Additional Information
Coaching Staff
Last year, The Disney Family of Companies (ABC, ESPN, etc.) billed the Ohio State - Purdue game as a clash of heavyweights. Both teams were 5-0, having beaten every opponent by at least 2 touchdowns. The denizens of the Magic Kingdom assured the country that this game was punching someone's ticket to the BCS. It was the Unstoppable Force of the Purdue Offense (45.4 ppg) against the Immovable Object of the Buckeye Defense (7.2 ppg).
With all due respect to The House of Mouse and their cast members at ESPN, last year's look Behind the Numbers called shenanigans on their bluster and correctly predicted a decisive Buckeye Victory. Purdue went on to lose 4 more games, finishing 8-5.
Unfortunately, the Buckeyes too have fallen on hard times (relatively) since last year's game with Purdue. Both teams saw significant drops in production that began after their game last year and have continued into this season.
The Boiler's Unstoppable Force lost 1/3 of their power after playing the Buckeyes, falling to 30.3 ppg. Similarly, the Immovable Object of the Buckeye Defense began to crack. The 7.2 ppg that Ohio State surrendered before playing Purdue turned into 17.6 ppg after the game in West Lafayette.
How the Mighty have Fallen
Before playing each other last year, Ohio State and Purdue between them led the conference in 12 of the 17 major statistical categories. Even after their mutual drop in production following their meeting they still led the conference in 9 categories. This year, they lead the conference in 3 categories between them.
Last year, the two teams had only one last place showing between them in any category (OSU: Kick-Off Returns). This year, the teams are last in 9 of the 17 major categories.
And the problems cannot be localized to just one aspect of either team. Purdue's national ranking has fallen in all but one category, and their average drop is 25.6 places. The Buckeyes have actually improved in special teams rankings and in Turnover Margin. Sadly, Ohio State has fallen an average of 34.5 places in the national rankings of the offensive and defensive statistical categories.
Worst of all perhaps is that Ohio State has seen a huge decrease in its bread-and-butter; all while playing a softer schedule on average. The Buckeyes have fallen from 3rd to 32nd in Rushing Defense. This decrease is in spite of having faced a slate of rushing offenses that ranks, on average, more than 14 places lower than last year's opponents. Jim Tressel teams to-date have all done better than this in rushing defense, and improvement is to be expected.
Other numbers for the Buckeyes can't help but improve, because there's nowhere to go but up. In fact, the best reason Ohio State fans have to expect improvement is shown in how bad these numbers are:
______________________________2007_________
______________________national___conference
________________________rank________rank___
SACKS_____________________6___________2____
TACKLES FOR LOSS__________8___________1____
SACKS ALLOWED____________29___________3____
______________________________2008_________
______________________national___conference
________________________rank________rank___
SACKS____________________77__________11____
TACKLES FOR LOSS________103__________11____
SACKS ALLOWED___________106__________11____
Those are Ohio State's rankings, not Purdue's. And don't look now, but Northwestern is #3 in sacks and #5 in sacks allowed... in the nation.
So why is that a good reason to expect improvement? Because there is absolutely no way on earth that Vernon Gholston and Kirk Barton were that important. This team is simply NOT that bad.
The team is behaving as if they've been told they're no good. The lines especially look like they've heard for 9 months how bad they are. They look like everyone from the press to the TV to the radio to message boards has talked about how horrible they were down the stretch last year.
No, this team is not as bad as they've played. Perhaps it is more accurate to say that they have something much better inside them. They need a shot in the arm... some sort of antidote to the funk they're in. They need something to bring their best out of them.
Fortunately, this game is just what the doctor ordered.
The Match-Up
After all of this doom-and-gloom, an optimistic look at the match-up might seem incongruous. And when you consider that this is a sandwich game, falling between stiffer contests against Wisconsin and Michigan State; it would appear that this is a good week to call for an upset. But that's not going to happen.
Sometimes numbers can tell you what's going to happen. Last year's OSU-Purdue game was a good example of that. Sometimes numbers can only give you half of the story. That's what we have here.
The non-numerical half of the story:
Anyone who has been watching Ohio State for the last few years and football in general for a few decades can tell you: The Buckeyes have a wicked hang-over. They are playing like a team with a crisis of confidence. There can be no doubt if you follow the Buckeyes that they are better than what they're showing. They need to believe that they are better.
The Buckeyes got a shot in the arm from Terrelle Pryor and company last week. Last week was a cross roads that has the team moving in the right direction, confidence-wise. Purdue is the perfect team to face to give them the push they need to build on their momentum. For proof of this, we need to look behind the numbers; or in this case, right at them.
The numerical half of the story:
Purdue is dead-last in the conference in rushing defense.
Purdue is dead-last in the conference in passing defense.
While this is good news for the Ohio State offense, it's even better news for the defense. The offense is already feeling confident after last week. The defense needs to have the pressure lifted for a week so that they can catch up.
What better way to lift the pressure than to have a lead all afternoon, with the offense pushing the Boilers all over the field? Well, facing a one-handed team that you are tailor made to stop is a start.
Purdue is first in the conference in passing offense. BUT,
Purdue is dead-last in the conference in rushing offense. And Purdue's passing production is less than it was last year... It is only first in the conference because Northwestern's passing production fell off the table.
Ohio State is first in the conference in passing defense. Our Back 7 is the same group that ate Curtis Painter's lunch last year. With no rushing threat and no Dorien Bryant, Painter (or whoever they put out there) is toast.
After this game, people will point at the scoreboard and say that this was when the 2008 Buckeyes woke up. But it really started last week in Madison.
The Lighter Side
The bad idea - a "Color out." First strike - The idea was born by the most objectional people on the planet, Penn State fans. But, at least Penn State fans were smart enough to dress in a color which contrasts with the night sky, providing at least some kind of visual disruption. Now, consider what I just wrote. Penn State fans - smart. Do you appreciate the absurdity of that? Purdue chooses to dress in all black, blending in seemlessly with the evening sky giving the impression of not even being there. Second strike - being dumber than Penn State fans. Actually, being dumber than PSU fans really counts as two strikes. Still, even if it didn't, as discussed next, being as quiet as a gentle stream seals the wiff.
The Bad idea goes worse than planned. For the whole concept to work you have to realize that simply dressing in the same color as your idiot roommate is not enough. You have to be rowdy, too. You have to jump around, yell, scream... Not just politely clap as your team takes the field:
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bMDNwzNEJA&feature=related"]Chirp Chirp[/ame]
You hear that whistling? That's not coming from the cameraman. It's coming from some dude several feet away. Contrast this "excitement" with Ohio State taking the very same field:
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcowjF9E-4k&feature=related"]We're on the Road[/ame]
Remember, folks, this was an Ohio State road game. But, as revealed immediately below, you wouldn't know that if you were there.
Yes, sadly, video number 1 was the high point for the comatose Boiler-fans. It's not bad enough that you're providing a nice and pleasing to the eye backdrop for the players by wearing your team's primary color. It's not bad enough that you can't even manage to get excited when your own team is taking the field. No. You morons fail to shout down O-H-I-O being performed in your stadium:
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA-V7g0GXL8&feature=related"]Home Game by Proxy[/ame]
Embarrassing. On National TV, no less. Your team is 5-8 since then. If you ask me, for fans like you, that's five wins too many. Come to think of it, Jim Colletto's 1-10 1993 squad is too good for you. May each of you take the business end of a Chris Wells stiff arm.
This Lighter Side may be shorter than usual, but it's only because my Mother always told me, if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.
Traditions & Opponent Perspective
Purdue began its football program in 1891 under the direction of Head Coach Knowlton L. "Snake" Ames. Like most schools with such a long history, Purdue has amassed a number of traditions.
Historical Data
Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN) Founded 1869
Note: Statistical data was complied using a variety of sources, including:
Stassen (Chris Stassen) - Data
College Football Data Warehouse - Data
American College Football-RSFC (Dave Wilson) - Data
D1A Football (Formerly WALJ 10 College Football) - Data
National Champs.net - Data
Hickok Sports - Data
Coaching Staff
Head Coach:
Official School Bio - Joe Tiller
Assistant Coaches:
Official School Bios - Assistant Coaches
Danny Hope - Associate Head Coach/Offensive Line
Mark Hagen - Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams/DT's
Brock Spack - Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
Ed Zaunbrecher - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Lou Anarumo - Defensive Backs
John McDonell - Tight Ends
Brian Rock - Wide Receivers
Joel Thomas - Running Backs
Terrell Williams - Defensive Ends
Don Coller - Director of Football Operations
Lamar Conard - Graduate Assistant
Joe Deifel - Graduate Assistant/Quality Control
J.B. Gibboney - Graduate Assistant
Jim Lathrop - Director of Strength and Conditioning
Denny Miller - Director of Sports Medicine
Tom Schott - Assistant Athletics Director
Mike Shandrick - Equipment Manager
RecruitingAssistant Coaches:
Official School Bios - Assistant Coaches
Danny Hope - Associate Head Coach/Offensive Line
Mark Hagen - Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams/DT's
Brock Spack - Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers
Ed Zaunbrecher - Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
Lou Anarumo - Defensive Backs
John McDonell - Tight Ends
Brian Rock - Wide Receivers
Joel Thomas - Running Backs
Terrell Williams - Defensive Ends
Don Coller - Director of Football Operations
Lamar Conard - Graduate Assistant
Joe Deifel - Graduate Assistant/Quality Control
J.B. Gibboney - Graduate Assistant
Jim Lathrop - Director of Strength and Conditioning
Denny Miller - Director of Sports Medicine
Tom Schott - Assistant Athletics Director
Mike Shandrick - Equipment Manager
Starters Returning: 13 (Offense 6, Defense 6, Special Teams 1)
Letterman Returning: 41 (Offense 19, Defense 20, Special Teams 1)
Notable Returners:
RT Zach Jones, WR Greg Orton, QB Curtis Painter, LG Zach Reckman, LT Sean Sester, RB Kory Sheets, DT Ryan Baker, DE Keyon Brown, LB Anthony Heygood, FS Brandon King, DT Alex Magee, CB David Pender
Starters Lost: 11 (Offense 5, Defense 5, Special Teams 1)
Letterman Lost: 23 (Offense 10, Defense 12, Special Teams 1)
Notable Losses:
WR Dorien Bryant, RG Jordan Grimes, TE Dustin Keller, WR Selwyn Lymon, C Robbie Powel, DE Cliff Avril, LB Josh Ferguson, LB Stanford Keglar, SS Justin Scott, CB Terell Vinson, P Jared Armstrong
Past Recruiting Classes:
Behind the NumbersRT Zach Jones, WR Greg Orton, QB Curtis Painter, LG Zach Reckman, LT Sean Sester, RB Kory Sheets, DT Ryan Baker, DE Keyon Brown, LB Anthony Heygood, FS Brandon King, DT Alex Magee, CB David Pender
Starters Lost: 11 (Offense 5, Defense 5, Special Teams 1)
Letterman Lost: 23 (Offense 10, Defense 12, Special Teams 1)
Notable Losses:
WR Dorien Bryant, RG Jordan Grimes, TE Dustin Keller, WR Selwyn Lymon, C Robbie Powel, DE Cliff Avril, LB Josh Ferguson, LB Stanford Keglar, SS Justin Scott, CB Terell Vinson, P Jared Armstrong
Past Recruiting Classes:
2009 Verbals:
Ishmael Aristide ATH 5-11 190 Orlando, FL
Gary Bush WR 6-0 161 Miami, FL
Trevor Foy DE 6-7 255 Louisville, KY
Shayon Green DE 6-2 225 Tifton, GA
Rob Henry QB 6-2 193 Ocala, FL
Josh Johnson ATH 5-10 175 Dade City, FL
Class of 2008:
[strike]Dwayne Beckford LB 6-0 209 Irvington, NJ [/strike]
Alvin Blackmon WR 6-0 180 Lake Dallas, TX
Ralph Bolden ATH 5-10 185 Folkston, GA
Andrew Brewer OL 6-4 249 Ona, WV
[strike]Jordan Brewer TE 6-6 220 Carmel, IN [/strike]
Monroe Brooks DT 6-6 245 Palatine, IL
Chris Carlino LB 6-2 202 Fishers, IN
Mike Chacksfield OL 6-6 285 Cincinnati, OH
LaSalle Cooks DE 6-2 193 Orlando, FL
Arsenio Curry WR 6-5 210 Fresno, CA
Peters Drey OL 6-5 260 Mobile, AL
Albert Evans RB 6-1 190 Portage, IN
Nnamdi Ezenwa LB 6-3 210 Acworth, GA
Kevin Green DB 5-10 169 Tallahassee, FL
Derek Jackson LB 6-0 213 Glen Allen, VA
Robert Maci DE 6-4 240 Indianapolis, IN
Dwight McLean DB 6-3 205 Fullerton, CA
Eric Mebane DE 6-4 210 Arlington, TX
Ken Plue OL 6-8 340 New Berlin, NY
Gavin Roberts ATH 6-0 185 Franklin, NJ
Rick Schmeig OL 6-5 305 Cincinnati, OH
Kawann Short DT 6-5 270 East Chicago, IN
Caleb Ter Bush QB 6-5 215 Metamora, IL
Tommie Thomas DB 6-2 175 Oak Lawn, IL
Aaron Valentin WR 6-2 202 Orchard Park, NY
Carson Wiggs K 6-0 180 Grand Prairie, TX
Class of 2007:
Jared Crank RB 6-2 233 Carrollton, TX
Dan Dierking RB 5-9 178 Wheaton, IL
[strike]Brian Ellis LB 6-3 240 Visalia, CA[/strike]
Nickcaro Golding DE 6-4 219 Evanston, IL
Gerald Gooden LB 6-3 210 Hooks, TX
Waynelle Gravesande WR 5-10 155 Irvington, NJ
DeVarro Greaves LB 6-3 200 Folkston, GA
[strike]Malcolm Harris RB 5-9 168 Paterson, NJ[/strike]
Tyler Haston ATH 6-3 202 Avon, IN
Joe Holland ATH 6-2 195 Indianapolis, IN
Ryan Kerrigan DE 6-4 233 Muncie, IN
Colton McKey TE 6-6 215 The Woodlands, TX
Josh McKinley ATH 6-1 200 Leander, TX
Nick Mondek ATH 6-6 224 Naperville, IL
Preston Numa DT 6-2 273 River Ridge, LA
James Shepherd OL 6-6 314 Hopkinsville, KY
[strike]Derrick Sherman WR 6-0 170 Cincinnati, OH[/strike]
Justin Siller QB 6-4 191 Orchard Lake, MI
Charlton Williams DB 6-2 190 Coral Springs, FL
Class of 2006:
Kyle Adams TE 6-5 225 Austin, TX
Royce Adams DB 5-11 166 Cleveland, OH
[strike]Jared Armstrong K 6-3 235 Palatine, IL [/strike]
[strike]Jeff Benjamin DE 6-3 270 Riverside, CA [/strike]
Brandon Blackmon DB 6-1 171 Fullerton, CA
[strike]Dario Camacho RB 5-11 205 Glendora, CA[/strike]
[strike]Tim Dougherty K 5-8 165 Louisville, KY[/strike]
[strike]Brandon Erwin DB 6-2 180 Grayson, GA[/strike]
Kevin Green LB 6-2 212 North Chicago, IL
John Humphrey LB 6-1 205 Youngstown, OH
Jeff Lindsay ATH 6-4 210 Macomb, MI
[strike]Jonte Lindsey DB 5-10 165 Riverside, CA [/strike]
Roberto McBean WR 6-0 180 San Francisco, CA
[strike]Michael McDonald DE 6-2 240 Tyler, TX[/strike]
Jeff Panfil QB 6-5 183 Crowley, TX
David Pender DB 6-1 175 Folkston, GA
Justin Pierce OL 6-5 300 Tom Bean, TX
Ryan Prater OL 6-5 260 Addison, TX
[strike]Shaun Richardson DE 6-2 240 Joliet, IL[/strike]
[strike]Justin Scott DB 6-0 205 Visalia, CA [/strike]
[strike]Kyle Sheehan DT 6-5 260 Fairmont, MN[/strike]
Keith Smith ATH 6-2 193 Killeen, TX
[strike]Mario Swope ATH 5-10 186 Indianapolis, IN [/strike]
Jaycen Taylor ATH 5-11 180 Los Angeles, CA
[strike]Terrell Vinson DB 5-9 175 Mission Viejo, CA[/strike]
Joe Whitest ATH 6-2 205 Belle Glade, FL
[strike]Deon Williams RB 6-0 200 Rockford, IL [/strike]
Class of 2005:
[strike]Derek Benson ATH 6-1 200 Princeton, NJ [/strike]
Keyon Brown DE 6-3 225 Harvey, IL
Joey Elliott QB 6-2 190 Evansville, IN
[strike]Christian Graham DB 6-2 200 Indianapolis, IN [/strike]
Frank Halliburton DE 6-3 240 Indianapolis, IN
Eric Hedstrom OL 6-6 265 Arlington Heights, IL
[strike]Alec Huber TE 6-4 225 McDonough, GA[/strike]
[strike]Todshon Jones DB 6-2 165 Winslow Township, NJ[/strike]
[strike]Jason Kacinko OL 6-6 300 Harrison City, PA [/strike]
Brandon King ATH 5-10 171 Warner Robins, GA
[strike]Selwyn Lymon WR 6-4 190 Fort Wayne, IN[/strike]
Alex Magee DT 6-5 270 Oswego, IL
[strike]Dray Mason DB 5-10 175 Indianapolis, IN [/strike]
Michael Neal DE 6-4 240 Merrillville, IN
Greg Orton WR 6-4 190 Huber Heights, OH
[strike]J.B. Paxson DE 6-3 260 Greenwood, IN[/strike]
[strike]David Ramirez QB 6-2 200 Red Oak, TX [/strike]
Zach Reckman OL 6-6 245 Cincinnati, OH
Jason Werner LB 6-4 200 Indianapolis, IN
[strike]Kyle Williams LB 6-2 219 Bolingbrook, IL[/strike]
Jared Zwilling DE 6-4 255, Evansville, IN
Gary Bush WR 6-0 161 Miami, FL
Trevor Foy DE 6-7 255 Louisville, KY
Shayon Green DE 6-2 225 Tifton, GA
Rob Henry QB 6-2 193 Ocala, FL
Josh Johnson ATH 5-10 175 Dade City, FL
Class of 2008:
[strike]Dwayne Beckford LB 6-0 209 Irvington, NJ [/strike]
Alvin Blackmon WR 6-0 180 Lake Dallas, TX
Ralph Bolden ATH 5-10 185 Folkston, GA
Andrew Brewer OL 6-4 249 Ona, WV
[strike]Jordan Brewer TE 6-6 220 Carmel, IN [/strike]
Monroe Brooks DT 6-6 245 Palatine, IL
Chris Carlino LB 6-2 202 Fishers, IN
Mike Chacksfield OL 6-6 285 Cincinnati, OH
LaSalle Cooks DE 6-2 193 Orlando, FL
Arsenio Curry WR 6-5 210 Fresno, CA
Peters Drey OL 6-5 260 Mobile, AL
Albert Evans RB 6-1 190 Portage, IN
Nnamdi Ezenwa LB 6-3 210 Acworth, GA
Kevin Green DB 5-10 169 Tallahassee, FL
Derek Jackson LB 6-0 213 Glen Allen, VA
Robert Maci DE 6-4 240 Indianapolis, IN
Dwight McLean DB 6-3 205 Fullerton, CA
Eric Mebane DE 6-4 210 Arlington, TX
Ken Plue OL 6-8 340 New Berlin, NY
Gavin Roberts ATH 6-0 185 Franklin, NJ
Rick Schmeig OL 6-5 305 Cincinnati, OH
Kawann Short DT 6-5 270 East Chicago, IN
Caleb Ter Bush QB 6-5 215 Metamora, IL
Tommie Thomas DB 6-2 175 Oak Lawn, IL
Aaron Valentin WR 6-2 202 Orchard Park, NY
Carson Wiggs K 6-0 180 Grand Prairie, TX
Class of 2007:
Jared Crank RB 6-2 233 Carrollton, TX
Dan Dierking RB 5-9 178 Wheaton, IL
[strike]Brian Ellis LB 6-3 240 Visalia, CA[/strike]
Nickcaro Golding DE 6-4 219 Evanston, IL
Gerald Gooden LB 6-3 210 Hooks, TX
Waynelle Gravesande WR 5-10 155 Irvington, NJ
DeVarro Greaves LB 6-3 200 Folkston, GA
[strike]Malcolm Harris RB 5-9 168 Paterson, NJ[/strike]
Tyler Haston ATH 6-3 202 Avon, IN
Joe Holland ATH 6-2 195 Indianapolis, IN
Ryan Kerrigan DE 6-4 233 Muncie, IN
Colton McKey TE 6-6 215 The Woodlands, TX
Josh McKinley ATH 6-1 200 Leander, TX
Nick Mondek ATH 6-6 224 Naperville, IL
Preston Numa DT 6-2 273 River Ridge, LA
James Shepherd OL 6-6 314 Hopkinsville, KY
[strike]Derrick Sherman WR 6-0 170 Cincinnati, OH[/strike]
Justin Siller QB 6-4 191 Orchard Lake, MI
Charlton Williams DB 6-2 190 Coral Springs, FL
Class of 2006:
Kyle Adams TE 6-5 225 Austin, TX
Royce Adams DB 5-11 166 Cleveland, OH
[strike]Jared Armstrong K 6-3 235 Palatine, IL [/strike]
[strike]Jeff Benjamin DE 6-3 270 Riverside, CA [/strike]
Brandon Blackmon DB 6-1 171 Fullerton, CA
[strike]Dario Camacho RB 5-11 205 Glendora, CA[/strike]
[strike]Tim Dougherty K 5-8 165 Louisville, KY[/strike]
[strike]Brandon Erwin DB 6-2 180 Grayson, GA[/strike]
Kevin Green LB 6-2 212 North Chicago, IL
John Humphrey LB 6-1 205 Youngstown, OH
Jeff Lindsay ATH 6-4 210 Macomb, MI
[strike]Jonte Lindsey DB 5-10 165 Riverside, CA [/strike]
Roberto McBean WR 6-0 180 San Francisco, CA
[strike]Michael McDonald DE 6-2 240 Tyler, TX[/strike]
Jeff Panfil QB 6-5 183 Crowley, TX
David Pender DB 6-1 175 Folkston, GA
Justin Pierce OL 6-5 300 Tom Bean, TX
Ryan Prater OL 6-5 260 Addison, TX
[strike]Shaun Richardson DE 6-2 240 Joliet, IL[/strike]
[strike]Justin Scott DB 6-0 205 Visalia, CA [/strike]
[strike]Kyle Sheehan DT 6-5 260 Fairmont, MN[/strike]
Keith Smith ATH 6-2 193 Killeen, TX
[strike]Mario Swope ATH 5-10 186 Indianapolis, IN [/strike]
Jaycen Taylor ATH 5-11 180 Los Angeles, CA
[strike]Terrell Vinson DB 5-9 175 Mission Viejo, CA[/strike]
Joe Whitest ATH 6-2 205 Belle Glade, FL
[strike]Deon Williams RB 6-0 200 Rockford, IL [/strike]
Class of 2005:
[strike]Derek Benson ATH 6-1 200 Princeton, NJ [/strike]
Keyon Brown DE 6-3 225 Harvey, IL
Joey Elliott QB 6-2 190 Evansville, IN
[strike]Christian Graham DB 6-2 200 Indianapolis, IN [/strike]
Frank Halliburton DE 6-3 240 Indianapolis, IN
Eric Hedstrom OL 6-6 265 Arlington Heights, IL
[strike]Alec Huber TE 6-4 225 McDonough, GA[/strike]
[strike]Todshon Jones DB 6-2 165 Winslow Township, NJ[/strike]
[strike]Jason Kacinko OL 6-6 300 Harrison City, PA [/strike]
Brandon King ATH 5-10 171 Warner Robins, GA
[strike]Selwyn Lymon WR 6-4 190 Fort Wayne, IN[/strike]
Alex Magee DT 6-5 270 Oswego, IL
[strike]Dray Mason DB 5-10 175 Indianapolis, IN [/strike]
Michael Neal DE 6-4 240 Merrillville, IN
Greg Orton WR 6-4 190 Huber Heights, OH
[strike]J.B. Paxson DE 6-3 260 Greenwood, IN[/strike]
[strike]David Ramirez QB 6-2 200 Red Oak, TX [/strike]
Zach Reckman OL 6-6 245 Cincinnati, OH
Jason Werner LB 6-4 200 Indianapolis, IN
[strike]Kyle Williams LB 6-2 219 Bolingbrook, IL[/strike]
Jared Zwilling DE 6-4 255, Evansville, IN
Remember the Titans?
Last year, The Disney Family of Companies (ABC, ESPN, etc.) billed the Ohio State - Purdue game as a clash of heavyweights. Both teams were 5-0, having beaten every opponent by at least 2 touchdowns. The denizens of the Magic Kingdom assured the country that this game was punching someone's ticket to the BCS. It was the Unstoppable Force of the Purdue Offense (45.4 ppg) against the Immovable Object of the Buckeye Defense (7.2 ppg).
With all due respect to The House of Mouse and their cast members at ESPN, last year's look Behind the Numbers called shenanigans on their bluster and correctly predicted a decisive Buckeye Victory. Purdue went on to lose 4 more games, finishing 8-5.
Unfortunately, the Buckeyes too have fallen on hard times (relatively) since last year's game with Purdue. Both teams saw significant drops in production that began after their game last year and have continued into this season.
The Boiler's Unstoppable Force lost 1/3 of their power after playing the Buckeyes, falling to 30.3 ppg. Similarly, the Immovable Object of the Buckeye Defense began to crack. The 7.2 ppg that Ohio State surrendered before playing Purdue turned into 17.6 ppg after the game in West Lafayette.
How the Mighty have Fallen
Before playing each other last year, Ohio State and Purdue between them led the conference in 12 of the 17 major statistical categories. Even after their mutual drop in production following their meeting they still led the conference in 9 categories. This year, they lead the conference in 3 categories between them.
Last year, the two teams had only one last place showing between them in any category (OSU: Kick-Off Returns). This year, the teams are last in 9 of the 17 major categories.
And the problems cannot be localized to just one aspect of either team. Purdue's national ranking has fallen in all but one category, and their average drop is 25.6 places. The Buckeyes have actually improved in special teams rankings and in Turnover Margin. Sadly, Ohio State has fallen an average of 34.5 places in the national rankings of the offensive and defensive statistical categories.
Worst of all perhaps is that Ohio State has seen a huge decrease in its bread-and-butter; all while playing a softer schedule on average. The Buckeyes have fallen from 3rd to 32nd in Rushing Defense. This decrease is in spite of having faced a slate of rushing offenses that ranks, on average, more than 14 places lower than last year's opponents. Jim Tressel teams to-date have all done better than this in rushing defense, and improvement is to be expected.
Other numbers for the Buckeyes can't help but improve, because there's nowhere to go but up. In fact, the best reason Ohio State fans have to expect improvement is shown in how bad these numbers are:
______________________________2007_________
______________________national___conference
________________________rank________rank___
SACKS_____________________6___________2____
TACKLES FOR LOSS__________8___________1____
SACKS ALLOWED____________29___________3____
______________________________2008_________
______________________national___conference
________________________rank________rank___
SACKS____________________77__________11____
TACKLES FOR LOSS________103__________11____
SACKS ALLOWED___________106__________11____
Those are Ohio State's rankings, not Purdue's. And don't look now, but Northwestern is #3 in sacks and #5 in sacks allowed... in the nation.
So why is that a good reason to expect improvement? Because there is absolutely no way on earth that Vernon Gholston and Kirk Barton were that important. This team is simply NOT that bad.
The team is behaving as if they've been told they're no good. The lines especially look like they've heard for 9 months how bad they are. They look like everyone from the press to the TV to the radio to message boards has talked about how horrible they were down the stretch last year.
No, this team is not as bad as they've played. Perhaps it is more accurate to say that they have something much better inside them. They need a shot in the arm... some sort of antidote to the funk they're in. They need something to bring their best out of them.
Fortunately, this game is just what the doctor ordered.
The Match-Up
After all of this doom-and-gloom, an optimistic look at the match-up might seem incongruous. And when you consider that this is a sandwich game, falling between stiffer contests against Wisconsin and Michigan State; it would appear that this is a good week to call for an upset. But that's not going to happen.
Sometimes numbers can tell you what's going to happen. Last year's OSU-Purdue game was a good example of that. Sometimes numbers can only give you half of the story. That's what we have here.
The non-numerical half of the story:
Anyone who has been watching Ohio State for the last few years and football in general for a few decades can tell you: The Buckeyes have a wicked hang-over. They are playing like a team with a crisis of confidence. There can be no doubt if you follow the Buckeyes that they are better than what they're showing. They need to believe that they are better.
The Buckeyes got a shot in the arm from Terrelle Pryor and company last week. Last week was a cross roads that has the team moving in the right direction, confidence-wise. Purdue is the perfect team to face to give them the push they need to build on their momentum. For proof of this, we need to look behind the numbers; or in this case, right at them.
The numerical half of the story:
Purdue is dead-last in the conference in rushing defense.
Purdue is dead-last in the conference in passing defense.
While this is good news for the Ohio State offense, it's even better news for the defense. The offense is already feeling confident after last week. The defense needs to have the pressure lifted for a week so that they can catch up.
What better way to lift the pressure than to have a lead all afternoon, with the offense pushing the Boilers all over the field? Well, facing a one-handed team that you are tailor made to stop is a start.
Purdue is first in the conference in passing offense. BUT,
Purdue is dead-last in the conference in rushing offense. And Purdue's passing production is less than it was last year... It is only first in the conference because Northwestern's passing production fell off the table.
Ohio State is first in the conference in passing defense. Our Back 7 is the same group that ate Curtis Painter's lunch last year. With no rushing threat and no Dorien Bryant, Painter (or whoever they put out there) is toast.
After this game, people will point at the scoreboard and say that this was when the 2008 Buckeyes woke up. But it really started last week in Madison.
You might recall, On October 6, 2007, Purdue represented Ohio State's first "real test" of the season. But then, Purdue fans committed quite possibly the biggest foul in all of football fandom, ever. There are bad ideas. There are bad ideas that go worse than planned. But, the there is what happened at Purdue on that night.
The bad idea - a "Color out." First strike - The idea was born by the most objectional people on the planet, Penn State fans. But, at least Penn State fans were smart enough to dress in a color which contrasts with the night sky, providing at least some kind of visual disruption. Now, consider what I just wrote. Penn State fans - smart. Do you appreciate the absurdity of that? Purdue chooses to dress in all black, blending in seemlessly with the evening sky giving the impression of not even being there. Second strike - being dumber than Penn State fans. Actually, being dumber than PSU fans really counts as two strikes. Still, even if it didn't, as discussed next, being as quiet as a gentle stream seals the wiff.
The Bad idea goes worse than planned. For the whole concept to work you have to realize that simply dressing in the same color as your idiot roommate is not enough. You have to be rowdy, too. You have to jump around, yell, scream... Not just politely clap as your team takes the field:
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3bMDNwzNEJA&feature=related"]Chirp Chirp[/ame]
You hear that whistling? That's not coming from the cameraman. It's coming from some dude several feet away. Contrast this "excitement" with Ohio State taking the very same field:
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kcowjF9E-4k&feature=related"]We're on the Road[/ame]
Remember, folks, this was an Ohio State road game. But, as revealed immediately below, you wouldn't know that if you were there.
Yes, sadly, video number 1 was the high point for the comatose Boiler-fans. It's not bad enough that you're providing a nice and pleasing to the eye backdrop for the players by wearing your team's primary color. It's not bad enough that you can't even manage to get excited when your own team is taking the field. No. You morons fail to shout down O-H-I-O being performed in your stadium:
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZA-V7g0GXL8&feature=related"]Home Game by Proxy[/ame]
Embarrassing. On National TV, no less. Your team is 5-8 since then. If you ask me, for fans like you, that's five wins too many. Come to think of it, Jim Colletto's 1-10 1993 squad is too good for you. May each of you take the business end of a Chris Wells stiff arm.
This Lighter Side may be shorter than usual, but it's only because my Mother always told me, if you can't say anything nice, don't say anything at all.
Purdue began its football program in 1891 under the direction of Head Coach Knowlton L. "Snake" Ames. Like most schools with such a long history, Purdue has amassed a number of traditions.
- Boilermakers - The first time the Purdue football team was referred to as the Boiler Makers was on October 26, 1891, when a Crawfordsville reporter wrote about the team's dismantling of Wabash College 44-0. Not long after, Lafayette papers also began referring to the team in the same way, and in October of 1892, The Purdue Exponent gave its stamp of approval. Other names which the early Purdue teams were known by include "haymakers," "railsplitters," "sluggers," and my personal favorite, "cornfield sailors."
- Old Gold and Black - The Purdue colors, Old Gold and Black, were adopted in 1887. The colors were proposed that year by the team captain, with the purpose of achieving a distinction.
- Hail Purdue - Written in 1912 by Edward S. Wotawa, (Music) and James R. Morrison (words) "Hail Purdue" was originally called "Purdue War Song." In 1913, "Hail Purdue" was published and dedicated to the Varsity Glee Club. Wotawa had been a member of the Glee Club.
Chorus
Hail, hail to old Purdue!
All hail to our old gold and black!
Hail, hail to old Purdue!
Our friendship may she never lack,
Ever grateful ever true,
Thus we raise our song anew,
Of the days we've spent with you,
All hail our own Purdue.
(Verse 1)
To your call once more we rally,
Alma Mater, hear our praise;
Where the Wabash spreads its valley,
Filled with joy our voices raise.
From the skies in swelling echoes
Come the cheers that tell the tale,
Of your vict'ries and your heroes,
Hail Purdue! We sing all hail!
(Verse 2)
When in after years we're turning,
Alma Mater, back to you,
May our hearts with love be yearning,
For the scenes of old Purdue.
Back among your pathways winding
Let us seek what lies before,
Fondest hopes and aims e'er finding,
While we sing of days of yore.
All hail to our old gold and black!
Hail, hail to old Purdue!
Our friendship may she never lack,
Ever grateful ever true,
Thus we raise our song anew,
Of the days we've spent with you,
All hail our own Purdue.
(Verse 1)
To your call once more we rally,
Alma Mater, hear our praise;
Where the Wabash spreads its valley,
Filled with joy our voices raise.
From the skies in swelling echoes
Come the cheers that tell the tale,
Of your vict'ries and your heroes,
Hail Purdue! We sing all hail!
(Verse 2)
When in after years we're turning,
Alma Mater, back to you,
May our hearts with love be yearning,
For the scenes of old Purdue.
Back among your pathways winding
Let us seek what lies before,
Fondest hopes and aims e'er finding,
While we sing of days of yore.
- Purdue Hymn - Written by Alfred B. Kirchholff in 1941 The Purdue Board of Trustees approved the song "Purdue Hymn" as the official alma mater of the University on February 5, 1993 at the urging of hundreds of petitions from students and alumni. It was first performed by the Purdue Musical Organization's University Choir on March 6, 1943, during a convocation in the Purdue (now Elliott) Hall of Music.
Close by the Wabash in famed Hoosier land
Stands old Purdue, serene and grand.
Cherished in memory by all
Her sons and daughters true,
Fair alma mater,
All hail Purdue! Fairest in all the land,
Our own Purdue!
Fairest in all the land, our own Purdue!
Cherished in memory by all
Her sons and daughters true,
Fair alma mater,
All hail Purdue! Fairest in all the land,
Our own Purdue!
Fairest in all the land, our own Purdue!
- Mascots - The official mascot of Purdue is the Boilermaker Special. Also seen at Purdue events is unofficial mascot Purdue Pete
Boilermaker Specials
Kept in the custody of the Purdue Reamer Club, The Special is used to announce current campus events. The idea for the Boilermaker Special started began with an article in The Exponent by Israel Silkowitz. On September 11, 1940 Boilermaker Special I was completed. On the head lamp are the numbers 070441 which represent three important dates. 07 is the year that Doc Anderson and W. H. Winterrowd helped construct the body for the Special. The 40 and 41 represent the members of those classes and the Reamer Club members who dedicated their time, energy, and money.
Purdue currently used the fifth version of the Boilermaker Special, dedicated September 25, 1993. The Boilermaker Special V replaced the Boilermaker Special III, after Special III had logged over 110,000 miles in its 33 years. There is also a smaller version of the mascot, the Boilermaker Special IV (or X-tra Special as it is nicknamed) which also makes appearances at special events.
Purdue Pete
Purdue Pete was created when "Red" Samuels and "Doc" Eppell, founders of University Book Store, asked one Art Evans to develop an advertising logo for the store in 1940. In 1956, Pete made his first debut as a three dimensional entity responsible for entertaining and energizing sports crowds.
Three students share the responsibility of playing the part of the mallet-wielding Purdue Pete. A Purdue Pete candidate must be at least six feet tall, weigh no less than 180 pounds, be involved in campus activities, and possess leadership qualities.
Purdue currently used the fifth version of the Boilermaker Special, dedicated September 25, 1993. The Boilermaker Special V replaced the Boilermaker Special III, after Special III had logged over 110,000 miles in its 33 years. There is also a smaller version of the mascot, the Boilermaker Special IV (or X-tra Special as it is nicknamed) which also makes appearances at special events.
Purdue Pete
Purdue Pete was created when "Red" Samuels and "Doc" Eppell, founders of University Book Store, asked one Art Evans to develop an advertising logo for the store in 1940. In 1956, Pete made his first debut as a three dimensional entity responsible for entertaining and energizing sports crowds.
Three students share the responsibility of playing the part of the mallet-wielding Purdue Pete. A Purdue Pete candidate must be at least six feet tall, weigh no less than 180 pounds, be involved in campus activities, and possess leadership qualities.
- The Purdue Seal - In March 1968, Al Gowen presented the fifth, and current, seal to be used by the University. The seal, which is used in more formal settings, features a griffin behind a shield along with the words "Purdue University." The griffin is a symbol of strength from medieval heraldry while the three-part shield represents the stated aims of Purdue University: education, research, and service and replaced the words Science, Technology, and Agriculture which had been used on an earlier version of the seal.
- The Purdue Brand - In the fall of 2002 the words "Purdue University" took on a new look. This marked the first time in Purdue's history that the University adopted a brand identity for its name. The distinctive Purdue University signature logo includes a standardized typeface and colors, and guidelines have been developed for its placement and graphic design use.
- "Big Bass Drum" - Purdue Marching Band Director Spotts Emrick commissioned the Leedy Manufacturing Company in Indianapolis, Indiana to produce a massive bass drum in 1941. At a cost of $800.00, the drum has become a lasting symbol of the marching band as well as the university. Seen at home football games, the Drum also makes appearances at parades, alumni rallies, the Indianapolis 500 Race, and other special events.
Often thought of as the Worlds Largest Bass Drum, officially, the University dubs it the "Big Bass Drum" (BBD), rather than world's largest. There are other schools which also claim the title of worlds largest, including a drum at the University of Chicago and Texas University's "Big Bertha." While no official comparative measurement has been made, in 1961, Texas and Purdue pledged to bring their drums to a national convention in Wichita. Only Purdue turned up.
Built on the carriage of a Model T Ford, the drum easily towers ten feet high. The exact dimensions of the drum itself are a closely held secret known only to the crew members. Amazingly, the drum retains many of its original components, including the carriage, axle, wheels, and wood shell.
The inside of the drum includes the names of previous drum crew members. In 1961, former President Truman signed the drum head.
The inside of the drum includes the names of previous drum crew members. In 1961, former President Truman signed the drum head.
- Spinning - In pre-game the drum is placed in the middle of the "P" which is formed by the marching band, and spun while the band plays "Hail Purdue!"
- Drum Crew Aerials - Upon Purdue scores, the drum crew can occasionally be seen performing aerials in the Southeast endzone of Ross-Ade Stadium. To perform various stunts, they first remove the Drum carriage's 'third' wheel, which acts as kick stand. Two crew members pull down of the back of the drum as two other members are lifted on the front bar of the carriage performing stunts.
- Push-ups - The Drum Crew will also do push-ups to correspond to whatever point Purdue has achieved. Joe Tiller's high-scoring "basketball on grass" philosophy can have its disadvantages. Indeed, prospective crew members are required to be in good shape, and during training must do two minutes of push-ups, two minutes of sit ups, run a 1.7 mile road course as well as a 100 meter run and a 400 meter run.
Purdue University (West Lafayette, IN) Founded 1869
Football 1st Season: 1887
Stadium: Ross-Ade Stadium (West Lafayette, IN)
Constructed: 1924 (Renovation Phase 1 of 3 was completed in 2003)
Seating Capacity: 62,500 (originally 13,500)
Playing Surface: Prescription Athletic Turf (PAT) - Natural Grass (Bermuda)
Conference: Independent from 1887-1889, Indiana Intercollegiate Athletic Association 1890-1895, Big Ten Conference since 1896 (charter member)
Colors: Old Gold and Black
Mascot/Nickname: Boilermaker Special (V) a victorian-era railroad locomotive, Boilermaker X-tra Special, Purdue Pete, and Rowdy
College Classification: D-IA (or equivalent) since 1937 (first year of NCAA classification)
Conference Championships: 7 Big Ten Titles: 1918*, 1929, 1931*, 1943*, 1952*, 1967*, 2000* (*=Co-Champions)
Consensus All-Americans: 19 (as of 2005)
College Hall-of-Famers: 11
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 3 (Len Dawson, Bob Griese, Hank Stram)
Award Winners: 1 Davey O'Brien Legends Award, 1 John Mackey, 1 Maxwell, 1 Ray Guy, 3 Sammy Baugh, 1 Socrates Award
National Championships: No Recognized National Titles, 2 unrecognized titles.
Number of AP/Coaches final rankings: AP-17 years, Coaches-17 years
RecordsConstructed: 1924 (Renovation Phase 1 of 3 was completed in 2003)
Seating Capacity: 62,500 (originally 13,500)
Playing Surface: Prescription Athletic Turf (PAT) - Natural Grass (Bermuda)
Conference: Independent from 1887-1889, Indiana Intercollegiate Athletic Association 1890-1895, Big Ten Conference since 1896 (charter member)
Colors: Old Gold and Black
Mascot/Nickname: Boilermaker Special (V) a victorian-era railroad locomotive, Boilermaker X-tra Special, Purdue Pete, and Rowdy
College Classification: D-IA (or equivalent) since 1937 (first year of NCAA classification)
Conference Championships: 7 Big Ten Titles: 1918*, 1929, 1931*, 1943*, 1952*, 1967*, 2000* (*=Co-Champions)
Consensus All-Americans: 19 (as of 2005)
College Hall-of-Famers: 11
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 3 (Len Dawson, Bob Griese, Hank Stram)
Award Winners: 1 Davey O'Brien Legends Award, 1 John Mackey, 1 Maxwell, 1 Ray Guy, 3 Sammy Baugh, 1 Socrates Award
National Championships: No Recognized National Titles, 2 unrecognized titles.
Number of AP/Coaches final rankings: AP-17 years, Coaches-17 years
All Time: 566-479-48 (.540)
Bowl Games: 8-7-0 (.533) Most recently a 51-48 win over Central Michigan in the 2007 Motor City Bowl.
All Time vs the BigTen: 313-319-33 (.495) versus teams with conference membership at time of game.
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes: 12-36-2 (.260) Most recently a 23-7 loss to Ohio State in West Lafayette 2007.
Coach's Reord: Joe Tiller, 1997-current, 85-57-0 (.599), overall 124-87-1 (.587), 2-5-0 versus Ohio State.
2007 Season: 8-5-0 (.615)
All Time vs the BigTen: 313-319-33 (.495) versus teams with conference membership at time of game.
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes: 12-36-2 (.260) Most recently a 23-7 loss to Ohio State in West Lafayette 2007.
Coach's Reord: Joe Tiller, 1997-current, 85-57-0 (.599), overall 124-87-1 (.587), 2-5-0 versus Ohio State.
2007 Season: 8-5-0 (.615)
Sep 1 - W at Toledo, 52-24
Sep 8 - W vs. Eastern Ill, 52-6
Sep 15 - W vs. Central Mich, 45-22
Sep 22 - W at Minnesota, 45-31
Sep 29 - W vs. Notre Dame, 33-19
Oct 6 - L vs. Ohio State, 7-23
Oct 13 - L at Michigan, 21-48
Oct 20 - W vs. Iowa, 31-6
Oct 27 - W vs. Northwestern, 35-17
Nov 3 - L at Penn State, 19-26
Nov 10 - L vs. Michigan State, 31-48
Nov 17 - L at Indiana, 24-27
Dec 26 - W at Central Michigan, 51-48 (Motor City Bowl)
2008 Schedule
Sept 6 W vs. Northern Colorado 42-10
Sept 13 L vs. Oregon 26-32
Sept 20 W vs. Central Michigan 32-25
Sept 27 L @ Notre Dame 21-38
Oct 4 L vs. Penn State 6-20
Oct 11 @ Ohio State, 3:30 EST
Oct 18 @ Northwestern, 12:00 EST
Oct 25 vs. Minnesota, 12:00 EST
Nov 11 vs. Michigan, TBA
Nov 8 @ Michigan State, TBA
Nov 15 @ Iowa, TBA
Nov 22 vs. Indiana, TBA
LinksSep 8 - W vs. Eastern Ill, 52-6
Sep 15 - W vs. Central Mich, 45-22
Sep 22 - W at Minnesota, 45-31
Sep 29 - W vs. Notre Dame, 33-19
Oct 6 - L vs. Ohio State, 7-23
Oct 13 - L at Michigan, 21-48
Oct 20 - W vs. Iowa, 31-6
Oct 27 - W vs. Northwestern, 35-17
Nov 3 - L at Penn State, 19-26
Nov 10 - L vs. Michigan State, 31-48
Nov 17 - L at Indiana, 24-27
Dec 26 - W at Central Michigan, 51-48 (Motor City Bowl)
2008 Schedule
Sept 6 W vs. Northern Colorado 42-10
Sept 13 L vs. Oregon 26-32
Sept 20 W vs. Central Michigan 32-25
Sept 27 L @ Notre Dame 21-38
Oct 4 L vs. Penn State 6-20
Oct 11 @ Ohio State, 3:30 EST
Oct 18 @ Northwestern, 12:00 EST
Oct 25 vs. Minnesota, 12:00 EST
Nov 11 vs. Michigan, TBA
Nov 8 @ Michigan State, TBA
Nov 15 @ Iowa, TBA
Nov 22 vs. Indiana, TBA
Official Sites:
Official School Site - Purdue University
Official Alumni Site - Purdue University Alumni Association
Student Newspaper - The Exponent
Official Athletic Site - PurdueSports
Official Conference Site - Big Ten Conference
Message Boards & Team Pages:
Message Boards - Boiler Sports Report (Scout)
Message Boards - Gold & Black Illustrated (Rivals)
Message Boards - Old Gold Free Press (Independent)
Blog - Purdue FanHouse (AOL)
Blog - Boiled Sports
Blog - Boilermaker Banter
Blog - Boilermaker Football Blog
Blog - Bad Idea Jeans
Blog - It Came From The Black Background
Blog - Unrestricted View
Blog - Potshots with Pete (FWN-S)
Blog - Boiler Station (LJ&C)
Team Page - NCAA
Team Page - ESPN
Team Page - USA Today
Team Page - Fox Sports
Team Page - CNN/SI
Team Page - CBS Sportsline
Team Page - Yahoo Sports
Team Page - Sporting News
Team Page - AOL
Team Page - CSTV
Team Page - ATSH2H
Team Page - Covers
Local News Sources:
Lafayette Journal & Courier - Local News
Indianapolis Star - Local News
South Bend Tribune - Local News
Fort Wayne - Local News
Team Previews and Breakdowns:
Game Notes (PDF) - PurdueSports
2008 Roster - PurdueSports
2008 Schedule - PurdueSports
2008 News - PurdueSports
2008 Fan Guide (PDF) - PurdueSports
2008 Spring Guide (PDF) - PurdueSports
2008 Spring Game - PurdueSports
2007 Stats (PDF) - PurdueSports
2007 Stats - Conf Only (PDF) - PurdueSports
2008 Team Breakdown (PDF) - PurdueSports
2008 Preview - BigTen
2008 Purdue Boilermakers Football Preview - CFN
2008 Purdue Boilermakers Football Preview - Offense - CFN
2008 Purdue Boilermakers Football Preview - Defense - CFN
2008 Purdue Boilermakers Football Preview - Depth Chart - CFN
2007 Purdue Boilermakers Football Preview - CFN
2006 Purdue Boilermakers Football Preview - CFN
2008 GAME PREVIEW - ESPN
2008 GAME PREVIEW - Fox Sports
2008 PURDUE PREVIEW - OZone
2008 PURDUE PREVIEW - IndyStar
2008 PURDUE PREVIEW - College Football Poll
2008 PURDUE PREVIEW - BigTen-Fans
2008 PURDUE PREVIEW - Athlon
2008 PURDUE PREVIEW - B/R
2008 PURDUE PREVIEW - Football.com
2008 PURDUE PREVIEW - The Sports Network
2008 PURDUE PREVIEW - Red Zone Report
Travel:
2008 Transportation & Parking Guide - Ohio State Buckeyes
2008 ADA Guide - Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio Stadium Guide (Detailed Info) - OSU
Campus Visitor's Guide - OSU
Tickets & Merchandise - Hang On Sloopy
2008 Travel Guide - Ohio State Buckeyes
Visitor's Bureau - Experience Columbus
Big Ten:
2008 BigTen Prospectus (PDF) - BigTen
2008 BigTen Team Breakdowns (PDF) - BigTen
2008 BigTen Media Info(PDF) - BigTen
2008 BigTen Composite Schedule (PDF) - BigTen
2007 BigTen Season in Review (PDF) - BigTen
2007 BigTen Overall Stats (PDF) - BigTen
2007 BigTen Conference Stats (PDF) - BigTen
2008 CFN Big Ten Preview - CFN
2008 CFN Preseason All-Big Ten Team - CFN
2008 CFN B10 Schedules & Predictions - CFN
2008 CFN B10 Team Capsules - CFN
2008 CFN B10 Unit Rankings - CFN
2007 CFN B10 Season WrapUp - CFN
2008 BigTen Football Preview - CNN/Si
2008 BigTen Football Preview - CollegeSports-Fans
2008 BigTen Football Preview - College Football Poll
2008 BigTen Football Preview - MSNBC
Preseason RankingsOfficial Alumni Site - Purdue University Alumni Association
Student Newspaper - The Exponent
Official Athletic Site - PurdueSports
Official Conference Site - Big Ten Conference
Message Boards & Team Pages:
Message Boards - Boiler Sports Report (Scout)
Message Boards - Gold & Black Illustrated (Rivals)
Message Boards - Old Gold Free Press (Independent)
Blog - Purdue FanHouse (AOL)
Blog - Boiled Sports
Blog - Boilermaker Banter
Blog - Boilermaker Football Blog
Blog - Bad Idea Jeans
Blog - It Came From The Black Background
Blog - Unrestricted View
Blog - Potshots with Pete (FWN-S)
Blog - Boiler Station (LJ&C)
Team Page - NCAA
Team Page - ESPN
Team Page - USA Today
Team Page - Fox Sports
Team Page - CNN/SI
Team Page - CBS Sportsline
Team Page - Yahoo Sports
Team Page - Sporting News
Team Page - AOL
Team Page - CSTV
Team Page - ATSH2H
Team Page - Covers
Local News Sources:
Lafayette Journal & Courier - Local News
Indianapolis Star - Local News
South Bend Tribune - Local News
Fort Wayne - Local News
Team Previews and Breakdowns:
Game Notes (PDF) - PurdueSports
2008 Roster - PurdueSports
2008 Schedule - PurdueSports
2008 News - PurdueSports
2008 Fan Guide (PDF) - PurdueSports
2008 Spring Guide (PDF) - PurdueSports
2008 Spring Game - PurdueSports
2007 Stats (PDF) - PurdueSports
2007 Stats - Conf Only (PDF) - PurdueSports
2008 Team Breakdown (PDF) - PurdueSports
2008 Preview - BigTen
2008 Purdue Boilermakers Football Preview - CFN
2008 Purdue Boilermakers Football Preview - Offense - CFN
2008 Purdue Boilermakers Football Preview - Defense - CFN
2008 Purdue Boilermakers Football Preview - Depth Chart - CFN
2007 Purdue Boilermakers Football Preview - CFN
2006 Purdue Boilermakers Football Preview - CFN
2008 GAME PREVIEW - ESPN
2008 GAME PREVIEW - Fox Sports
2008 PURDUE PREVIEW - OZone
2008 PURDUE PREVIEW - IndyStar
2008 PURDUE PREVIEW - College Football Poll
2008 PURDUE PREVIEW - BigTen-Fans
2008 PURDUE PREVIEW - Athlon
2008 PURDUE PREVIEW - B/R
2008 PURDUE PREVIEW - Football.com
2008 PURDUE PREVIEW - The Sports Network
2008 PURDUE PREVIEW - Red Zone Report
Travel:
2008 Transportation & Parking Guide - Ohio State Buckeyes
2008 ADA Guide - Ohio State Buckeyes
Ohio Stadium Guide (Detailed Info) - OSU
Campus Visitor's Guide - OSU
Tickets & Merchandise - Hang On Sloopy
2008 Travel Guide - Ohio State Buckeyes
Visitor's Bureau - Experience Columbus
Big Ten:
2008 BigTen Prospectus (PDF) - BigTen
2008 BigTen Team Breakdowns (PDF) - BigTen
2008 BigTen Media Info(PDF) - BigTen
2008 BigTen Composite Schedule (PDF) - BigTen
2007 BigTen Season in Review (PDF) - BigTen
2007 BigTen Overall Stats (PDF) - BigTen
2007 BigTen Conference Stats (PDF) - BigTen
2008 CFN Big Ten Preview - CFN
2008 CFN Preseason All-Big Ten Team - CFN
2008 CFN B10 Schedules & Predictions - CFN
2008 CFN B10 Team Capsules - CFN
2008 CFN B10 Unit Rankings - CFN
2007 CFN B10 Season WrapUp - CFN
2008 BigTen Football Preview - CNN/Si
2008 BigTen Football Preview - CollegeSports-Fans
2008 BigTen Football Preview - College Football Poll
2008 BigTen Football Preview - MSNBC
None
Preseason Watch Lists
Outland (Line) - OT - Sean Sester
Davey O'Brien (QB) - QB - Curtis Painter
Johnny Unitas (QB) - QB - Curtis Painter
Butkus (LB) - LB - Anthony Heygood
Big Ten Conference Players of the WeekDavey O'Brien (QB) - QB - Curtis Painter
Johnny Unitas (QB) - QB - Curtis Painter
Butkus (LB) - LB - Anthony Heygood
Week #1 - Aug. 30, 2008
Offense - QB Juice Williams, Illinois & QB Kellen Lewis, Indiana
Defense - LB Obi Ezeh, Michigan
Special Teams - P Stefan Demos, Northwestern
Week #2 - Sept. 6, 2008
Offense - RB Javon Ringer, Michigan State & QB Adam Weber, Minnesota & RB Evan Royster, Penn State
Defense - DE Karl Klug, Iowa
Special Teams - FB Frank Halliburton, Purdue
Week #3 - Sept. 13, 2008
Offense - RB Javon Ringer, Michigan State
Defense - LB DeAndre Levy, Wisconsin
Special Teams - PR Andy Brodell, Iowa
Week #4 - Sept. 20, 2008
Offense - RB Javon Ringer, Michigan State
Defense - DE Vince Browne, Northwestern & LB Navorro Bowman, Penn State
Special Teams - PK Amado Villarreal, Northwestern
Week #5 - Sept. 27, 2008
Offense - QB - C.J. Bach?r, Northwestern
Defense - DE - Brandon Graham, Michigan
Special Teams - KR - Derrick Williams, Penn State
Week #6 - Oct. 6, 2008
Offense - QB - Juice Williams, Illinois
Defense - LB - Brit Miller, Illinois
Special Teams - K - Brett Swenson, Michigan State & K - Joel Monroe, Minnesota
Preseason AccoladesOffense - QB Juice Williams, Illinois & QB Kellen Lewis, Indiana
Defense - LB Obi Ezeh, Michigan
Special Teams - P Stefan Demos, Northwestern
Week #2 - Sept. 6, 2008
Offense - RB Javon Ringer, Michigan State & QB Adam Weber, Minnesota & RB Evan Royster, Penn State
Defense - DE Karl Klug, Iowa
Special Teams - FB Frank Halliburton, Purdue
Week #3 - Sept. 13, 2008
Offense - RB Javon Ringer, Michigan State
Defense - LB DeAndre Levy, Wisconsin
Special Teams - PR Andy Brodell, Iowa
Week #4 - Sept. 20, 2008
Offense - RB Javon Ringer, Michigan State
Defense - DE Vince Browne, Northwestern & LB Navorro Bowman, Penn State
Special Teams - PK Amado Villarreal, Northwestern
Week #5 - Sept. 27, 2008
Offense - QB - C.J. Bach?r, Northwestern
Defense - DE - Brandon Graham, Michigan
Special Teams - KR - Derrick Williams, Penn State
Week #6 - Oct. 6, 2008
Offense - QB - Juice Williams, Illinois
Defense - LB - Brit Miller, Illinois
Special Teams - K - Brett Swenson, Michigan State & K - Joel Monroe, Minnesota
BigTen Preseason Media Poll
1. Ohio State
2. Wisconsin
3. Illinois
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year - Chris "Beanie" Wells - Ohio State
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year - James Laurinaitis - Ohio State
1. Ohio State
2. Wisconsin
3. Illinois
Preseason Offensive Player of the Year - Chris "Beanie" Wells - Ohio State
Preseason Defensive Player of the Year - James Laurinaitis - Ohio State
Note: Statistical data was complied using a variety of sources, including:
Stassen (Chris Stassen) - Data
College Football Data Warehouse - Data
American College Football-RSFC (Dave Wilson) - Data
D1A Football (Formerly WALJ 10 College Football) - Data
National Champs.net - Data
Hickok Sports - Data