Written by Amanda Pavelka (@amandapavelka3)
The biggest in-state football rivalry game of the year is almost here, as Purdue and Indiana go head-to-head for the Old Oaken Bucket in West Lafayette on Saturday. For the first time in 12 years, Indiana will go into the Bucket game bowl-eligible. In an emotional battle, here’s what the Hoosiers need to focus on to bring the prized Bucket back to Bloomington.
LOCK IN
Injuries have crippled the Boilermakers this season, as their star wide receiver Rondale Moore has been out since late October with a hyperextended knee. Quarterbacks Elijah Sindelar and Jack Plummer suffered season ending ankle and collar bone injuries. The third-string quarterback, Aidan O’Connell will lead the offense for the 4-7 Boilers on Saturday. Known for his trick plays, Jeff Brohm is an offensive mastermind and will likely pull every card possible to try an get a Senior day win, and their biggest win of the season. Beating the Hoosiers would make a statement and give the Boilers a highlight for their rough 2019 season.
The pressure for six wins was taken off Indiana with a victory over Nebraska that clinched a bowl bid in October. In a game that might be easier if they were fighting for a postseason, the Hoosiers have to set their mind on the Bucket and keep their eyes peeled for Brohm and his creativity. Tom Allen said there’s really no way to prepare for every card Brohm could pull, so being locked in and aware of possibilities is a key in this game more than any other.
Shut down David Bell
At the other end of Purdue’s No. 2 conference passing game is freshman wide receiver David Bell. With 77 catches for 899 yards and six touchdowns on the season, Bell averages 81.7 receiving yards per game. Bell’s stepped up with Rondale Moore’s injury and proves to be a highlight of a rough season for the Boilers. Putting a halt on plays by the hands of Bell would be the biggest momentum killer for the Boilers in front of their own fans, as will Whop Philyor’s playmaking abilities with his expected return on Saturday.
Find a Way to Takeaway
The Hoosiers need to take advantage of O’Connell being thrown into the starting quarterback role. Originally a fourth-stringer, the walk-on sophomore has thrown 75-for-115 (65.2 percent) for 693 yards, five touchdowns and three interceptions in five games. Just one takeaway could be huge, and for a defense that has struggled to create them, they have a better chance against Purdue.
As always, the Old Oaken Bucket will be a great game. For momentum going into the month off before their bowl game, the Hoosiers are going to have to fight to steal the show on Senior Day in West Lafayette. Putting an end to the two-year Bucket drought would only affirm the rise of Indiana football in 2019.
