2011 Purdue Boilermakers Game Preview
Preface
The Buckeyes are 18-1 in November games since the start of the 2005 season and 9-0 on the road that month.
At Purdue in 2009, the Buckeyes were attempting to tie the all-time record of 17 straight Big Ten conference road wins, set by TSUN from 1988-92. After a momentum-ending non-fumble on a Kurt Coleman strip, some turnovers caused by Ryan Kerrigan's pressure and some bad decisions by Terrelle Pryor, and an effective quick passing game for the Boilermakers, the streak was over.
The Boilermakers named Danny Hope to succeed Joe Tiller as head football coach after the 2008 season, in the same manner that Wisconsin designated Bret Bielema prior to Barry Alvarez's final season. Danny Hope was the O-Line coach during the first 5 years of the Tiller era at Purdue, then was briefly the offensive coordinator at Louisville before leaving in 2002 to become the head man as his alma mater, Eastern Kentucky.
Joe Tiller was one of only three head coaches since World War II to have a winning record at Purdue. Jack Mollenkopf went 84-39-9 (.670) from 1956 through 1969, and his 1968 team held the #1 ranking until they were downed 13-0 in Columbus, by the SuperSoph led team that went on to win a National Championship. Jim Young's teams went 38-19-1 (.664) from 1977 through 1981, before he went to coach Army. But none of the head men will ever threaten the career the mark of Knowlton "Snake" Ames, who went 12-0 in 1891-92.
In the 15 years prior to Tiller's arrival, Purdue's overall record was 54-107-5 (.340). During his 12 seasons, Tiller had a mark of 87-62 (.584), and led the Boilers to 10 of their 15 bowl appearances.
Purdue's highest final ranking in the major polls is a #5 spot in 1943. That 9-0 mark under Elmer Burnham is one of two perfect records they've had since 1900, the other being an 8-0 record in 1929, the last year under Jimmy Phelan.
They had a strong run in the late '60s, finishing 6th, 9th, and 10th respectively in 1966, '67, and '68. Their only other top-10 finish was a 10th place spot in the final poll of the 1979 season. Their 10-2 record that year marks the only time the program has ever had a 10-win season.
Their only outright Big Ten championship was in 1929. They have shared 7 other conference titles, with the Drew Brees team that went to the Rose Bowl after the 2000 season being the only one since 1967.
In West Lafayette, Purdue is 7-12 against the Buckeyes, including the 2009 upset and a memorable win in 2000 (Drew Brees to Seth Morales) that sent them to the Rose Bowl. In between those two games was the 'Holy Buckeye' game of 2002, where a late fourth down bomb was immortalized by Brent Musburger.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=julW9Eroqcw"]Holy Buckeye - YouTube[/ame]
Later in this preview, we'll look specifically at this year's offense, defense and special teams for both tOSU and Purdue. The preview also has a totally separate section that covers the opponent's coaching staff, recruiting, traditions, and history. It also contains the Behind the Numbers and The Lighter Side sections, and can be accessed via the link at the bottom of this page.
Date and TimeAt Purdue in 2009, the Buckeyes were attempting to tie the all-time record of 17 straight Big Ten conference road wins, set by TSUN from 1988-92. After a momentum-ending non-fumble on a Kurt Coleman strip, some turnovers caused by Ryan Kerrigan's pressure and some bad decisions by Terrelle Pryor, and an effective quick passing game for the Boilermakers, the streak was over.
The Boilermakers named Danny Hope to succeed Joe Tiller as head football coach after the 2008 season, in the same manner that Wisconsin designated Bret Bielema prior to Barry Alvarez's final season. Danny Hope was the O-Line coach during the first 5 years of the Tiller era at Purdue, then was briefly the offensive coordinator at Louisville before leaving in 2002 to become the head man as his alma mater, Eastern Kentucky.
Joe Tiller was one of only three head coaches since World War II to have a winning record at Purdue. Jack Mollenkopf went 84-39-9 (.670) from 1956 through 1969, and his 1968 team held the #1 ranking until they were downed 13-0 in Columbus, by the SuperSoph led team that went on to win a National Championship. Jim Young's teams went 38-19-1 (.664) from 1977 through 1981, before he went to coach Army. But none of the head men will ever threaten the career the mark of Knowlton "Snake" Ames, who went 12-0 in 1891-92.
In the 15 years prior to Tiller's arrival, Purdue's overall record was 54-107-5 (.340). During his 12 seasons, Tiller had a mark of 87-62 (.584), and led the Boilers to 10 of their 15 bowl appearances.
Purdue's highest final ranking in the major polls is a #5 spot in 1943. That 9-0 mark under Elmer Burnham is one of two perfect records they've had since 1900, the other being an 8-0 record in 1929, the last year under Jimmy Phelan.
They had a strong run in the late '60s, finishing 6th, 9th, and 10th respectively in 1966, '67, and '68. Their only other top-10 finish was a 10th place spot in the final poll of the 1979 season. Their 10-2 record that year marks the only time the program has ever had a 10-win season.
Their only outright Big Ten championship was in 1929. They have shared 7 other conference titles, with the Drew Brees team that went to the Rose Bowl after the 2000 season being the only one since 1967.
In West Lafayette, Purdue is 7-12 against the Buckeyes, including the 2009 upset and a memorable win in 2000 (Drew Brees to Seth Morales) that sent them to the Rose Bowl. In between those two games was the 'Holy Buckeye' game of 2002, where a late fourth down bomb was immortalized by Brent Musburger.
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=julW9Eroqcw"]Holy Buckeye - YouTube[/ame]
Later in this preview, we'll look specifically at this year's offense, defense and special teams for both tOSU and Purdue. The preview also has a totally separate section that covers the opponent's coaching staff, recruiting, traditions, and history. It also contains the Behind the Numbers and The Lighter Side sections, and can be accessed via the link at the bottom of this page.
Date: Saturday, November 12th, 2011
Time: Noon ET Kick-off
Location: Ross-Ade Stadium - (West Lafayette, IN)
Constructed: 1924 (Renovated in 2003)
Seating Capacity: 62,500 (Originally 13,50)
Playing Surface: Bermuda Grass
Events:
Time: Noon ET Kick-off
Location: Ross-Ade Stadium - (West Lafayette, IN)
Constructed: 1924 (Renovated in 2003)
Seating Capacity: 62,500 (Originally 13,50)
Playing Surface: Bermuda Grass
Events:
Broadcast Information: TV Broadcast: BTN: Tom Hart (play-by-play), Derek Rackley (analysis), and Lisa Byington (sideline)
Radio Broadcast: Ohio State Radio Network (WBNS FM 97.1 The Fan in Columbus): Paul Keels (Play-by-play), Jim Lachey (Analysis), and Marty Bannister (Sideline); also on Sirius Radio 137 and XM channel 192.
2011 Purdue Boilermakers Offensive Preview
2011 Purdue Boilermakers Offensive Preview
Despite all the turmoil to the east, there is a football game this week as the Buckeyes travel to West Lafayette in continued pursuit of the first division title. They will face a Purdue team that has had a season somewhat reminiscent of their overall history: good in spots, terrible in spots, and always ripe to spring an upset. In their recent history, the Boilers were by and large awful once Coach Jim Young departed after the 1981 season until Joe Tiller arrived in 1997. From 1982-1997, Purdue had 2 winning seasons, going 7-5 in 1984 and 5-4-2 in 1994. Tiller arrived, immediately went 9-3 in 1997, and the Boilers were relevant seemingly every season until he left in 2008. Coach Danny Hope hasn't gotten the team to a bowl yet in his 2 seasons, and after regressing from 5-7 and 334 points scored in 2009 (which included the shocking 26-18 defeat of Ohio State) to 4-8 and just 236 points last year, this seemed to be an important year for Coach Hope to get his program turned in the right direction. With the addition of Nebraska and the split to divisions, Purdue will have to battle harder than ever to return to the B1G forefront, which they enjoyed throughout the Drew Brees era. After losing an appalling number of key players to injuries over the last 2 seasons, it is certainly conceivable to look at Coach Hope's job as at least a moderate success to this point. What will be important is that he take that next step to get his team to the lower tier bowl games that the B1G is tied to, which will show sufficient progress, at least for a while. It's hard to know what to make of the 2011 edition of the Boilers. They have played a lot of competitive games and sit at 4-5, including a win over Illinois, with 3 games to go (OSU, Iowa, Indiana). By the end of the season, they might very well be kicking themselves over that loss to Rice, which may prevent them from reaching bowl eligibility. No doubt the fan base will give Hope more time, but they will soon grow tired of the battle for the Old Oaken Bucket being their perennial bowl game.
Offensively, Purdue just hasn't been very good in 2011. They rank 83rd nationally with just 367.1 yards per game. The Boilers rank 94th in passing (201.6 YPG) and a more respectable 44th running the ball at 174.9 YPG. Their 25.9 PPG average ranks just T74th nationally. Purdue QBs haven't thrown many TDs (13) or INTs (8) but they have given up their share of sacks (20). They have been bad at sustaining drives (174 first downs, 80th) and have been awful moving the chains on third down, registering at just 35.2% (T86). Too many penalties and not enough cashing in on good field position have also doomed the Boilers at times in 2011. It's difficult to say how much progress this offense is making in the Hope era. They seem to have some players, but it is unclear if the scheme fits them or if they need to adjust their offense to match their personnel strengths. It take a couple of more seasons to determine the recruiting impact Coach Hope is having, but he clearly needs to improve the offense some if the Boilers want to challenge for a mid-table spot in the division race going forward.
Quarterbacks
QB #19 Caleb TerBush (6-5, 225, JR, Metamora Township HS, Metamora, IL)
TerBush came somewhat out of nowhere to beat out former Miami (FL) transfer Robert Marve (#9) and has started every game. He throws about 17-25 passes per game on average and can gain a few yards on a scramble here and there. He has crossed the 200 yard passing mark only once, in the opener against Middle Tennessee (220) and had just 103 passing yards last week in the blowout against Wisconsin. He's in the top 4 on the team in rushing, but other than the Rice game (16 carries, 68 yards, TD) he hasn't done a whole lot on the ground.On the plus side, he has thrown for at least 1 TD in every game but the SE Missouri State game, so he consistently has been finding receivers in the end zone. He is a big, physical QB with a strong arm and reasonable mobility, though he hasn't put up a dominating kind of performance yet this season.
Marve was the starter last year before getting hurt and has been part of a regular rotation since early in the season, attempting 65 passes thus far. He hasn't done anything spectacular and hasn't won the starting job back, but he has shown the ability to move the ball in spurts. His season high passing is just 91 yards, and he has thrown 3 TDs to 2 INTs. He isn't much of a threat on the ground, gaining just 16 yards in the season.
QB Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Purdue QB versus OSU QB
TerBush: 122/199 (61.3%), 1386 yards, 10 TDs, 6 INTs, 130.4 rating; 61/183, 1 TD
Miller: 38/74 (51.4%), 547 yards, 6 TDs, 3 INTs, 132.1 rating; 94/447, 4 TDs
It should be noted that sophomore and potential started Rob Henry tore his ACL in fall camp and was lost for the season, so the Purdue QB situation has suffered as a result. TerBush has given good effort and has done a reasonable job, but losing Henry, who was voted a team captain before he was hurt, has been devastating. Marve's career is somewhat of a mystery, as he has never quite lived up to what many were expecting, and it appears he will finish his Purdue career as the backup, with only 4 career starts to his credit. Still he is a crafty veteran who can move the ball at times, and if he gets in a rhythm he can be dangerous. His mobility is good for creating space to throw, but he isn't much of a threat to run. Miller isn't exactly a passing machine, but with his increasing maturity and the return of Herron, he has become much more dangerous, and his dual threat ability makes him a constant headache for defensive coordinators, something that neither Boiler QB seems to do.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
RB #23 Ralph Bolden (5-9, 190, JR, Charlton County HS, Folkston, GA)
Bolden is dynamic and dangerous when he isn't hurt, but injuries have plagued him since he broke out with 935 yards and 9 TDs in 2009, when he was second team all-B1G. He missed all of last year and though he is finally healthy, it is unclear if he is the same player he was then. Though durability is a question, at his best he is a fast runner with deceptive toughness between the tackles, and his ability to break a big run helped set up Purdue's downfield passing game in 2009, when Joey Elliot threw for over 3000 yards. This season he has cracked the 100 yard barrier just once, in the opener against Middle Tennessee. He has been averaging between 9 and 13 carries a game as the players behind him have also gotten chances with the football. He scored a pair of TDs against SE Missouri State, but has just one other score all season (against Minnesota). He has also caught just 7 passes, which is a bit surprising given his 20 receptions in 2009 and the penchant for the Boilers to make short throws. Ohio State limited him to 43 yards on 17 carries in 2009, though that was a game most Buckeye fans would like to soon forget.
The primary backup is junior Akeem Shavers (#24). Shavers has a bigger frame (5-11, 203) and more punishing running style. He generated a lot of production early in the season, topping 50 yards in 4 of the first 6 games and scoring 5 TDs in that span. However he has just 16 carries for 42 yards over the previous 3 games, including a disasterous 7 carry, 10 yard game against Wisconsin last time out. With just 4 receptions he isn't a huge threat in the passing game either. A number of other players have been used situationally this season, with freshman Reggie Pegram (#33) currently sitting third on the chart, though he has just 13 carries for 69 yards on the season.
RB Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Purdue RB versus OSU RB
Bolden: 102/469 yards, 3 TDs, 4.6 YPC; 7 rec/49 yards, 0 TDs, 7.0 YPR
Shavers: 73/338 yards, 5 TDs, 4.6 YPC; 4 rec/43 yards, 1 TD, 10.8 YPR
Herron: 70/415 yards, 2 TDs, 5.9 YPC; 0 rec/0 yards, 0 TDs, 0.0 YPR
Hyde: 93/513 yards, 6 TDs, 5.5 YPC; 9 rec/65 yards, 0 TDs, 7.2 YPR
Hall: 85/330 yards, 2 TDs, 3.9 YPC; 2 rec/12 yards, 0 TDs, 6.0 YPR
Bolden is a good player, though he hasn't quite lived up to his 2009 production. He still has good speed and good vision and can be difficult to tackle, however. The Boilers have adequate depth with Shavers, though his production has tailed off recently. The Buckeyes have seen Herron completely rejuvenate their offense and their season, as his return has sparked a more ball control-oriented attack that has seen 3 consecutive victories after a slow start. Hyde and Hall provide goo depth, and Hyde in particular is a tough runner who can batter defense with fresh legs in the second half of games. Neither team involves their backs in the passing game all that much.
Edge: Ohio State
Wide Receivers
WR #4 O.J. Ross (5-10, 192, SO, Mainland HS, Ormond Beach, FL)
WR #13 Antavian Edison (5-11, 175, JR, Dunbar HS, Fort Myers, FL)
WR #2 Justin Siller (6-4, 215, SR, St. Mary's HS, Detroit, MI)
Edison was second on the team last year in receiving with 32 receptions for 316 yards and 4 TDs after making 7 starts. This year he has just 4 official starts but leads the team in receiving yards thus far with 367. He had 7 receptions for 105 yards and a TD against Notre Dame, but hasn't really produced that kind of game since, with a high of 46 yards in the last 5 and just one catch last week. Siller caught 12 passes last season and currently leads the team in receptions thus far with 34. He has just one TD reception (against Illinois) but has caught at least 4 passes six different times, so his production has been pretty consistent in a possession-type of role, as he has good height and size. He only caught one pass last week, however. Ross has made 8 starts and leads the team in TD receptions with 3. He's only cracked 50 yards receiving once (Minnesota, 5 receptions for 63 yards and a TD) but he is a regular contributor.
Also in the receiver rotation are a few players who see regular time. Sophomore Gary Bush (#6) is a speed demon from Florida who has made one start. He has caught 14 passes and had a 48 yard TD reception against Michigan. A pair of seniors, Kurt Lichtenberg (#83) and Waynelle Gravesande (#3) are program veterans who can make an impact in spots. Gravesande has caught 14 passes thus far. Junior Tommie Thomas (#12) is also in the mix, though he has yet to catch a pass this year.
WR Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Purdue WRs versus OSU WRs
Edison: 26 catches, 367 yards, 2 TDs, 14.1 YPR
Siller: 34 catches, 342 yards, 1 TD, 10.1 YPR
Ross: 29 catches, 326 yards, 3 TDs, 11.2 YPR
Smith: 10 catches, 227 yards, 4 TDs, 22.7 YPR
Brown: 11 catches, 119 yards, 0 TDs, 10.8 YPR
Fields: 7 catches, 101 yards, 0 TDs, 14.4 YPR
Edison, Siller, and Ross all got valuable experience last season and have been the regular contributors this year. In a sense they are a year ahead of the Buckeyes, who are still in that initial stage. Neither team is going to dent the scoreboard with a lot of receptions or big plays, though the Boilers have a nice mixture of speed, power, and size. Despite not throwing the ball much, both teams have a nice nucleus of young players, though the Boilers are a bit further along in development and experience. Depth isn't a particular strength at either place.
Edge: Purdue
Tight Ends
TE #86 Gabe Holmes (6-5, 247, SO, St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Miramar, FL)
Holmes is listed at the top of the chart, though junior Crosby Wright (#82) has started the past 8 games. He started 2 games last year as a true freshman and has good blocking skills. Wright (6-3, 248) also has good size and is a capable blocker. Both players have been involved in the passing game, with 20 receptions and 2 TDs between them, though Wright has gotten more opportunities downfield. Both should see plenty of action Saturday.
TE Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Purdue TE versus OSU TE
Holmes: 8 catches, 96 yards, 0 TDs, 12.0 YPR
Wright: 12 catches, 181 yards, 2 TDs, 15.1 YPR
Stoneburner: 12 catches, 150 yards, 6 TDs, 12.5 YPR
Fragel: 4 catches, 44 yards, 0 TDs, 11.0 YPR
Both Holmes and Wright are respectable options at TE, and either can help the team receiving and/or blocking. Wright has caught a pass in every game but one, so he is likely to see some chances downfield, as he averages over 15 yards a catch. Holmes has 6 receptions in the past 3 games, so his production in the passing game has also been expanding recently. Neither player is quite the threat of Stoneburner downfield, and Fragel is a good second TE in blocking situations. Depth is good on both sides.
Edge: Even
Offensive Line
LT #68 Dennis Kelly (6-8, 306, SR, Marian Catholic HS, Chicago Heights, IL)
LG #67 Peters Drey (6-6, 310, JR, McGill Toolen HS, Mobile, AL)
C #76 Rick Schmeig (6-3, 320, JR, Oak Hills HS, Cincinnati, OH)
RG #62 Nick Mondek (6-5, 307, SR, Naperville Central HS, Naperville, IL)
RT #78 Trevor Foy (6-7, 287, SO, St. Xavier HS, Louisville, KY)
Unlike Indiana, who had one of the smaller lines in FBS, Purdue has one of the bigger lines that the Buckeyes will see. It is anchored on the left side by Kelly, a senior and team captain. He is a giant with a large wingspan and good mobility for his size. He is also a very intelligent player (2x academic all-B1G) and was honorable mention all-conference in 2010. He has started every game this season and leads the Boilers in career starts with 33. Lining up next to him is Drey, an equally imposing lineman who started all 12 games last season and can play guard or center. He didn't start the Wisconsin game but should be back again this week. In the middle. Schmeig only had 3 career starts coming into 2011 but has been a fixture in the middle, starting every game this season. He has started games at LG and RG in the past, so he is intelligent and versatile along the interior. On the right side, Mondek moved from the defensive line to the offensive line in the spring of 2010, immediately winning a starting spot. He has good size and can play guard or tackle. He has started every game at RG this season. At RT Foy is a younger player who is a tad undersized but has great potential. He is smart (academic all-B1G in 2010) and has a tremendous wingspan, and will likely be a fixture at tackle for the next 2 seasons. He took over the RT spot when conference play started in week 5, and has played well there since.
Depth is sparse, but the Boilers do have some veteran reserves. Sophomore Justin Kitchens (#51) began the season as the starting RT and is now the top reserve there. Senior James Shepard (#63) and sophomore Eric McDaniel (#56) man the guard spots, and have been in the system for a while. Shepard started the Wisconsin game at RG. As those are the only 3 reserves listed on the 2-deep, depth could be a concern if the Boilers lose anyone to injury.
OL Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Purdue OL versus OSU OL
Kelly could likely start somewhere on the line for any team in the B1G, but beyond that the Boilers have a lot of size but not a tremendous amount of experience or depth. On the plus side there has been a good deal of continuity, as only the RT position really changed players midway through the season. The size and quality of the men up front makes this a far cry from a patchwork line, but depth is a concern and the level of consistency hasn't been what the Boilers were hoping for. Another year of experience will help the players along the interior, but without Kelly this line would be nothing special.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Offensive Analysis
It's hard to know what to make of this Purdue team. Are they gritty and yeoman-like? Do they have a high level of untapped potential? Are they just average? Do they suck? Depending on which of their games you have watched, you might like any of those answers. They certainly looked awful last week, but they also played tooth and nail with a very tough Penn State defense and beat an Illinois team that will likely make a decent bowl game. Losing Henry really hurt in the offseason, and this team just doesn't seem like it can catch a break from the injury bug. The running game is decent, so if Bolden plays up to his potential and they give him enough opportunities, they might be able to stay in the game by controlling the ball. TerBush doesn't make a lot of terrible decisions but he doesn't seem like a dynamic playmaker either, so big plays will likely have to come from the running game. Their corps of receivers and TEs is reasonable, and they have a good LT and a decent line. Something just isn't clicking with their offense, as they haven't scored as many as 22 points since beating Minnesota 45-17 in week 5. Ohio State's last trip to West Lafayette was a disaster, and for a repeat performance the Boilers will likely have to create turnovers again, because the likelihood of them sustaining drives against the Buckeye defense isn't borne out by statistics or precedent. If Miller takes care of the ball, the Boilers will struggle to keep up, if the past month is any kind of indicator.
Overall Offensive Rating: C
2011 Purdue Boilermakers Defensive Preview
Last year's defensive effort was enough to make Danny Hope reshuffle the defensive staff for 2011. While the Coach Hope was disappointed with the production from the 2010 stop troops, the production from the revamped defense suggests that he may have to get used to it.
The major change in the defensive staff was the demotion of Donn Landholm from Co-coordinator to Outside Linebackers coach. Landholm headed the defense in 2009 and shared the coordinator duties with Gary Emanuel last year. This year, Emanuel has assumed sole control of the defense in addition to coaching the defensive line. Emanuel was an assistant with the Boilermakers from 1997 to 2004, coaching tackles and ends as well as being the Assistant Head Coach for Joe Tiller during Emanuel's final two seasons at Purdue. Between 2004 and 2010 Emanuel served as the defensive line coach for the San Francisco 49ers for two seasons, and coached at San Jose State and Rutgers. Prior to his first stop with Purdue, Emanuel served as Plymouth State's offensive coordinator (1981-85) and was also the head basketball coach at the school (1981-1985). From there, Emanuel coached at West Chester or two seasons, before taking a LB coaching position at UMass for two seasons (1986-1988). From 1988 - 1991 Emanuel was an assistant on the Dartmouth staff before earning his first D-IA position with the Syracuse Orange from '91 to '93. After his time at Syracuse, Emanuel also coached Washington State. Emanuel attended Westchester Community College and played football as an Guard. He was a junior college All-American his sophomore season. He transferred to Plymouth State for his final two seasons, but his career was hampered by a knee injury sustained as a Junior.
The demoted Landholm is a native of Bristow, Neb. and a former LB at Wayne State. The 54-year-old began his coaching career at Plainview (Neb.) High School, first as an assistant (1979 - 1981) and then two seasons as the head coach. His first college coaching experience came on the offensive side of the ball, coaching running backs at Central Missouri (1984-1985) before taking the same position at Montana State in 1986. From Montana State, Landholm moved over to the defensive side of the ball with Arizona State, where he coached from 1987 to 1991 as a graduate assistant with the defense for two years and then three more as a volunteer assistant with the linebackers. After a year back at the High School ranks, (PSJA North HS in Pharr Texas), he moved back to the offense; from 1993 to 1996, Landholm was the offensive line coach at Blinn (Texas) Junior College, the last two teams won back-to-back junior college national championships going undefeated both years. In 1997 Landholm joined the Eastern Kentucky staff, where he would serve five seasons under Danny Hope, before Hope came to Purdue. In his time at EKU Landholm coached linebackers, special teams, was defensive coordinator (2005 to 2007) and recruiting coordinator in 2008 in his 12 total seasons.
Stats.......|Score..|Tot.Yds..|Rush..|Pass..|INT.|.Fum.|Sack.|1stD..|.3rd D..|PCT...|Red Zone.|PCT.|RZ TDs.|PCT.|TOF..|
Purdue......|.26.4..|..400.2..|191.1.|209.1.|.7..|..4..|.12..|.198..|50-127..|39%...|.28-31...|90%.|.21-31.|68%.|31:52|
Ohio State..|.18.1..|..312.1..|118.2.|193.9.|.10.|..4..|.21..|.142..|48-130..|37%...|.17-22...|77%.|.13-22.|59%.|28:41|
* TOF = Time on Field (Opponent's T.O.P)
Last year, with Ryan Kerrigan leading the way, Purdue was 14th in the nation in sacks and 4th in tackles for loss. They improved their rushing defense ranking from 94th (173.42 ypg) in 2009 to 43rd (137.92 ypg). In spite of the improvement against the run and in spite of the most productive pass rush in the conference, the Boilermakers gave almost all of it back against the pass. They fell from 37th (203.17 ypg) to 85th (231.08) in pass defense, keeping them below average in total defense (62nd out of 120 FBS teams). Worse than that, Purdue's pass efficiency defense fell through the floor. What had been a respectable, 32nd ranked (115.45) secondary turned into a 93rd in the country (140.05) scout team for the conference, in spite of having Kerrigan wreaking havoc in offensive backfields. Perhaps then it was not just spite that resulted in the demotion of Landholm. His replacement has made some improvements in the defense as a whole, but the position Emanuel coaches (defensive line) has seen a sharp decline.
Defensive Line
DE #2 Gerald Gooden, (6-4, 235, Sr.)
NG#93 Kawann Short, (6-3, 310, Jr.)
DT #90 Bruce Gaston, (6-2, 303, Jr.)
DE #99 Ryan Russell, (6-5, 264, RS-Fr.)
Across the entire front wall the first names remain unchanged from 2010. Only one of the last names has changed, but that one change has had a dramatic impact on the productivity of this unit. Replacing Ryan Kerrigan at defensive end is redshirt freshman Ryan Russell. Though an inch taller and a pound heavier than the older Ryan, he is not a shadow of what the future Pro-Bowler meant to Purdue last year. This is not a knock on the young Russell; no one in the conference is.
Russell has 23 tackles and a sack this year. Combining that with the 24 tackles and 2 sacks from Gooden, his line-mate at the other end, you still don't get the production or impact that Kerrigan had last year. The Buckeyes experimented with blocking Kerrigan 1-on-1 last year. On the first 3rd-and-long of the game, Kerrigan ran around Shugarts like he wasn't there. From that point on, the Buckeyes double-teamed Kerrigan and had little trouble (in the first half anyway) of carving up the remainder of the Boilermaker defense 9-on-10. Neither end has required a game-long double-team this year, and the result has been a plummet to 104th in the nation in sacks. Whether this will translate to increased vulnerability to the Buckeye offense remains to be seen, as the Silver and Grey offensive line has surrendered season-high sacks to defenses both good and bad this year.
As for the interior of the Boilermaker trenches, Nose Guard Kawann Short leads the team in sacks with 3.5. His 12.5 tackles for loss are more than double that of anyone else on the team and ties John Simon for 5th in the conference, 19th in the nation. He was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for his effort against Illinois on October 15th. Next to him is Tackle Bruce Gaston who has made 21 tackles but has yet to record a sack. Until recently, the interior of the Purdue line had held up reasonably well, but were handled by Michigan and Wisconsin and gave up over 700 yards on the ground in those last two games. A similar pattern held sway over the Boilers last year as they fell apart down the stretch, losing their last 6 games. It will be interesting to see if Coordinator and line coach Emanuel can reverse the trend this year and devise a scheme to stop the Buckeyes.
Line depth comes from #49 Adam Brockman (6-3, 265, Sr.) and #89 Jalani Phillips (6-4, 255, Fr.) at end and from #55 Brandon Taylor (6-1, 280, So.) who is the listed back-up at both interior spots. Taylor has 12 tackles and a sack in spot duty, while Brockman and Phillips have accounted for only 3 tackles between them.
DL Rating: D+
Head-to-Head: Purdue DL versus OSU DL
Last year, Purdue received an "A" for their defensive line. Dropping to a D+ due to the loss of 1 player may seem harsh, but that is the reality. Kerrigan was all they had. Conversely, Ohio State's defensive line is very good, which is frankly a disappointment to many Buckeye fans who had hoped for a dominant front wall reminiscent of years past. Regardless, very good is still a good deal better than the 2011 Boilermakers. Apart from an above-average nose guard, the Purdue trenches offer little resistance and no depth.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
OLB #30 Joe Holland, (6-1, 229, Sr.)
MLB #3 Dwayne Beckford, (6-1, 228, Jr.)
OLB #24 Will Lucas, (5-11, 226, So.)
Beckford returns in the middle and leads the team with 70 tackles. Holland is right behind with 67 and Lucas is fourth on the team with 51. Beckford and Holland each have an interception. The Senior Holland is the most experienced of the group and leads the team with 44 starts in his 45 game Purdue career.
Depth comes from reserve LBs: #18 Nnamdi Ezenwa, (6-2, 225, Jr.), #47 Chris Carlino, (6-2, 226, Sr.), and #39 Joe Gilliam, (6-1, 211, RS-Fr.). Carlino started at MLB in 2009 recording 107 tackles. He can play any of the three positions and will see action this Saturday for sure. He has 21 tackles thus far and brings knowledge and leadership when he's in. Ezenwa has 6 tackles and Gilliam 5. Gilliam started the Penn State game.
LB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Purdue LBs versus OSU LBs
The Buckeye linebackers combine tremendous upside with occasional, yet disturbingly frequent, mental errors. There have been games (Wisconsin) where they were stellar for nearly 60 minutes and there have been games (Nebraska) where they have gone missing for more than a full quarter of the game. Though the Buckeye linebackers enjoy much better protection from their defensive line, they also make more plays which show their athletic potential. The numbers suggest a more lopsided comparison than actually exists here; but the upside and depth are very clearly in Ohio State's favor.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
CB #21 Ricardo Allen, (5-9, 176, So.)
SS #35 Logan Link, (6-1, 208, Sr.)
FS #32 Albert Evans, (6-0, 208, Sr.)
CB #28 Josh Johnson, (5-11, 195, Jr.)
While Purdue had all new starters in last year's secondary; all 4 starters from 2010 are back for the 2011 campaign. They have helped produce a significant improvement to the backend of the Boilermaker defense. Though there is much less disruption to the enemy pocket due to the loss of Ryan Kerrigan, the Pass Efficiency Defense has vaulted from 93rd in the nation to 44th which is actually 3 spots better than the Buckeyes.
Corners: #15 Charlton Williams, (6-2, 197, Sr.), #1 Normondo Harris (6-0, 180, So.) and #10 Mike Eargle, (6-0, 170, Sr.), and safeties: #44 Landon Feichter, 6-0, 178, RS-Fr.), and #34 Max Charlot, (6-0, 190, Jr.) round out the secondary depth. Feichter has been the most productive reserve thus far with 19 tackles and a PBU but has not recorded an INT. None of the other reserves have significant statistics in 2011.
DB Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Purdue DBs versus OSU DBs
The Buckeyes have given up fewer yards per attempt and snagged more interceptions; but fall below the Boilers in touchdowns, having given up 14 TD tosses to Purdue's 9. The difference is that the Buckeyes are normally more stout against the pass; but like the Silver Bullet linebackers, they have had breakdowns here and there. The result is a very similar pass efficiency defense number, arrived at in a very different way.
The biggest difference is in run support. The Buckeye secondary has been stout against the run, including even corner Bradley Roby, who has brought a surprisingly physical presence to his team leading interception total (3). The upshot of this is that the Buckeyes' secondary is part of a defense that is 14th in the nation in Scoring Defense, while the Boilers DBs form part of a unit that is 59th vs point production, in spite of being slightly superior to the Silver Bullets against passing efficiency.
What this all means is that, while the Purdue backfield is more experienced than the Buckeyes (in terms of starts anyway), has fewer breakdowns and sports the concomitant better number for passing efficiency defense; the Buckeyes' are better when they're not breaking down, are deeper and more athletic. The edge here goes to the Buckeyes.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
Although the Buckeyes are superior at every level; the real difference between these defenses is not in the ability of the players. The biggest difference is in the direction each team is going. Purdue started out well, but has fallen apart in recent weeks; while the Buckeyes have been up and down all year. Unfortunately for Purdue, it seems the Silver Bullets are due for having an "up" week. The only advantage that the Boilermakers might have is that they are going up against a more one-handed offense. Unfortunately for the home team, their biggest weakness is against the run. While Danny may Hope to find a way to reverse the Buckeye dominance that he was forced to endure in 2010, this comparison of the defenses suggests that he may have to get used to it.
Overall Defensive Rating: C+
2011 Purdue Boilermakers Special Teams Preview
The Ohio State Buckeyes take their 3-game Big Ten winning streak to West Lafayette, Indiana to take on the Purdue Boilermakers.
Special Teams' Stats (NCAA, PurdueSports, OhioStateBuckeyes)
Purdue
Punting
Cody Webster: 34 for 1547 yards, 45.5 avg, 66 long, 9 inside the 20 (7th Nationally)
Carson Wiggs: 16 for 589 yards, 36.8 avg, 54 long, 1 touchback, 14 inside the 20
Team: 50 for 2136 yards, 42.7 avg, 66 long, 1 touchback, 24 inside the 20 (11th Nationally)
Kicking
Carson Wiggs: 10-15 FGs, 53 long, 26-27 PATs (54th Nationally)
Punt Returns
Waynelle Gravesnande: 16 for 128 yards, 8.0 avg, 31 long (33rd Nationally)
Ricardo Allen: 1 for 7 yards
Team: 17 for 135 yards, 7.9 avg, 31 long (61st Nationally)
Kickoff Returns
Raheem Mostert: 16 for 506 yards, 31.6 avg, 74 long (6th Nationally)
O.J. Ross: 9 for 202 yards, 22.4 avg, 41 long (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA rank)
Akeem Hunt: 3 for 79 yards, 26.3 avg, 30 long (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA rank)
T.J. Barbarette: 2 for 47 yards, 23.5 avg, 26 long ((does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA rank)
DeVarro Greaves: 2 for 40 yards, 20.0 avg (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA rank)
Team: 32 for 874 yards, 27.3 avg, 74 long (3rd Nationally)
Punt Return Defense
18 for 115 yards, 6.39 avg (49th Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense
27 for 738 yards, 27.33 avg, 19 touchbacks (119th Nationally)
Ohio State
Punting:
Ben Buchanan: 50 for 2066 yards, 41.32 avg (45th Nationally)
Placekicking
Drew Basil: 12 of 14 FGs, 26-26 PATs
Punt Returns:
Jordan Hall: 10 for 66 yards, 6.6 avg, 27 long (42nd Nationally)
Chris Fields: 5 for 88 yards, 17.6 avg, 1 TD, 69 long (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Corey Brown: 2 for 28 yards, 14.0 avg, 17 long (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Devin Smith: 1 for 3 yards (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Ryan Shazier: 1 for 25 yards (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Team: 19 for 210 yards, 11.1 avg, 1 TD, 69 long (28th Nationally)
Kickoff Returns:
Jordan Hall: 15 for 453 yards, 30.2 avg, 90 long (11th Nationally)
Jaamal Berry: 7 for 150 yards, 21.40 avg, 28 long
Devin Smith: 4 for 86 yards, 21.4 avg, 28 long
Corey Brown: 1 for 44 yards
Chris Fields: 1 for 15 yards
Tony Jackson: 1 for 10 yards
Team: 29 for 758 yards, 26.1 avg, 90 long (8th Nationally)
Punt Return Defense:
19 for 116 yards, 6.11 avg (45th Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense:
38 for 675 yards, 17.76 avg, 7 touchbacks (7th Nationally)
Special Teams
Purdue (PurdueSports)
Punter
#42 Cody Webster (6-1, 205, So., Central Dauphin East HS, Harrisburg, PA)
#37 Carson Wiggs (6-0, 192, Sr., South Grand Prairie HS, Grand Prairie, TX)
Kickoffs/Placekicker
#37 Carson Wiggs (6-0, 192, Sr., South Grand Prairie HS, Grand Prairie, TX)
#36 Robert Harris (6-0, 205, So., Columbia Central HS, Columbia, TN)
#43 Sam McCartney (6-4, 183, Fr., West Lafayette HS, West Lafayette, IN)
Punt Returners
#3 Waynelle Gravesande (6-0, 192, Sr., Irvington HS, Irvington, NJ)
#21 Ricardo Allen (5-9, 176, So., Mainland HS, Daytona Beach, FL)
Kick Returners
#8 Raheem Mostert (5-11, 180, Fr., New Smyrna Beach HS, New Smyrna Beach, FL)
#11 Akeem Hunt (5-9, 175, Fr., Newton HS, Covington, GA)
Long Snapper
Punts - #50 Jesse Schmitt (6-2, 225, Fr., Trinity HS, Louisville, KY)
FGs/PATs - #46 Kevin Ballinger (6-3, 182, Sr., Bluffton HS, Bluffton, IN)
Holder
#42 Cody Webster (6-1, 205, So., Central Dauphin East HS, Harrisburg, PA)
#83 Kurt Lichtenberg (6-1, 185, Sr., Wheaton-Warrenville HS, Warrenville, IL)
Ohio State (Rivals)
Punter:
#17 Ben Buchanan (6-0, 195, So., Central HS, Westerville, OH)
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
Place Kicker/Kickoffs:
#24 Drew Basil (6-1, 206, So., Chillicothe HS, Chillicothe, OH)
#20 Russel Doup (6-1, 180, Fr., Mt Vernon HS, Mt Vernon, OH)
Long Snapper:
#56 George Makridis (5-11, 236, So., Harding HS, Warren, OH)
#54 Bryce Haynes (6-4, 185, Fr., Pinecrest HS, Cumming, GA)
Holder:
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
#14 Joe Bauserman (6-1, 233, Sr., Lincoln HS, Strasburg, VA)
Punt Returners:
#7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
#10 Corey Brown (5-11, 170, So., Cardinal O'Hara HS, Upper Darby, PA)
#80 Chris Fields (6-0, 185, So., Harvey HS, Painesville, OH)
Kickoff Returners:
#7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
#4 Jaamal Berry (5-10, 200, So., Palmetto HS, Pinecrest, FL)
Head-to-Head: Purdue Punt team vs. Ohio State Punt Return Team.
The Boilermaker punt team is another in several units that have improved over last year. Sophomore Cody Wiggins is having an exceptional year, booming punts at the rate of 45.5 yards per punt. The punt return defense has been good as well, limiting their opposition to 6.39 yards per return and no big plays. Ohio State counters with the 28th ranked return team who average over 11 yards per return. This is shaping up to be a great battle.
Edge: Even
Head-to-Head: Purdue Kickoff team vs. Ohio State Kickoff Return Team.
The majority of the units that comprise the Purdue Special Teams are having a fine year. Such is not the case with the kickoff return team, easily the worst among them. The Boilers rank 119th, next to last, in the NCAA. They give up an average of 27 yards per return. Ohio State continues their fine year in returning kicks ranking 8th in the nation with an average of over 26 yards. Hopefully they put the Buckeye offense in good field position to start drives.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Punt team vs. Purdue Punt Return Team.
The Buckeyes' punter Ben Buchanan continues his decent year, averaging over 41 yards per punt. The punt return defense is doing their job as well, giving up only a little over 6 yards per return. Purdue's punt return team is headlined by Waynelle Gravesnande. The senior is doing a good job with punt returns, averaging exactly 8 yards per return. This will be a toss up.
Edge: Even
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Kickoff team vs. Purdue Kickoff Return Team.
Purdue counts itself as one the nation's elite kickoff return teams, ranking 3rd in the nation with an average of over 27 yards per return. Their feature returner is Raheem Mostert. The New Smyrna Beach Florida freshman has made quite a splash with a glittering 31.6 yard average to rank 3rd in the individual rankings. Ohio State's kickoff return defense is having a great year, giving up less than 17 per return to rank 7th in the nation. This will be another great battle.
Edge: Even
Overall Special Teams Analysis
This will be an interesting set of matchups to watch. Statistically, the Boilermakers match up well with Ohio State in every category save kickoff defense. This will not be enough for the Boilermakers to overcome both the offensive and defensive advantages enjoyed by the Bucks.
Predictions
BB73's prediction: 27-17, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 31-16, Ohio State
Bucky Katt's prediction: 26-17, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 31-13, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 31-17, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 24-10, Ohio State
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual scores versus predicted scores. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
Previous Game Result: (tOSU 34, Indiana 20)
(187) BB73's prediction: 44-13, Ohio State (17 + 170 last week = 187)
(190) jwinslow's prediction: 45-10, Ohio State (21 + 169 last week = 190)
(221) Bucklion's prediction: 45-7, Ohio State (24 + 197 last week = 221)
(221) Bucky Katt's prediction: 41-13, Ohio State (14 + 207 last week =221)
(231) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 41-13, Ohio State (14 + 217 last week = 231)
(240) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (28 + 212 last week = 240)
(248) JCOSU86's prediction: 45-3, Ohio State (28 + 220 last week= 248)
Scores are adjusted for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
Offensively, Purdue just hasn't been very good in 2011. They rank 83rd nationally with just 367.1 yards per game. The Boilers rank 94th in passing (201.6 YPG) and a more respectable 44th running the ball at 174.9 YPG. Their 25.9 PPG average ranks just T74th nationally. Purdue QBs haven't thrown many TDs (13) or INTs (8) but they have given up their share of sacks (20). They have been bad at sustaining drives (174 first downs, 80th) and have been awful moving the chains on third down, registering at just 35.2% (T86). Too many penalties and not enough cashing in on good field position have also doomed the Boilers at times in 2011. It's difficult to say how much progress this offense is making in the Hope era. They seem to have some players, but it is unclear if the scheme fits them or if they need to adjust their offense to match their personnel strengths. It take a couple of more seasons to determine the recruiting impact Coach Hope is having, but he clearly needs to improve the offense some if the Boilers want to challenge for a mid-table spot in the division race going forward.
Quarterbacks
QB #19 Caleb TerBush (6-5, 225, JR, Metamora Township HS, Metamora, IL)
TerBush came somewhat out of nowhere to beat out former Miami (FL) transfer Robert Marve (#9) and has started every game. He throws about 17-25 passes per game on average and can gain a few yards on a scramble here and there. He has crossed the 200 yard passing mark only once, in the opener against Middle Tennessee (220) and had just 103 passing yards last week in the blowout against Wisconsin. He's in the top 4 on the team in rushing, but other than the Rice game (16 carries, 68 yards, TD) he hasn't done a whole lot on the ground.On the plus side, he has thrown for at least 1 TD in every game but the SE Missouri State game, so he consistently has been finding receivers in the end zone. He is a big, physical QB with a strong arm and reasonable mobility, though he hasn't put up a dominating kind of performance yet this season.
Marve was the starter last year before getting hurt and has been part of a regular rotation since early in the season, attempting 65 passes thus far. He hasn't done anything spectacular and hasn't won the starting job back, but he has shown the ability to move the ball in spurts. His season high passing is just 91 yards, and he has thrown 3 TDs to 2 INTs. He isn't much of a threat on the ground, gaining just 16 yards in the season.
QB Rating: C-
Head-to-Head: Purdue QB versus OSU QB
TerBush: 122/199 (61.3%), 1386 yards, 10 TDs, 6 INTs, 130.4 rating; 61/183, 1 TD
Miller: 38/74 (51.4%), 547 yards, 6 TDs, 3 INTs, 132.1 rating; 94/447, 4 TDs
It should be noted that sophomore and potential started Rob Henry tore his ACL in fall camp and was lost for the season, so the Purdue QB situation has suffered as a result. TerBush has given good effort and has done a reasonable job, but losing Henry, who was voted a team captain before he was hurt, has been devastating. Marve's career is somewhat of a mystery, as he has never quite lived up to what many were expecting, and it appears he will finish his Purdue career as the backup, with only 4 career starts to his credit. Still he is a crafty veteran who can move the ball at times, and if he gets in a rhythm he can be dangerous. His mobility is good for creating space to throw, but he isn't much of a threat to run. Miller isn't exactly a passing machine, but with his increasing maturity and the return of Herron, he has become much more dangerous, and his dual threat ability makes him a constant headache for defensive coordinators, something that neither Boiler QB seems to do.
Edge: Ohio State
Running Backs
RB #23 Ralph Bolden (5-9, 190, JR, Charlton County HS, Folkston, GA)
Bolden is dynamic and dangerous when he isn't hurt, but injuries have plagued him since he broke out with 935 yards and 9 TDs in 2009, when he was second team all-B1G. He missed all of last year and though he is finally healthy, it is unclear if he is the same player he was then. Though durability is a question, at his best he is a fast runner with deceptive toughness between the tackles, and his ability to break a big run helped set up Purdue's downfield passing game in 2009, when Joey Elliot threw for over 3000 yards. This season he has cracked the 100 yard barrier just once, in the opener against Middle Tennessee. He has been averaging between 9 and 13 carries a game as the players behind him have also gotten chances with the football. He scored a pair of TDs against SE Missouri State, but has just one other score all season (against Minnesota). He has also caught just 7 passes, which is a bit surprising given his 20 receptions in 2009 and the penchant for the Boilers to make short throws. Ohio State limited him to 43 yards on 17 carries in 2009, though that was a game most Buckeye fans would like to soon forget.
The primary backup is junior Akeem Shavers (#24). Shavers has a bigger frame (5-11, 203) and more punishing running style. He generated a lot of production early in the season, topping 50 yards in 4 of the first 6 games and scoring 5 TDs in that span. However he has just 16 carries for 42 yards over the previous 3 games, including a disasterous 7 carry, 10 yard game against Wisconsin last time out. With just 4 receptions he isn't a huge threat in the passing game either. A number of other players have been used situationally this season, with freshman Reggie Pegram (#33) currently sitting third on the chart, though he has just 13 carries for 69 yards on the season.
RB Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Purdue RB versus OSU RB
Bolden: 102/469 yards, 3 TDs, 4.6 YPC; 7 rec/49 yards, 0 TDs, 7.0 YPR
Shavers: 73/338 yards, 5 TDs, 4.6 YPC; 4 rec/43 yards, 1 TD, 10.8 YPR
Herron: 70/415 yards, 2 TDs, 5.9 YPC; 0 rec/0 yards, 0 TDs, 0.0 YPR
Hyde: 93/513 yards, 6 TDs, 5.5 YPC; 9 rec/65 yards, 0 TDs, 7.2 YPR
Hall: 85/330 yards, 2 TDs, 3.9 YPC; 2 rec/12 yards, 0 TDs, 6.0 YPR
Bolden is a good player, though he hasn't quite lived up to his 2009 production. He still has good speed and good vision and can be difficult to tackle, however. The Boilers have adequate depth with Shavers, though his production has tailed off recently. The Buckeyes have seen Herron completely rejuvenate their offense and their season, as his return has sparked a more ball control-oriented attack that has seen 3 consecutive victories after a slow start. Hyde and Hall provide goo depth, and Hyde in particular is a tough runner who can batter defense with fresh legs in the second half of games. Neither team involves their backs in the passing game all that much.
Edge: Ohio State
Wide Receivers
WR #4 O.J. Ross (5-10, 192, SO, Mainland HS, Ormond Beach, FL)
WR #13 Antavian Edison (5-11, 175, JR, Dunbar HS, Fort Myers, FL)
WR #2 Justin Siller (6-4, 215, SR, St. Mary's HS, Detroit, MI)
Edison was second on the team last year in receiving with 32 receptions for 316 yards and 4 TDs after making 7 starts. This year he has just 4 official starts but leads the team in receiving yards thus far with 367. He had 7 receptions for 105 yards and a TD against Notre Dame, but hasn't really produced that kind of game since, with a high of 46 yards in the last 5 and just one catch last week. Siller caught 12 passes last season and currently leads the team in receptions thus far with 34. He has just one TD reception (against Illinois) but has caught at least 4 passes six different times, so his production has been pretty consistent in a possession-type of role, as he has good height and size. He only caught one pass last week, however. Ross has made 8 starts and leads the team in TD receptions with 3. He's only cracked 50 yards receiving once (Minnesota, 5 receptions for 63 yards and a TD) but he is a regular contributor.
Also in the receiver rotation are a few players who see regular time. Sophomore Gary Bush (#6) is a speed demon from Florida who has made one start. He has caught 14 passes and had a 48 yard TD reception against Michigan. A pair of seniors, Kurt Lichtenberg (#83) and Waynelle Gravesande (#3) are program veterans who can make an impact in spots. Gravesande has caught 14 passes thus far. Junior Tommie Thomas (#12) is also in the mix, though he has yet to catch a pass this year.
WR Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Purdue WRs versus OSU WRs
Edison: 26 catches, 367 yards, 2 TDs, 14.1 YPR
Siller: 34 catches, 342 yards, 1 TD, 10.1 YPR
Ross: 29 catches, 326 yards, 3 TDs, 11.2 YPR
Smith: 10 catches, 227 yards, 4 TDs, 22.7 YPR
Brown: 11 catches, 119 yards, 0 TDs, 10.8 YPR
Fields: 7 catches, 101 yards, 0 TDs, 14.4 YPR
Edison, Siller, and Ross all got valuable experience last season and have been the regular contributors this year. In a sense they are a year ahead of the Buckeyes, who are still in that initial stage. Neither team is going to dent the scoreboard with a lot of receptions or big plays, though the Boilers have a nice mixture of speed, power, and size. Despite not throwing the ball much, both teams have a nice nucleus of young players, though the Boilers are a bit further along in development and experience. Depth isn't a particular strength at either place.
Edge: Purdue
Tight Ends
TE #86 Gabe Holmes (6-5, 247, SO, St. Thomas Aquinas HS, Miramar, FL)
Holmes is listed at the top of the chart, though junior Crosby Wright (#82) has started the past 8 games. He started 2 games last year as a true freshman and has good blocking skills. Wright (6-3, 248) also has good size and is a capable blocker. Both players have been involved in the passing game, with 20 receptions and 2 TDs between them, though Wright has gotten more opportunities downfield. Both should see plenty of action Saturday.
TE Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Purdue TE versus OSU TE
Holmes: 8 catches, 96 yards, 0 TDs, 12.0 YPR
Wright: 12 catches, 181 yards, 2 TDs, 15.1 YPR
Stoneburner: 12 catches, 150 yards, 6 TDs, 12.5 YPR
Fragel: 4 catches, 44 yards, 0 TDs, 11.0 YPR
Both Holmes and Wright are respectable options at TE, and either can help the team receiving and/or blocking. Wright has caught a pass in every game but one, so he is likely to see some chances downfield, as he averages over 15 yards a catch. Holmes has 6 receptions in the past 3 games, so his production in the passing game has also been expanding recently. Neither player is quite the threat of Stoneburner downfield, and Fragel is a good second TE in blocking situations. Depth is good on both sides.
Edge: Even
Offensive Line
LT #68 Dennis Kelly (6-8, 306, SR, Marian Catholic HS, Chicago Heights, IL)
LG #67 Peters Drey (6-6, 310, JR, McGill Toolen HS, Mobile, AL)
C #76 Rick Schmeig (6-3, 320, JR, Oak Hills HS, Cincinnati, OH)
RG #62 Nick Mondek (6-5, 307, SR, Naperville Central HS, Naperville, IL)
RT #78 Trevor Foy (6-7, 287, SO, St. Xavier HS, Louisville, KY)
Unlike Indiana, who had one of the smaller lines in FBS, Purdue has one of the bigger lines that the Buckeyes will see. It is anchored on the left side by Kelly, a senior and team captain. He is a giant with a large wingspan and good mobility for his size. He is also a very intelligent player (2x academic all-B1G) and was honorable mention all-conference in 2010. He has started every game this season and leads the Boilers in career starts with 33. Lining up next to him is Drey, an equally imposing lineman who started all 12 games last season and can play guard or center. He didn't start the Wisconsin game but should be back again this week. In the middle. Schmeig only had 3 career starts coming into 2011 but has been a fixture in the middle, starting every game this season. He has started games at LG and RG in the past, so he is intelligent and versatile along the interior. On the right side, Mondek moved from the defensive line to the offensive line in the spring of 2010, immediately winning a starting spot. He has good size and can play guard or tackle. He has started every game at RG this season. At RT Foy is a younger player who is a tad undersized but has great potential. He is smart (academic all-B1G in 2010) and has a tremendous wingspan, and will likely be a fixture at tackle for the next 2 seasons. He took over the RT spot when conference play started in week 5, and has played well there since.
Depth is sparse, but the Boilers do have some veteran reserves. Sophomore Justin Kitchens (#51) began the season as the starting RT and is now the top reserve there. Senior James Shepard (#63) and sophomore Eric McDaniel (#56) man the guard spots, and have been in the system for a while. Shepard started the Wisconsin game at RG. As those are the only 3 reserves listed on the 2-deep, depth could be a concern if the Boilers lose anyone to injury.
OL Rating: C
Head-to-Head: Purdue OL versus OSU OL
Kelly could likely start somewhere on the line for any team in the B1G, but beyond that the Boilers have a lot of size but not a tremendous amount of experience or depth. On the plus side there has been a good deal of continuity, as only the RT position really changed players midway through the season. The size and quality of the men up front makes this a far cry from a patchwork line, but depth is a concern and the level of consistency hasn't been what the Boilers were hoping for. Another year of experience will help the players along the interior, but without Kelly this line would be nothing special.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Offensive Analysis
It's hard to know what to make of this Purdue team. Are they gritty and yeoman-like? Do they have a high level of untapped potential? Are they just average? Do they suck? Depending on which of their games you have watched, you might like any of those answers. They certainly looked awful last week, but they also played tooth and nail with a very tough Penn State defense and beat an Illinois team that will likely make a decent bowl game. Losing Henry really hurt in the offseason, and this team just doesn't seem like it can catch a break from the injury bug. The running game is decent, so if Bolden plays up to his potential and they give him enough opportunities, they might be able to stay in the game by controlling the ball. TerBush doesn't make a lot of terrible decisions but he doesn't seem like a dynamic playmaker either, so big plays will likely have to come from the running game. Their corps of receivers and TEs is reasonable, and they have a good LT and a decent line. Something just isn't clicking with their offense, as they haven't scored as many as 22 points since beating Minnesota 45-17 in week 5. Ohio State's last trip to West Lafayette was a disaster, and for a repeat performance the Boilers will likely have to create turnovers again, because the likelihood of them sustaining drives against the Buckeye defense isn't borne out by statistics or precedent. If Miller takes care of the ball, the Boilers will struggle to keep up, if the past month is any kind of indicator.
Overall Offensive Rating: C
2011 Purdue Boilermakers Defensive Preview
Last year's defensive effort was enough to make Danny Hope reshuffle the defensive staff for 2011. While the Coach Hope was disappointed with the production from the 2010 stop troops, the production from the revamped defense suggests that he may have to get used to it.
The major change in the defensive staff was the demotion of Donn Landholm from Co-coordinator to Outside Linebackers coach. Landholm headed the defense in 2009 and shared the coordinator duties with Gary Emanuel last year. This year, Emanuel has assumed sole control of the defense in addition to coaching the defensive line. Emanuel was an assistant with the Boilermakers from 1997 to 2004, coaching tackles and ends as well as being the Assistant Head Coach for Joe Tiller during Emanuel's final two seasons at Purdue. Between 2004 and 2010 Emanuel served as the defensive line coach for the San Francisco 49ers for two seasons, and coached at San Jose State and Rutgers. Prior to his first stop with Purdue, Emanuel served as Plymouth State's offensive coordinator (1981-85) and was also the head basketball coach at the school (1981-1985). From there, Emanuel coached at West Chester or two seasons, before taking a LB coaching position at UMass for two seasons (1986-1988). From 1988 - 1991 Emanuel was an assistant on the Dartmouth staff before earning his first D-IA position with the Syracuse Orange from '91 to '93. After his time at Syracuse, Emanuel also coached Washington State. Emanuel attended Westchester Community College and played football as an Guard. He was a junior college All-American his sophomore season. He transferred to Plymouth State for his final two seasons, but his career was hampered by a knee injury sustained as a Junior.
The demoted Landholm is a native of Bristow, Neb. and a former LB at Wayne State. The 54-year-old began his coaching career at Plainview (Neb.) High School, first as an assistant (1979 - 1981) and then two seasons as the head coach. His first college coaching experience came on the offensive side of the ball, coaching running backs at Central Missouri (1984-1985) before taking the same position at Montana State in 1986. From Montana State, Landholm moved over to the defensive side of the ball with Arizona State, where he coached from 1987 to 1991 as a graduate assistant with the defense for two years and then three more as a volunteer assistant with the linebackers. After a year back at the High School ranks, (PSJA North HS in Pharr Texas), he moved back to the offense; from 1993 to 1996, Landholm was the offensive line coach at Blinn (Texas) Junior College, the last two teams won back-to-back junior college national championships going undefeated both years. In 1997 Landholm joined the Eastern Kentucky staff, where he would serve five seasons under Danny Hope, before Hope came to Purdue. In his time at EKU Landholm coached linebackers, special teams, was defensive coordinator (2005 to 2007) and recruiting coordinator in 2008 in his 12 total seasons.
Stats.......|Score..|Tot.Yds..|Rush..|Pass..|INT.|.Fum.|Sack.|1stD..|.3rd D..|PCT...|Red Zone.|PCT.|RZ TDs.|PCT.|TOF..|
Purdue......|.26.4..|..400.2..|191.1.|209.1.|.7..|..4..|.12..|.198..|50-127..|39%...|.28-31...|90%.|.21-31.|68%.|31:52|
Ohio State..|.18.1..|..312.1..|118.2.|193.9.|.10.|..4..|.21..|.142..|48-130..|37%...|.17-22...|77%.|.13-22.|59%.|28:41|
* TOF = Time on Field (Opponent's T.O.P)
Last year, with Ryan Kerrigan leading the way, Purdue was 14th in the nation in sacks and 4th in tackles for loss. They improved their rushing defense ranking from 94th (173.42 ypg) in 2009 to 43rd (137.92 ypg). In spite of the improvement against the run and in spite of the most productive pass rush in the conference, the Boilermakers gave almost all of it back against the pass. They fell from 37th (203.17 ypg) to 85th (231.08) in pass defense, keeping them below average in total defense (62nd out of 120 FBS teams). Worse than that, Purdue's pass efficiency defense fell through the floor. What had been a respectable, 32nd ranked (115.45) secondary turned into a 93rd in the country (140.05) scout team for the conference, in spite of having Kerrigan wreaking havoc in offensive backfields. Perhaps then it was not just spite that resulted in the demotion of Landholm. His replacement has made some improvements in the defense as a whole, but the position Emanuel coaches (defensive line) has seen a sharp decline.
Defensive Line
DE #2 Gerald Gooden, (6-4, 235, Sr.)
NG#93 Kawann Short, (6-3, 310, Jr.)
DT #90 Bruce Gaston, (6-2, 303, Jr.)
DE #99 Ryan Russell, (6-5, 264, RS-Fr.)
Across the entire front wall the first names remain unchanged from 2010. Only one of the last names has changed, but that one change has had a dramatic impact on the productivity of this unit. Replacing Ryan Kerrigan at defensive end is redshirt freshman Ryan Russell. Though an inch taller and a pound heavier than the older Ryan, he is not a shadow of what the future Pro-Bowler meant to Purdue last year. This is not a knock on the young Russell; no one in the conference is.
Russell has 23 tackles and a sack this year. Combining that with the 24 tackles and 2 sacks from Gooden, his line-mate at the other end, you still don't get the production or impact that Kerrigan had last year. The Buckeyes experimented with blocking Kerrigan 1-on-1 last year. On the first 3rd-and-long of the game, Kerrigan ran around Shugarts like he wasn't there. From that point on, the Buckeyes double-teamed Kerrigan and had little trouble (in the first half anyway) of carving up the remainder of the Boilermaker defense 9-on-10. Neither end has required a game-long double-team this year, and the result has been a plummet to 104th in the nation in sacks. Whether this will translate to increased vulnerability to the Buckeye offense remains to be seen, as the Silver and Grey offensive line has surrendered season-high sacks to defenses both good and bad this year.
As for the interior of the Boilermaker trenches, Nose Guard Kawann Short leads the team in sacks with 3.5. His 12.5 tackles for loss are more than double that of anyone else on the team and ties John Simon for 5th in the conference, 19th in the nation. He was the Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week for his effort against Illinois on October 15th. Next to him is Tackle Bruce Gaston who has made 21 tackles but has yet to record a sack. Until recently, the interior of the Purdue line had held up reasonably well, but were handled by Michigan and Wisconsin and gave up over 700 yards on the ground in those last two games. A similar pattern held sway over the Boilers last year as they fell apart down the stretch, losing their last 6 games. It will be interesting to see if Coordinator and line coach Emanuel can reverse the trend this year and devise a scheme to stop the Buckeyes.
Line depth comes from #49 Adam Brockman (6-3, 265, Sr.) and #89 Jalani Phillips (6-4, 255, Fr.) at end and from #55 Brandon Taylor (6-1, 280, So.) who is the listed back-up at both interior spots. Taylor has 12 tackles and a sack in spot duty, while Brockman and Phillips have accounted for only 3 tackles between them.
DL Rating: D+
Head-to-Head: Purdue DL versus OSU DL
Last year, Purdue received an "A" for their defensive line. Dropping to a D+ due to the loss of 1 player may seem harsh, but that is the reality. Kerrigan was all they had. Conversely, Ohio State's defensive line is very good, which is frankly a disappointment to many Buckeye fans who had hoped for a dominant front wall reminiscent of years past. Regardless, very good is still a good deal better than the 2011 Boilermakers. Apart from an above-average nose guard, the Purdue trenches offer little resistance and no depth.
Edge: Ohio State
Linebackers
OLB #30 Joe Holland, (6-1, 229, Sr.)
MLB #3 Dwayne Beckford, (6-1, 228, Jr.)
OLB #24 Will Lucas, (5-11, 226, So.)
Beckford returns in the middle and leads the team with 70 tackles. Holland is right behind with 67 and Lucas is fourth on the team with 51. Beckford and Holland each have an interception. The Senior Holland is the most experienced of the group and leads the team with 44 starts in his 45 game Purdue career.
Depth comes from reserve LBs: #18 Nnamdi Ezenwa, (6-2, 225, Jr.), #47 Chris Carlino, (6-2, 226, Sr.), and #39 Joe Gilliam, (6-1, 211, RS-Fr.). Carlino started at MLB in 2009 recording 107 tackles. He can play any of the three positions and will see action this Saturday for sure. He has 21 tackles thus far and brings knowledge and leadership when he's in. Ezenwa has 6 tackles and Gilliam 5. Gilliam started the Penn State game.
LB Rating: B
Head-to-Head: Purdue LBs versus OSU LBs
The Buckeye linebackers combine tremendous upside with occasional, yet disturbingly frequent, mental errors. There have been games (Wisconsin) where they were stellar for nearly 60 minutes and there have been games (Nebraska) where they have gone missing for more than a full quarter of the game. Though the Buckeye linebackers enjoy much better protection from their defensive line, they also make more plays which show their athletic potential. The numbers suggest a more lopsided comparison than actually exists here; but the upside and depth are very clearly in Ohio State's favor.
Edge: Ohio State
Secondary
CB #21 Ricardo Allen, (5-9, 176, So.)
SS #35 Logan Link, (6-1, 208, Sr.)
FS #32 Albert Evans, (6-0, 208, Sr.)
CB #28 Josh Johnson, (5-11, 195, Jr.)
While Purdue had all new starters in last year's secondary; all 4 starters from 2010 are back for the 2011 campaign. They have helped produce a significant improvement to the backend of the Boilermaker defense. Though there is much less disruption to the enemy pocket due to the loss of Ryan Kerrigan, the Pass Efficiency Defense has vaulted from 93rd in the nation to 44th which is actually 3 spots better than the Buckeyes.
Corners: #15 Charlton Williams, (6-2, 197, Sr.), #1 Normondo Harris (6-0, 180, So.) and #10 Mike Eargle, (6-0, 170, Sr.), and safeties: #44 Landon Feichter, 6-0, 178, RS-Fr.), and #34 Max Charlot, (6-0, 190, Jr.) round out the secondary depth. Feichter has been the most productive reserve thus far with 19 tackles and a PBU but has not recorded an INT. None of the other reserves have significant statistics in 2011.
DB Rating: C+
Head-to-Head: Purdue DBs versus OSU DBs
The Buckeyes have given up fewer yards per attempt and snagged more interceptions; but fall below the Boilers in touchdowns, having given up 14 TD tosses to Purdue's 9. The difference is that the Buckeyes are normally more stout against the pass; but like the Silver Bullet linebackers, they have had breakdowns here and there. The result is a very similar pass efficiency defense number, arrived at in a very different way.
The biggest difference is in run support. The Buckeye secondary has been stout against the run, including even corner Bradley Roby, who has brought a surprisingly physical presence to his team leading interception total (3). The upshot of this is that the Buckeyes' secondary is part of a defense that is 14th in the nation in Scoring Defense, while the Boilers DBs form part of a unit that is 59th vs point production, in spite of being slightly superior to the Silver Bullets against passing efficiency.
What this all means is that, while the Purdue backfield is more experienced than the Buckeyes (in terms of starts anyway), has fewer breakdowns and sports the concomitant better number for passing efficiency defense; the Buckeyes' are better when they're not breaking down, are deeper and more athletic. The edge here goes to the Buckeyes.
Edge: Ohio State
Overall Defensive Analysis
Although the Buckeyes are superior at every level; the real difference between these defenses is not in the ability of the players. The biggest difference is in the direction each team is going. Purdue started out well, but has fallen apart in recent weeks; while the Buckeyes have been up and down all year. Unfortunately for Purdue, it seems the Silver Bullets are due for having an "up" week. The only advantage that the Boilermakers might have is that they are going up against a more one-handed offense. Unfortunately for the home team, their biggest weakness is against the run. While Danny may Hope to find a way to reverse the Buckeye dominance that he was forced to endure in 2010, this comparison of the defenses suggests that he may have to get used to it.
Overall Defensive Rating: C+
2011 Purdue Boilermakers Special Teams Preview
The Ohio State Buckeyes take their 3-game Big Ten winning streak to West Lafayette, Indiana to take on the Purdue Boilermakers.
Special Teams' Stats (NCAA, PurdueSports, OhioStateBuckeyes)
Purdue
Punting
Cody Webster: 34 for 1547 yards, 45.5 avg, 66 long, 9 inside the 20 (7th Nationally)
Carson Wiggs: 16 for 589 yards, 36.8 avg, 54 long, 1 touchback, 14 inside the 20
Team: 50 for 2136 yards, 42.7 avg, 66 long, 1 touchback, 24 inside the 20 (11th Nationally)
Kicking
Carson Wiggs: 10-15 FGs, 53 long, 26-27 PATs (54th Nationally)
Punt Returns
Waynelle Gravesnande: 16 for 128 yards, 8.0 avg, 31 long (33rd Nationally)
Ricardo Allen: 1 for 7 yards
Team: 17 for 135 yards, 7.9 avg, 31 long (61st Nationally)
Kickoff Returns
Raheem Mostert: 16 for 506 yards, 31.6 avg, 74 long (6th Nationally)
O.J. Ross: 9 for 202 yards, 22.4 avg, 41 long (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA rank)
Akeem Hunt: 3 for 79 yards, 26.3 avg, 30 long (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA rank)
T.J. Barbarette: 2 for 47 yards, 23.5 avg, 26 long ((does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA rank)
DeVarro Greaves: 2 for 40 yards, 20.0 avg (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA rank)
Team: 32 for 874 yards, 27.3 avg, 74 long (3rd Nationally)
Punt Return Defense
18 for 115 yards, 6.39 avg (49th Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense
27 for 738 yards, 27.33 avg, 19 touchbacks (119th Nationally)
Ohio State
Punting:
Ben Buchanan: 50 for 2066 yards, 41.32 avg (45th Nationally)
Placekicking
Drew Basil: 12 of 14 FGs, 26-26 PATs
Punt Returns:
Jordan Hall: 10 for 66 yards, 6.6 avg, 27 long (42nd Nationally)
Chris Fields: 5 for 88 yards, 17.6 avg, 1 TD, 69 long (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Corey Brown: 2 for 28 yards, 14.0 avg, 17 long (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Devin Smith: 1 for 3 yards (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Ryan Shazier: 1 for 25 yards (does not meet the minimum number of returns to qualify for NCAA ranking)
Team: 19 for 210 yards, 11.1 avg, 1 TD, 69 long (28th Nationally)
Kickoff Returns:
Jordan Hall: 15 for 453 yards, 30.2 avg, 90 long (11th Nationally)
Jaamal Berry: 7 for 150 yards, 21.40 avg, 28 long
Devin Smith: 4 for 86 yards, 21.4 avg, 28 long
Corey Brown: 1 for 44 yards
Chris Fields: 1 for 15 yards
Tony Jackson: 1 for 10 yards
Team: 29 for 758 yards, 26.1 avg, 90 long (8th Nationally)
Punt Return Defense:
19 for 116 yards, 6.11 avg (45th Nationally)
Kickoff Return Defense:
38 for 675 yards, 17.76 avg, 7 touchbacks (7th Nationally)
Special Teams
Purdue (PurdueSports)
Punter
#42 Cody Webster (6-1, 205, So., Central Dauphin East HS, Harrisburg, PA)
#37 Carson Wiggs (6-0, 192, Sr., South Grand Prairie HS, Grand Prairie, TX)
Kickoffs/Placekicker
#37 Carson Wiggs (6-0, 192, Sr., South Grand Prairie HS, Grand Prairie, TX)
#36 Robert Harris (6-0, 205, So., Columbia Central HS, Columbia, TN)
#43 Sam McCartney (6-4, 183, Fr., West Lafayette HS, West Lafayette, IN)
Punt Returners
#3 Waynelle Gravesande (6-0, 192, Sr., Irvington HS, Irvington, NJ)
#21 Ricardo Allen (5-9, 176, So., Mainland HS, Daytona Beach, FL)
Kick Returners
#8 Raheem Mostert (5-11, 180, Fr., New Smyrna Beach HS, New Smyrna Beach, FL)
#11 Akeem Hunt (5-9, 175, Fr., Newton HS, Covington, GA)
Long Snapper
Punts - #50 Jesse Schmitt (6-2, 225, Fr., Trinity HS, Louisville, KY)
FGs/PATs - #46 Kevin Ballinger (6-3, 182, Sr., Bluffton HS, Bluffton, IN)
Holder
#42 Cody Webster (6-1, 205, So., Central Dauphin East HS, Harrisburg, PA)
#83 Kurt Lichtenberg (6-1, 185, Sr., Wheaton-Warrenville HS, Warrenville, IL)
Ohio State (Rivals)
Punter:
#17 Ben Buchanan (6-0, 195, So., Central HS, Westerville, OH)
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
Place Kicker/Kickoffs:
#24 Drew Basil (6-1, 206, So., Chillicothe HS, Chillicothe, OH)
#20 Russel Doup (6-1, 180, Fr., Mt Vernon HS, Mt Vernon, OH)
Long Snapper:
#56 George Makridis (5-11, 236, So., Harding HS, Warren, OH)
#54 Bryce Haynes (6-4, 185, Fr., Pinecrest HS, Cumming, GA)
Holder:
#39 Derek Erwin (5-10, 203, Jr., Buckeye Central HS, Tiro, OH)
#14 Joe Bauserman (6-1, 233, Sr., Lincoln HS, Strasburg, VA)
Punt Returners:
#7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
#10 Corey Brown (5-11, 170, So., Cardinal O'Hara HS, Upper Darby, PA)
#80 Chris Fields (6-0, 185, So., Harvey HS, Painesville, OH)
Kickoff Returners:
#7 Jordan Hall (5-9, 195, Jr., Jeanette HS, Jeanette, PA)
#4 Jaamal Berry (5-10, 200, So., Palmetto HS, Pinecrest, FL)
Head-to-Head: Purdue Punt team vs. Ohio State Punt Return Team.
The Boilermaker punt team is another in several units that have improved over last year. Sophomore Cody Wiggins is having an exceptional year, booming punts at the rate of 45.5 yards per punt. The punt return defense has been good as well, limiting their opposition to 6.39 yards per return and no big plays. Ohio State counters with the 28th ranked return team who average over 11 yards per return. This is shaping up to be a great battle.
Edge: Even
Head-to-Head: Purdue Kickoff team vs. Ohio State Kickoff Return Team.
The majority of the units that comprise the Purdue Special Teams are having a fine year. Such is not the case with the kickoff return team, easily the worst among them. The Boilers rank 119th, next to last, in the NCAA. They give up an average of 27 yards per return. Ohio State continues their fine year in returning kicks ranking 8th in the nation with an average of over 26 yards. Hopefully they put the Buckeye offense in good field position to start drives.
Edge: Ohio State
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Punt team vs. Purdue Punt Return Team.
The Buckeyes' punter Ben Buchanan continues his decent year, averaging over 41 yards per punt. The punt return defense is doing their job as well, giving up only a little over 6 yards per return. Purdue's punt return team is headlined by Waynelle Gravesnande. The senior is doing a good job with punt returns, averaging exactly 8 yards per return. This will be a toss up.
Edge: Even
Head-to-Head: Ohio State Kickoff team vs. Purdue Kickoff Return Team.
Purdue counts itself as one the nation's elite kickoff return teams, ranking 3rd in the nation with an average of over 27 yards per return. Their feature returner is Raheem Mostert. The New Smyrna Beach Florida freshman has made quite a splash with a glittering 31.6 yard average to rank 3rd in the individual rankings. Ohio State's kickoff return defense is having a great year, giving up less than 17 per return to rank 7th in the nation. This will be another great battle.
Edge: Even
Overall Special Teams Analysis
This will be an interesting set of matchups to watch. Statistically, the Boilermakers match up well with Ohio State in every category save kickoff defense. This will not be enough for the Boilermakers to overcome both the offensive and defensive advantages enjoyed by the Bucks.
Predictions
BB73's prediction: 27-17, Ohio State
Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State
Bucklion's prediction: 31-16, Ohio State
Bucky Katt's prediction: 26-17, Ohio State
DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 31-13, Ohio State
jwinslow's prediction: 31-17, Ohio State
JCOSU86's prediction: 24-10, Ohio State
Low score wins the year long battle of prediction supremacy! (Difference of actual scores versus predicted scores. 10 point penalty for picking the losing team.)
Previous Game Result: (tOSU 34, Indiana 20)
(187) BB73's prediction: 44-13, Ohio State (17 + 170 last week = 187)
(190) jwinslow's prediction: 45-10, Ohio State (21 + 169 last week = 190)
(221) Bucklion's prediction: 45-7, Ohio State (24 + 197 last week = 221)
(221) Bucky Katt's prediction: 41-13, Ohio State (14 + 207 last week =221)
(231) DaddyBigBucks's prediction: 41-13, Ohio State (14 + 217 last week = 231)
(240) Buckeyeskickbuttocks' prediction: xx-xx, Ohio State (28 + 212 last week = 240)
(248) JCOSU86's prediction: 45-3, Ohio State (28 + 220 last week= 248)
Scores are adjusted for weeks missed. Participant must take the highest score from the week they missed.
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