Purdue Football: Game 1 Grades

The Boilers won their first opening game during the Jeff Brohm Era this past Saturday.

Without...

Jeff Brohm

Rondale Moore

King Doerue

Marty Biagi

Etc.

I have to say, I was impressed with Brian Brohm. He never called plays before, never has handled Head Coaching Duties, but he never winced. He did a heck of a job, he did not give up on the run game, but still allowed the pass game to run it’s course.

Defensively, the first half was tough, but Coach Diaco made some great adjustments at half, only allowing 3 points in the second half.

Purdue Offense:

Grade: B

Why: While there were errors, they were covered up with some solid play calling. We are one bad interception from being an “A”. The passing game, missing Rondale Moore, was pretty solid besides the two interceptions, particularly the one in the red zone.

While the run game struggled in the 2nd quarter and deserved to be abandoned, Brian Brohm stuck with it. Zander Horvath ended up with over 20 carries and over 120 yards, steadying a run game that has struggled in the past. He built on his Bucket Game performance in 2019 where he had over 160 yards rushing. King Doerue picked a bad day to miss.

David Bell was obviously the Offensive MVP, as he had 13 catches for 121 yards and 3 touchdowns. Milton Wright also had 7 catches for 85 yards.

Purdue Defense:

Grade: B+

Why: The first half was rough, the play action pass was working and towards the end of the 1st quarter, when back side cuts became prominent.

I did enjoy watching the Diaco lead defense. The multiple looks was a nice change of pace after we watched Nick Holt stay in one look most of the time.

Diaco schemed the second half perfectly, only allowing 3 points in the fourth quarter. His defense also forced two turnovers, trying to force fumbles on almost every gang tackle that happened during the game.

Special Teams:

Grade: B+

Why: Down Special Teams Coordinator Marty Biagi, Coach Shep took the duties over and did not disappoint. Punter, Brooks Cormier pinned Iowa inside of their own 20 two times.

A small mishap happened on a punt where they got around 25 yards on a return. Other than that, it was a solid day.

Coaching:

Grade: A

Why: Down coaches, especially the head man and winning a game against an Iowa team that won 10 games in 2019 is no small task. Coaches were put into roles they had never had to do before and it was seamless. Brian Brohm did a heck of a Job as HC/OC and keeping everyone under control all game long.