 yards with 20 TDs and 11 INTs

Rushing: Devin Mockobee – 150 carries for 750 yards with 7 TDs

Receiving: Charlie Jones – 93 receptions for 1056 yards with 11 TDs

Tackles: Sanoussi Kane – 56 tackles (45 solo)

Stat of the Week: Jeff Brohm offenses are known for being incredibly explosive and high-scoring. While this offense is not a vintage edition, they do have two elite weapons: receiver Charlie Jones and tight end Payne Durham combined for 13 catches per game (the rest of the team averages 14.3 total) and the duo has scored 18 of the 23 receiving touchdowns on the season.

Boilermakers Talking Points

1.    Limiting Jones and Payne

See the “stat of the week” for just how important Jones and Durham are to this Purdue offense. In fact, Charlie Jones is one of the most impactful transfers in the country. He came to Purdue from Iowa and has been outstanding all season, developing an immediate rapport with Aidan O’Connell and becoming the number one threat in this offense. Payne Durham is possibly the best tight end in the Big Ten and the two are a bear for defenses to contain. IU is thin at linebacker and the secondary has had a major problem with marquee wideouts all season so this matchup is problematic for the Hoosiers.

2.    Running the Ball

The 2022 Purdue Boilermakers have an odd defense. They have good to excellent performances against Indiana State, Minnesota, Illinois and Northwestern. Then there are really subpar performances against Nebraska, Wisconsin and Iowa. In total, Purdue has given up 5.51 yards per play and gave up 5.3 yards per carry against Iowa, 6.1 yards per rush against Wisconsin and 5.3 yards per carry against Nebraska. Based on the Michigan State game, the Hoosiers will need to run the ball successfully to have a chance and there have been games when Purdue has been overwhelmed on the ground.

3.    Managing the Emotions

Purdue will know by kickoff whether or not they have a shot to win the Big Ten West. If Iowa beats Nebraska on Black Friday, the Hawkeyes win the West. If Nebraska can pull off the upset, Purdue knows that if they beat IU, they are the West champions. Regardless of that, this is a heated rivalry game. The fanbases absolutely hate each other and both sides know what this game means. Whichever team can manage emotions to limit mistakes and penalties is going to have a big leg up to hold the Old Oaken Bucket.