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With four games we're starting to see where this team rates in relation to the rest of the Big Ten. This is the first season that the conference has sent me a weekly stats dump, so now I can share some of this info with you guys.
There was little question that Purdue was at or near the bottom of every statistical category last season except for punting (thank you, Cody Webster). This year, things are at least better:
Team Stats:
Rushing Offense - Last season Purdue finished ahead of only Washington State among all FBS teams in the nation. Through four games we haven't exactly become Navy, but Purdue is 10th out of 14 teams in the Big Ten at 146.8 yards per game. Yes, Wisconsin ran for more yards yesterday than we have in four total games, but the run game is now better than Iowa, Northwestern. Penn State, and Illinois.
Rushing Defense - Yesterday's performance helped, but Purdue is still 11th in the conference against the run. Illinois, Ohio State, and Maryland are worse. Yes, Ohio State is sucking against the run, but they did play Navy, so that skews things.
Kickoff coverage - This is one category where Purdue is actually the best in the conference. The Boilers give up a league best 36 yards per kick.
Punt returns - Thanks to Frankie Williams Purdue is trailing only Maryland in terms of being the best punt return unit in the league.
Sacks - Purdue has 11 sacks as a team, good for third in the Big Ten. The Boilers had only 14 total sacks in 2013.
Opponent 4th down conversions - Purdue is a perfect 4 for 4 in stopping fourth down conversions, leading the league along with Rutgers.
Attendance: At an average of 34,958 Purdue has the worst attendance in the league.
Individual leaders:
Frankie Williams - Williams is second in the league in punt return average at over 20 per return.
Raheem Mostert - Mostert is second in the Big Ten at over 27 yards per kick return. He is also 6th in the conference in all-purpose yardage at over 129 yards per game.
Landon Feichter - Landon is 11th the conference with 33 total tackles.
Ryan Watson - After collecting two on Saturday Watson is now tied for the Big Ten lead in sacks with four. That's already more than any individual player had for Purdue all of last season.