Week 13 Know Your Opponent: Which Purdue Team Shows Up in Bloomington?
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Rondale Moore has had one of the best freshman seasons ever at Purdue Michael Hickey | Getty Images
Written by Sammy Jacobs (@Hoosier_Huddle)
Head Coach: Jeff Brohm
Overall: 37-12 4th Year
Bowl Appearances at Purdue: 1
2017 Record: 7-6 (4-5) B1G
Bowl Appearances Since 2000: 9 (4-5)
Mascot: Boilermaker Special and Purdue Pete
Colors: Black and Gold
Outfitter: Nike
National Titles: 1 (1931)
Conference Titles: 12
Heisman Winners: 0
Last Week’s Result: Lost vs Wisconsin 47-44 3OT
2018 Record: 5-6
Statistical Leaders
Passing David Blough 256-390 (65.6%) 3,211 yards, 22 TDs, 7 INT
Rushing D.J. Knox 140 att. 826 yards 9 Total TDs
Receiving Rondale Moore 91 rec. 1,023 yards 11 Total TDs
Tackles Markus Bailey 97 tackles (68 solo), 7 TFL, 4.5 Sack, 1 INT, 1 Forced Fumble
Talking Points
1. Rondale Moore is Extremely Dangerous
If you have not heard of Rondale Moore yet, you have not been watching college football in 2018. Moore, a true freshman, burst onto the scene in Purdue’s season opener against Northwestern when he accounted for over 300 all-purpose yards. He leads the Boilermakers in catches (91), receiving yards (1,023), touchdowns (11) and is the third leading rusher (190 yards). Moore can score from anywhere on the field by running by defenders and can shrug off tacklers with ease as well. Moore is also a threat on kick returns with 599 return yards on 30 attempts and has returned 11 punts for 82 yards. Purdue will find any way to get the ball in his hands. He is the clear-cut favorite for Big Ten Freshman of the Year.
2. Purdue Reeling?
After starting the year 0-3, the Boilermakers went on a four-game winning streak where they knocked off two top-25 teams including a 42-28 beat down of Ohio State. Since then, Purdue has gone 1-3, with the lone win coming against then-No. 16 Iowa. Purdue has lost two in a row, a blowout at the hands of Minnesota and a heart-breaking 47-44 triple-overtime loss at home against Wisconsin. There has been a lot of noise surrounding the future of Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm and the noise has only increased since Bobby Petrino was fired at Louisville last week. Is Brohm out the door? Could the noise be too much for Purdue to handle?
3. Leaky Run Defense
One of the reasons for Purdue’s fall back to Earth has been their run defense or lack thereof. Prior to the Minnesota game in Week 11 the Boilermakers were giving up 131.4 rush yards per game. Over the last two contests, Purdue has surrendered 650 yards and six touchdowns on 92 carries (7.1 YPC). The Hoosiers have been running the ball better over the last few weeks and unless Purdue shores up this part of the defense, they could be in for a long day.
4. Purdue’s Offense Goes as David Blough Goes
Overall this season, Purdue’s offense is fourth in the Big Ten averaging 32.3 points per contest, but it goes as David Blough goes. In Purdue’s five wins Blough is completing 51.9 percent of his passes (94-181) for 1,712 yards, 14 touchdowns and three interceptions. He provides a strong arm down field and uses all the weapons to the best of their ability. In Purdue’s six losses, Blough has thrown four interceptions and eight touchdowns. When Blough’s on, he’s as good as anyone in the Big Ten, but when he struggles, Purdue goes with him.