Hammer and Rails - Ohio (1-0) at Purdue (0-1) Game CenterPurdue's Okayest Bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52787/Hammer_And_Rails_favicon..png2017-09-11T07:30:02-04:00http://www.hammerandrails.com/rss/stream/160176392017-09-11T07:30:02-04:002017-09-11T07:30:02-04:00H&R Podcast #27: Football is Fun!
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<img alt="Ohio v Purdue" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/X9R9Yn0Gu6Wn_n90BtjX3CIOxZw=/0x0:3504x2336/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56611265/844468280.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>What is this...optimism...we’re feeling? </p> <p id="Lrtg24">After going months without a podcast, we record and release two within the span on one week. Weird things start to happen when we feel positive about Purdue sports.</p>
<p id="Ib8Xhs">In this podcast, Travis and I talk about Purdue’s Friday night win against Ohio and our upcoming road game against Missouri. Can Purdue take advantage of a reeling Mizzou team and get its first non-con road game win since 2007?</p>
<p id="MkePM2">We also talk about our legitimate optimism around Purdue football and the fact that Purdue *could* go bowling this year (pending Saturday’s game against Missouri). We also discuss how Purdue football should claim two national championships. They may have occurred before 1950, but damn it we should claim them anyways!</p>
<p id="41B0W8">So listen in and enjoy!</p>
<div id="eHJECM"><iframe width="100%" height="400" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F341829394&show_artwork=true&=&color=%2523ff9900&auto_play=true&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false&visual=true"></iframe></div>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/podcast/2017/9/11/16286050/h-r-podcast-27-football-is-funJuan CrespoBoilerTMill2017-09-10T22:38:45-04:002017-09-10T22:38:45-04:00The Whistlestop Tour: Week 2 of Big Ten Football
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<img alt="Eastern Michigan v Rutgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HlX-0gtOtUZcL5Ep9-6x3efa1cA=/0x1609:2087x3000/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56610753/845714778.1505097525.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Rich Schultz/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Our tour around the Big Ten makes fun of Rutgers. </p> <p id="Rk26Xm">Ohio State was supposed to be the class of the conference, but Oklahoma beat the pants off of them on their home field. That leaves Penn State as the Big Ten’s top 5 team, and that is pretty disgusting, to be honest. Minnesota had a quality road win in the Pacific Northwest. Michigan continues to have a strong defense and questionable offense. As for the rest of the conference, they are touched on here in the Whistlestop Tour. </p>
<p id="OLkrZj"><strong>Purdue 44, Ohio 21</strong></p>
<p id="WRIsa8">A Friday night home blowout was a lot of fun to experience, and the <a href="http://www.boiledsports.com/posts/2017/9/9/purdue-does-what-theyre-supposed-to-do-throttles-ohio-44-21">Boiled Sports guys concurred</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="LMMo3x">Purdue did what they were <em>supposed</em> to do tonight….and that’s news. It’s been a while since a Purdue team came into a game and did what we all think they should do. Frankly, even when it’s looked promising, Purdue has found a way to lay an egg, find a banana peel, whatever metaphor you’d like. Tonight, in the first night game under the permanent lights at Ross-Ade, Purdue was coming off a very encouraging performance against a very talented team and were facing a MAC team at home. That should mean a victory in your home opener if you’re a Power 5 team that has any shot of being taken seriously.</p></blockquote>
<p id="B7oJzU"><strong>Oklahoma 31, Ohio State 16</strong></p>
<p id="h4QotT">I certainly expected more from the Buckeyes in this one, but <span>J.T. Barrett</span> and Co. apparently <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/2017/9/10/16282996/ohio-state-failed-to-maximize-scoring-opportunities-against-oklahoma-stats-recap-redzone-woes">don’t like playing at home</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="E0e1QA">In the past year, Ohio State has played six games against teams ranked in the S&P+ top 11: Oklahoma (twice), Wisconsin, Penn State, Michigan, and Clemson. They’ve won half of those games. Their combined score was 142-160 for an average score of 24-27. In the last 5 games, Ohio State’s offense has averaged just 22.4 points. </p></blockquote>
<p id="KIKqcX"><strong>Penn State 33, Pittsburgh 14</strong></p>
<p id="Ld6Bpi">In keeping with tradition, Penn State deserves as <a href="https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2017/9/9/16281842/penn-state-33-14-pitt-saquon-barkley">little attention as possible</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="cyfqGO">Despite beating the Panthers and looking in control for much of the contest, the Nittany Lions struggled mightily on offense for much of the contest. <span>Trace McSorley</span> had one of his worst games since Michigan in 2016 and the receiving corps struggled to create separation despite getting a number of 1v1 matchups. While the Penn State defense has unquestionably been a bright spot thus far, the Nittany Lions need to improve upon Saturday’s performance if they want to compete with the big dogs of college football.</p></blockquote>
<p id="iYs6sf"><strong>Michigan 36, Cincinnati 14</strong></p>
<p id="wClboc">The Wolverines slowly pulled away from a Cincinnati team <a href="https://www.maizenbrew.com/football/2017/9/9/16281028/takeaways-from-michigan-footballs-win-vs-cincinnati">that was pretty overmatched</a>:</p>
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<p id="jGvux6">Speight was not perfect by any stretch of the imagination on Saturday, but the entire offense is a work in progress right now. When Michigan led by a slim margin at 17-14, somebody had to make a play.</p>
<p id="dMDj2z">The blocking was inconsistent and it seemed like the wide receivers and tight ends had problems getting open. With a young team, these issues can be seen as an annoyance, they are also necessary.</p>
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<p id="5DdQ9V"><strong>Wisconsin 31, Florida Atlantic 14</strong></p>
<p id="dt31u4">This was a much closer game than I expected. Even though the FAU folk had larger concerns back in Boca Raton with hurricane Irma, <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2017/9/10/16282370/wisconsin-football-florida-atlantic-hurriance-irma-jonathan-taylor">their guys put up a good fight</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="y1UxYp">Now, <a href="http://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/20650458/fau-owls-stay-wisconsin-indefinitely-due-hurricane-irma">according to a report</a> from ESPN’s Myron Medcalf, head coach Lane Kiffin and his team will stay in Madison indefinitely. You can only imagine what the program has gone through with the varying forecasts, which now have the eye of the storm hitting the Gulf Coast-side of the state.</p></blockquote>
<p id="V1QBtO"><strong>Duke 41, Northwestern 14</strong></p>
<p id="YUUr6f">Northwestern sure has not looked good so far. The Blue Devils jumped on <a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2017/9/10/16280740/jared-mcgee-northwestern-targeting-duke-penalty-disaster-refs-david-cutcliffe">them early and never let up</a>:</p>
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<p id="6Ep5KF">Just over two-and-half minutes after Jones put the Blue Devils on the board, Williams fell down in one-on-one coverage and Duke receiver <span>Chris Taylor</span> walked into the end zone on a 52-yard sucker-punch.</p>
<p id="OnhQzU">It wasn't that McGee's absence alone caused the defense to implode, but that is what happened after he left the game.</p>
<p id="gnfNjR">Duke hit Northwestern with an ambush of 21 unanswered points at the end of the first quarter and the beginning of the second, a stretch where Jones facilitated the offense like he was Tyus Jones at Cameron Indoor Stadium.</p>
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<p id="hJ6FNs"><strong>Iowa 44, Iowa State 41 (OT)</strong></p>
<p id="H9axNe">El Assico was a classic this year, going to overtime with haymakers being <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2017/9/10/16282774/the-morning-after-iowa-state-cyclones-hawkeyes-kirk-ferentz-nate-stanley-akrum-wadley-matt-campbell">thrown all over the place</a>:</p>
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<p id="0uTtxK">It just felt like another stupid loss to an inferior Iowa State team that Iowa had no business losing to.</p>
<p id="EPIbzK">Thank god Iowa remembered how to play football.</p>
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<p id="TKEaAC"><strong>Maryland 63, Towson 17</strong></p>
<p id="eObf0l"><span>Ty Johnson</span> had 124 yards and 2 TDs on 5 carries and it was still a worse day <a href="https://www.testudotimes.com/maryland-terps-football/2017/9/9/16281160/explosive-plays-towson-game-ty-johnson-dj-moore">than he had against Purdue last year</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="1Avj6V">As is usually the case, Moore and <span>Ty Johnson</span> were responsible for many of those explosive plays this afternoon. The two combined for five of the Terps’ nine touchdowns on the day, four of them counting as “big plays.” Moore even had a punt return touchdown called back because he had signaled for a fair catch before being run into and fielding it on a bounce.</p></blockquote>
<p id="VoK1j1"><strong>Indiana 34, Virginia 17</strong></p>
<p id="ooNzO7">The Hoosiers had a very questionable call go against them late, but still pulled away for a nice road win:</p>
<blockquote><p id="YsL2OS"><span><strong>Richard Lagow</strong></span><strong> probably lost his job today. </strong>If so, it’s the right decision. But it’s not <span>Lagow</span>’s fault. Last week in Three Things, I was harsh on the offensive line, which couldn’t hold off the Ohio State defensive line. Some pundits and critics thought that it was just because it was Ohio State’s stellar defensive line on the other side. Others thought that Greg Frey’s departure was an issue. But today, we saw that this is not a schematic issue, nor was it a matter of being outclassed by a top-5 opponent. No, this is a talent and tenacity issue. The offensive line stinks right now, and aside from one drive today (with about 12 minutes left that resulted in a turnover on downs on the goalline), they’ve shown no signs that improvement in anywhere on the horizon.</p></blockquote>
<p id="ZJJR2O"><strong>Michigan State 28, Western Michigan 14</strong></p>
<p id="uknHVA">The Spartan defense is getting it done this year against a WMU team <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2017/9/9/16281810/game-recap-michigan-state-western-michigan">that gave USC all it could handle</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="lhYAMi">The Week 2 win looked, in many ways, similar to the Spartans win in the season opener. The difference was their opponent. One member of the Broncos, specifically – Darius Phillips. The defensive back and kick returner was the only man to score for Western.</p></blockquote>
<p id="nRgo8H"><strong>Eastern Michigan 16, Rutgers 13</strong></p>
<p id="MwMZSQ">Eastern Michigan, who comes to Purdue next year, got its f<a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/9/10/16283044/rutgers-offense-continues-struggle-losing-streak-jerry-kill-chris-ash-kyle-bolin-johnathan-lewis">irst ever win over a Power 5 conference team</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="tNJHcH">There were multiple reasons that Rutgers <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2017/9/9/16281570/rapid-reaction-to-rutgers-loss-to-eastern-michigan-16-13-janarion-grant-big-ten-jerry-kill-chris-ash">suffered an embarrassing 16-13 loss </a>at the hands of Eastern Michigan from the MAC on Saturday. Mental mistakes led to nine penalties committed, including the <span>Dorian Miller</span> “hands to the face” call that pushed Rutgers out of field goal range with just seconds left in the game. The coaching decisions, particularly on offense, were questionable at best. The players came out flat and looked like they underestimated Eastern Michigan, a team that was 0-58 against power five teams entering this game. However, one aspect of the loss brought up a reminder that during this current eleven game losing streak, the longest for Rutgers in almost two decades, quarterback play and scoring points has been a consistent issue throughout it.</p></blockquote>
<p id="IJBUeZ"><strong>Oregon 42, Nebraska 35</strong></p>
<p id="T5IjAQ">Nebraska trailed 42-14 at the half, then the Oregon offense fell asleep, <a href="https://www.cornnation.com/2017/9/9/16281778/nebraska-huskers-football-oregon-ducks-game-recap">nearly allowing the Cornhuskers to make a comeback</a>: </p>
<blockquote><p id="8n5JAP">Nebraska’s fourth quarter woes on offense punctuated a day where the whole team never meshed. Nebraska, after giving up 403 in the first half, gave up 157 in the second half. The offense didn’t catch up though, as the Huskers only put up 44 yards of offense in the fourth.</p></blockquote>
<p id="JBECoX"><strong>Illinois 20, Western Kentucky 7 </strong></p>
<p id="stfX0v">The was an extremely surprising result, as the Illinois defense was <a href="https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2017/9/9/16282474/recap-illini-defense-dominant-in-20-7-win-over-western-kentucky-highlights-analysis-football">dominant in prime time at home</a>:</p>
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<p id="lr1IC7">Despite being a touchdown underdogs in the second game of the season, the Illinois football team was impressive from the opening whistle in a 20-7 throttling of Western Kentucky on Saturday at home.</p>
<p id="l8Gyfg">And for how much he gets criticized for conservative decisions, Lovie Smith’s gameplan was executed to perfection as Illinois controlled the field position and possession of the ball for much of the night.</p>
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<p id="gFmULw"><strong>Minnesota 48, Oregon State 14</strong></p>
<p id="FIk0uz">After a shaky first week the boat was successfully <a href="https://www.thedailygopher.com/2017/9/10/16282644/minnesota-football-beat-oregon-state-final-score-48-14">rowed out on the west coast</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="tJGeft">“The ball is the program.” We’ve heard that over and over from PJ Fleck. Turnover margin is so critical to winning and losing, tonight the Gophers were +3 in turnovers and paid off. Oregon State had 3 fumbles to just 1 for Minnesota as the Gophers ran away with this one 48-14 for a big road win.</p></blockquote>
<p id="85VRZS"><strong>Non-Conference Opponents:</strong></p>
<p id="Z9CuPD"><strong>Louisville 47, North Carolina 35 – </strong><span>Lamar Jackson</span> is <a href="http://www.espn.com/college-football/game?gameId=400937456">pretty good at this football thing</a>.</p>
<p id="XBV0qz"><strong>South Carolina 31, Missouri 13 – </strong>Missouri score 82 points in the first 77 minutes of the season, <a href="http://www.espn.com/college-football/game?gameId=400933850">and 3 points in the last 43 minutes</a>. </p>
<div id="OReKu9"><iframe width="100%" height="450" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/users/208597279&color=%23ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false"></iframe></div>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2017/9/10/16285914/2017-big-ten-football-week-2-recapBoilerTMill2017-09-10T11:47:48-04:002017-09-10T11:47:48-04:00Purdue Football: B1G Stats from Saturday’s Win
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Ohio at Purdue" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/UtS8t2UV13gPjzygMdkKDI2RIbo=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56604893/usa_today_10265995.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>What were some B1G stats from Saturday’s victory? What were some abnormal stats? </p> <p id="HMCaid">So, we can all see the box score. Whether it be from the Purdue Athletics page, your ESPN app or your bleacher report app, those are all easy to find.</p>
<p id="UrI7hu">But, what were some B1G stats? Some abnormal things that you don’t see in the everyday box score. After every game, I will post some B1G stats that you just don’t see in the box score, or just something that was cool from the game. </p>
<p id="1AWZjt">Okay, so let’s start with this. We won. That was a huge step in the right direction. Ohio is supposed to be the MAC champs this year and we took care of them. </p>
<p id="G7HjDN">Some weird things happened in this game, T-Mill, Juan and myself were digging some things up last night that maybe you just did not catch on Friday night.</p>
<p id="OA16Wf"><strong>B1G Stat #1: </strong>Double flea flicker reverse thingy. </p>
<p id="3ocodl">Okay, so I know you saw this. It was just too great to leave off of the list though. Coach Brohm has showed a tendency for some trick plays. First, the spring game, then against UL he did a flea flicker, and now, well.. this. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Those tricky, tricky Boilermakers. Purdue runs the double flea flicker (with a reverse in there) for a TD by Cole Herdman against Ohio! <a href="https://t.co/uXrOmhYKNx">pic.twitter.com/uXrOmhYKNx</a></p>— Tom Downey (@WhatGoingDowney) <a href="https://twitter.com/WhatGoingDowney/status/906340709917184000">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p id="evTZED">Pretty cool, huh.</p>
<p id="I7wCUa"><strong>B1G Stat #2: </strong>Two kickers, no problem.</p>
<p id="wyGxWE">It has seemed like forever since our kicking game was good. <span>Carson Wiggs</span> was so darn long ago. Now, we have two pretty good fellas out there. <span>Spencer Evans</span>, the late summer get and former Baylor kicker (my personal favorite player on the team) and <span>J.D. Dellinger</span>. </p>
<p id="tGJ6Bd">Here is the weird stat. They both made a field goal in the same game. Not sure that has ever happened at Purdue, where we have had different guys make kicks. These guys have really been splitting duties through the first two games. <span>Evans</span> is our kick off specialist. </p>
<p id="8ZgiaD"><strong>B1G Stat #3: </strong>First career touchdowns </p>
<p id="inknoV"><span>Tario Fuller</span> and <span>Anthony Mahoungou</span> scored their first career touchdowns at Purdue. Tario is only a sophomore and he rushed for over 140 yards this weekend. Mahoungou is a senior. The Paris native has done a great job at outside receiver. Watch his blocking it is outstanding. </p>
<p id="Q4rCOH"><strong>B1G Stat #4: </strong><sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>4</sub> there already. </p>
<p id="5yZawb">Last season, we scored only 37 offensive touchdowns. Through 2 games we already have 9. We are just about <sup>1</sup>⁄<sub>4</sub> to where we were last season. At this pace, by game 8, we could match or surpass that total. </p>
<p id="zQN7ZH">Hey, this offense is fun to watch. </p>
<p id="VPAEgY"><strong>B1G Stat #5: </strong>Looking forward. </p>
<p id="Q1ojQA">This is probably the first time in 10 years I am looking forward to watch Purdue Football the next week. It is not doom and gloom any more. It is, “what the heck will this staff do next?”</p>
<p id="G21vSi">The team is exciting to watch and you can tell how hard these guys are playing they have bought into the culture Brohm has preached since he has been here. The buy in effect is real. If we keep playing hard, we could get a low level bowl by the end of the season. If that happens, this season would be such a huge success.</p>
<p id="2iTbU1">Let us all continue to support this team and staff. Boiler Up!</p>
<div id="lYcA8Z"><iframe width="100%" height="450" scrolling="no" frameborder="no" src="https://w.soundcloud.com/player/?url=https%3A//api.soundcloud.com/users/208597279&color=%23ff9900&auto_play=false&hide_related=false&show_comments=true&show_user=true&show_reposts=false"></iframe></div>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2017/9/10/16283638/purdue-football-b1g-stats-from-saturdays-winkholderf2017-09-10T11:30:28-04:002017-09-10T11:30:28-04:00Purdue 44, Ohio 21: In Tweets
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Ohio at Purdue" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/w1Vo5ws0qNCuBaIs7i1YJiQFC04=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56601159/usa_today_10265992.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The first win of the Jeff Brohm era has everyone feeling good. </p> <p id="bLJuci">Purdue blew out a MAC team at home! That is reare enough of late to be worthy of an exclamation point. The debut of the permament lights was a major success too, as for the first time in ages an entire game in West Lafayette was both well attended and fun. This week’s In Tweets was fun too.</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I... I can't read the PURDUE on the seats. <br><br>Is this allowed? <a href="https://t.co/X3g9KaX51z">pic.twitter.com/X3g9KaX51z</a></p>— Hammer & Rails (@HammerAndRails) <a href="https://twitter.com/HammerAndRails/status/906316947813478401">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoilerUp?src=hash">#BoilerUp</a> <a href="https://t.co/QqshvLKqKs">pic.twitter.com/QqshvLKqKs</a></p>— Matt Tornquist (@MattTornquist) <a href="https://twitter.com/MattTornquist/status/906389443506032640">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The lights are beautiful.<br><br>Thanks for making us a real football program <a href="https://twitter.com/MikeBobinski">@MikeBobinski</a> .<br><br>Go to bed, <a href="https://twitter.com/MorganJBurke">@MorganJBurke</a> <br><br>Adults are in charge. <a href="https://t.co/LRisHw3I5S">pic.twitter.com/LRisHw3I5S</a></p>— Hammer & Rails (@HammerAndRails) <a href="https://twitter.com/HammerAndRails/status/906303344939061248">September 8, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Student section is full. First time since 2013. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsPlayFootball?src=hash">#LetsPlayFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoilerUp?src=hash">#BoilerUp</a></p>— B1G Champs (@LancerUWM) <a href="https://twitter.com/LancerUWM/status/906307301124055041">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Last week against Louisville, Purdue had 51 rushing yards.<br><br>In their first drive, they've had 53 rushing yards.</p>— Juan (@Air_Force_Juan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Air_Force_Juan/status/906308504151052289">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Purdue wide receivers right now <a href="https://twitter.com/HammerAndRails">@HammerAndRails</a> <a href="https://t.co/FkOXF7gxHn">pic.twitter.com/FkOXF7gxHn</a></p>— Tim (@tschoen21) <a href="https://twitter.com/tschoen21/status/906311565732745216">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Well, we don't have to worry about Purdue's receivers getting sick this fall, because they can't even catch a cold.</p>— Juan (@Air_Force_Juan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Air_Force_Juan/status/906308774117478400">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Taking off all my clothes watching Purdue's offense</p>— THICC KEN (@edsbs) <a href="https://twitter.com/edsbs/status/906329619632140290">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Clearly our problem last week was we only ran SINGLE flea flickers...</p>— PurdueKev (@PurdueKev) <a href="https://twitter.com/PurdueKev/status/906327943802126337">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Morgan Burke is so confused somewhere right now.</p>— Brandon Buju (@BujuBrandon) <a href="https://twitter.com/BujuBrandon/status/906317284834246656">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"><a href="https://twitter.com/HammerAndRails">@HammerAndRails</a> 12 months ago, you hear it's 27-7 at the half and you'd shake your head because you knew.</p>— Anthony Rufatto (@1F2Ts) <a href="https://twitter.com/1F2Ts/status/906329345576390657">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Uh, about Purdue's next opponent... <a href="https://t.co/CjhzgPzRxo">pic.twitter.com/CjhzgPzRxo</a></p>— Bryan Mac (@Bry_Mac) <a href="https://twitter.com/Bry_Mac/status/906330888841125888">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Pretty sure the double flea flicker caused Missouri's DC to mainline Everclear</p>— LSAClassOf2000 (@LorneEC3) <a href="https://twitter.com/LorneEC3/status/906332979064164352">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">That was also a double-guitar, yes.</p>— Pete Mortensen (@morepete) <a href="https://twitter.com/morepete/status/906325860315144192">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://t.co/OfcWOHdNzi">pic.twitter.com/OfcWOHdNzi</a></p>— Corso's Rifle (@thegax) <a href="https://twitter.com/thegax/status/906332772431798278">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="und" dir="ltr"> <a href="https://t.co/dVTZUvx4bB">pic.twitter.com/dVTZUvx4bB</a></p>— Robert Baker (@kerba1123) <a href="https://twitter.com/kerba1123/status/906326264742637577">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Dealing with a not bad Purdue is difficult to do. We're here for you. <a href="https://t.co/WjA0he7N8d">https://t.co/WjA0he7N8d</a></p>— SB Nation CFB (@SBNationCFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/SBNationCFB/status/906339982125789184">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Winning he Mac would be a huge improvement over the last few years</p>— Chris B. Brown (@smartfootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/smartfootball/status/906343220052987904">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">"A reverse flea flicker? I'm done, Jeff." <a href="https://t.co/K47ig7LNUM">pic.twitter.com/K47ig7LNUM</a></p>— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSports/status/906336568083759104">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">See Les Miles is on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Purdue?src=hash">#Purdue</a> sideline this fall. I was right! LOL</p>— Doug Griffiths (@PilotNewsdoug) <a href="https://twitter.com/PilotNewsdoug/status/906342479108157440">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">OUR <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LESMILESTOPURDUE?src=hash">#LESMILESTOPURDUE</a> CAMPAIGN WORKED! <a href="https://t.co/XcfVXvw0bv">pic.twitter.com/XcfVXvw0bv</a></p>— Juan (@Air_Force_Juan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Air_Force_Juan/status/906342409273057281">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">I continue to be impressed with <a href="https://twitter.com/BoilerFootball">@BoilerFootball</a> under <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffBrohm">@JeffBrohm</a>. Program had no juice before his arrival. It's fun to watch again.</p>— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPNRittenberg/status/906324628079079424">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Question for our new AD - how did all those alumni possibly get home last night? <a href="https://twitter.com/HammerAndRails">@HammerAndRails</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/BoiledSports">@BoiledSports</a></p>— John Voliva (@johnvoliva) <a href="https://twitter.com/johnvoliva/status/906511615075418112">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">FLY THE W FLAG!!!! Feels good, man. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoilerUp?src=hash">#BoilerUp</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/LetsPlayFootball?src=hash">#LetsPlayFootball</a> <a href="https://t.co/xC0qUfbmjd">pic.twitter.com/xC0qUfbmjd</a></p>— Paul Branham (@boilerpaulie) <a href="https://twitter.com/boilerpaulie/status/906354864619495427">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Purdue wasn't sure how to do the victory formation there.</p>— Jumbo Heroes (@jumboheroes) <a href="https://twitter.com/jumboheroes/status/906354519277293568">September 9, 2017</a>
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https://www.hammerandrails.com/2017/9/10/16282270/purdue-ohio-in-tweetsBoilerTMill2017-09-09T01:24:58-04:002017-09-09T01:24:58-04:00Purdue 44, Ohio 21: This Brohm Guy Might Be For Real
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Ohio at Purdue" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/DG27J1TH4S54exCLYewCcR3s0pY=/0x131:2261x1638/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56593591/usa_today_10266310.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Purdue (!?!) dominated a MAC team at home. Yes, that is a huge step forward. </p> <p id="Vv5qhT">For much of this week I was nervous. As a Purdue fan, I had been conditioned to expect the letdown after challenging a good team. I thought Purdue would come out against one of the MAC’s better teams and fall apart at home. I mean, we had seen this before. Hazell got blown out at home by Northern Illinois and Central Michigan, then lost in the final seconds to Bowling Green. After tailgating on the IM fields tonight I walked into Ross-Ade hoping for the best, but fearing the worst. </p>
<p id="FWr52K">Instead we were surprised. </p>
<p id="BgZM83">Purdue was actually good. In fact, I would even say Purdue was dominant. We marched down the field and got a <span>Spencer Evans</span> field goal in the opening minutes of the game. We then got a few stops and held on to said 3-0 lead despite having a few drives fall apart due to dropped passes that should have been caught. Those drops only served to keep the game competitive longer. </p>
<p id="nOirz7">With the game in the balance at 10-7 early in the second quarter <span>David Blough</span> entered for Elijah Sindelar. If he was looking to make an emphatic end to the quarterback derby, he did so. <span>Blough</span> was about as efficient as we have ever seen him. He only threw 13 passes and completed 11 of them for 235 yards and 3 touchdowns. He blew open a 10-7 game with a 24-point fourth quarter that had almost everyone in attendance wondering if this was even allowed at home. </p>
<p id="VSqCQH">Quite frankly, it was a breath of fresh air. After four years of struggling to beat event he worst of teams on out schedule We saw Purdue run into the locker room at halftime with a 34-7 lead. Yes, I know it was only Ohio, but come on. We are not that separated from struggling to beat the mighty Trees of Indiana State at home. </p>
<p id="34SqUH">For once, it was a stress free second half. Purdue faced a real, live FBS team (and a decent one at that) and was able to do what it wanted to do, when it wanted to do it. <span>Tario Fuller</span> had his first career 100 yard game with 142 yards on 16 carries and a touchdown tonight. <span>Anthony Mahoungou</span> had his first career touchdown. <span>Cole Herdman</span> caught a wide open TD on one of the most perfectly executed plays we have seen in a while. <span>Jackson Anthrop</span> caught his third TD of the year. Purdue dropped over 550 yards of offense with no turnovers and looked damned good doing so. </p>
<p id="OHCKO7">Then there was the defense. The defense was aggressive and swarming, which is also something completely different than we are used to seeing. They allowed next to nothing while the game was in the balance. It was really just one drive when <span>A.J. Ouellette</span> scored to make it 10-7. From there, it was all over the place. It is such a relief to see a real, attacking defense that takes some risks to make stops as opposed to reacting and giving up big plays. </p>
<p id="FPh5Yp">All of this means that maybe, just maybe, coach Brohm is the real deal. I said all week that I wanted to see him not have a let down against Ohio. He didn’t. Purdue looked just as impressive as it did last week and dominated a team most real Big Ten teams would dominate at home. Sure, that doesn’t mean we’re ready to book tickets to Pasadena, but it is a far cry from anything we have seen for the past few years. </p>
<p id="BsckWf">What was also impressive was the crowd. We had a larger crowd tonight than at any game last season. It is almost like excitement around a football team and a non-noon kickoff could be a net positive. In walking around multiple people were pleasantly surprised as I spoke with them. The vast majority said, “It is nice to actually feel like we have a football team.”</p>
<p id="WgpPbM">And now we turn to Missouri and a game that promises to have a lot of fireworks. <span>Drew Lock</span> put up huge numbers in week one, but his defense was absolutely horrid. We will head to Columbia with momentum. </p>
<p id="fnAtPT">Now is the time to win consecutive games for the first time in five years. </p>
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https://www.hammerandrails.com/2017/9/9/16279816/purdue-44-ohio-21-finall-score-jeff-brohm-first-winBoilerTMill2017-09-08T23:58:45-04:002017-09-08T23:58:45-04:00Purdue Defeats Ohio 44-21
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Ohio at Purdue" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OaRBmwh1nuzso_TmxH4tMQ-PQM4=/0x0:5184x3456/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56593091/usa_today_10266322.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>These guys are fun to watch. | Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>I’m Not Sure What to Do With My Hands</p> <p id="9kvoSo">When this game started I assumed Purdue would win. That in itself was a strange feeling. I honestly can’t tell you the last time I thought Purdue would win a game. I would say the first game of the Hazell era but that was a tough game against Cincinnati where Purdue crapped the bed and set the tone for the entirety of the Hazell era. Since then though life as a Purdue football fan has been a struggle. Tonight though, it was fun again. And I don’t mean just because Purdue won. Don’t get me wrong that was a very fun part of the experience, but Purdue looked competent in all phases of the game. That hasn’t been the case in YEARS. Is Purdue football back? I don’t think we can go that far but tonight was certainly a night when it felt good to be a Purdue fan again. </p>
<p id="4l9cJk">Purdue played three quarterbacks tonight and that actually was a good thing. Sindelar and Blough both put points on the board. Elijah Sindelar started the game for the second straight week but again yielded to David Blough for the majority of the game. In the brief time that Sindelar was in the game he was 4-10 (with roughly 5 drops by the receiving corps) for 60 yards and a touchdown. He continues to look good. I think if I could pinpoint a problem he has it would be that he throws bullets that sometimes guys can’t hold onto. Maybe the strength of his arm is a bit of his weakness. </p>
<p id="aDLTf5">Blough then came into the game and played the majority of minutes and he looked stellar doing it. I don’t know how much of that had to do with the defense of Ohio and how much of it had to do with the game plan of Purdue and Jeff Brohm but it was amazing to watch Purdue march up and down the field and score 44 points. That’s right, 44! This included some trickery and just some great passes by Blough. Perhaps the standout play of the game came with a reverse flea flicker. If you didn’t see it, like my brother who was in the bathroom line, then you truly missed it. Check out the video below to get a picture of just how beautifully executed this was by all involved. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">If someone ran this against you in a video game, you'd quit. Forever.<br><br>Via <a href="https://twitter.com/CFBONFOX">@CFBonFOX</a><a href="https://t.co/X71HMSZTBB">pic.twitter.com/X71HMSZTBB</a></p>— FOX Sports (@FOXSports) <a href="https://twitter.com/FOXSports/status/906329414941552640">September 9, 2017</a>
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<p id="uyoRaP">There’s so much to talk about, and Travis will have more later tonight, but I want to get some quick hits in to highlight some of my quick impressions from this marvelous victory. </p>
<ul>
<li id="OG2vDg">Tario Fuller had 16 carries for 142 yards. That’s an 8.9 yard average. That’s umm...good. </li>
<li id="HuOZlh">Brian Lankford-Johnson had nine carried for 92 yards. If Purdue can continue that 1-2 punch they will really have something there. </li>
<li id="ub3TVX">Purdue’s main two tight ends, Cole Herdman and Brycen Hopkins accounted for 172 yards and 2 touchdowns. I’m gonna go ahead and say that’s a strength of this team that Purdue will need to continue to exploit. </li>
<li id="2EweaD">Though Sindelar acquitted himself well tonight I’d say the coaching staff is clearly leaning towards Blough and he seems to have earned it based on the output tonight. He was 11-13 for 235 yards, 3 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. Hard to top that. </li>
<li id="fckJrl">Purdue was 3-3 on field goals. It’s amazing the amount of anxiety that goes away if you feel like your kicker is going to make the field goal automatically. </li>
<li id="lwG2kk">Four different receivers caught touchdowns for Purdue. That’s how you spread the ball around. </li>
<li id="qOQFMr">I want to toot my own horn and say I predicted a 42-24 victory for Purdue. Gotta admit, that’s pretty good. </li>
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<p id="3hArzG">I don’t know what else to say. I’m thrilled, beyond thrilled. I thought Purdue would be better this year, and I predicted a victory tonight, but nothing like this. I may have said Purdue would lead from start to finish on the podcast yesterday but I’m not sure I fully believed it. Bluster is one thing, seeing it is another thing entirely. Purdue isn’t close to the team of 2004 when I was in college but the way to get back there is one game at a time. Tonight, Purdue got one step closer, one brick higher. Next week, we continue to build. After all, the only way to lay a foundation is one brick at a time. (YES I KNOW THAT’S NOT WHAT A FOUNDATION IS, CUT ME SOME SLACK WITH MY FORCED METAPHOR!)</p>
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https://www.hammerandrails.com/2017/9/8/16279656/purdue-defeats-ohio-44-21jumboheroes2017-09-08T18:00:02-04:002017-09-08T18:00:02-04:00Ohio at Purdue: Game Thread & How to Watch
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<img alt="Dollar General Bowl - Ohio v Troy" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/nvJp1MG35COatr4dag0wdMzTDNI=/4x0:2451x1631/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56566329/630483472.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Chang/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>It’s the debut of lights at Ross-Ade Stadium!</p> <p id="3lpFyp">We’re under the lights tonight! T-Mill is in the stands and the rest of the crew is watching from home (or, in Casey’s case, at work) as Purdue football returns home to Ross-Ade Stadium for the first time under Jeff Brohm. We don’t know how to act, either! </p>
<p id="sCFR0U">Purdue is favored? </p>
<p id="DJlsUP">40,000 people might show up? </p>
<p id="gjPAqs">It’s Friday? </p>
<p id="kygCdG">There are permanent lights? </p>
<p id="iuJT5T">Yes, these are not Morgan Burke’s <a href="https://www.hammerandrails.com/">Purdue Boilermakers</a>. </p>
<p id="cncPb3">Let’s Play Football.</p>
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https://www.hammerandrails.com/2017/9/8/16270076/ohio-purdue-game-thread-how-to-watchBoilerTMill2017-09-08T12:38:58-04:002017-09-08T12:38:58-04:00Interviews with the Enemy: A Q&A with The Hustle Belt
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<img alt="NCAA Football: MAC Championship-Western Michigan at Ohio" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CDU_PnkfwQuGpFH8vr20qvbZMZE=/0x0:2880x1920/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/56583455/usa_today_9731448.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>We talk with the Hustle Belt before tonight’s game. </p> <p id="tR1yLH">While SB Nation’s empire is vast, it does not quite have an Ohio blog. Fortunately, that is where the Hustle belt comes in. Alan Rucker is the managing editor of our blog devoted to all things MACtion, and he was kind enough to do a late blogger interview about tonight’s game:</p>
<p id="19UKxp"><strong>T-Mill: </strong>Is there anything that really stood out for Ohio in week 1 from drubbing a pretty hapless Hampton team? </p>
<p id="8puh9B"><strong>Alan: </strong>I don't put any stock whatsoever in an FCS win. The Bobcats looked great, sure, but extrapolating out from that win is a fool's game. Everything that was supposed to happen in terms of performance did, but it’s only worth mentioning if it didn’t. Hampton was exactly who we thought they were: a tune up game to just make sure uniforms fit and you could hit someone other than your teammates.</p>
<p id="fkeFXK"><strong>T-Mill: </strong>Do the Bobcats employ a dual-QB system, or was the blowout that spectacular and they just gave the backup a lot of reps? </p>
<p id="snO1bL"><strong>Alan: </strong>In some respects it is a dual system in that both <span>Quinton Maxwell</span> and <span>Nathan Rourke</span> will likely play in the first half and based on performance that’s who you’ll see the majority (if not the entirety) of the second half. Frank Solich is still trying to figure out exactly what he’s got under center with Rourke The transfer played well enough last week to garner MAC East Player of the Week recognition, so that’s a good option. In truth, I would bet Solich is unsure who is going to respond to a road contest against a B1G team better so he’s leaving options open.</p>
<p id="mhvpnH"><strong>T-Mill: </strong>The defensive numbers were obviously great, but is this a strong defensive team or was Hampton just that outmatched? </p>
<p id="NHSypz"><strong>Alan: </strong>Both? Ohio’s defense was the best in the Mid-<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/teams/american">American</a> Conference last year and will likely be that way again this year. But a strong MAC defense is like being the most attractive patient in a burn unit. I’m saying the MAC ain’t known for defense and Ohio being the best at something the conference sucks at in general isn’t really all that impressive. OF COURSE EVERYONE GETS A TROPHY NOW SO CONGRATS, BOBCATS. But I digress. I wouldn’t take anything from week one since Hampton was so terrible. Comparing the success against Hampton to potential success against Purdue is like comparing apples to wombats.</p>
<p id="i1sbGI"><strong>T-Mill: </strong>Offensively the Bobcats were pretty run-heavy against Hampton. Should we expect more of that on Friday night, or will they air it out a bit? </p>
<p id="mG9t2w"><strong>Alan: </strong>I would expect Ohio to try to find whatever is working and exploit that. The thing about Frank Solich is he’s old school enough to not beat himself or let his vanity or stats get in the way of a W. If the run works, you’ll see that. If the pass works, you’ll see that. At least initially expect the run game to be the focus to get the QBs comfortable and see what will need to happen for the Bobcats as the game progresses.</p>
<p id="lgPcUC"><strong>T-Mill: </strong>On paper this looks like a strong candidate for a MAC over B1G win. What will it take for the Bobcats to pull it off? </p>
<p id="avCsIG"><strong>Alan: </strong>Like most games against a P5 opponent that’s only marginally better or on the same plane, the MAC squad can’t beat themselves. Ball State/Illinois last week was a good example of how a MAC squad can piss away an upset by not being on the ball for the entire game. One special teams gaffe or a critical turnover can legitimately cost a team an upset. The Bobcats need to win the turnover battle, not give up big special teams plays, and capitalize on either of this things if they happen to Purdue.</p>
<p id="fo4TWM"><strong>T-Mill: </strong>What about Purdue in week 1 surprised you and how does that help against Ohio?</p>
<p id="64gMVT"><strong>Alan:</strong> Admittedly, part of my surprise is because I’m a Louisville native and everyone I know from there thinks <span>Teddy Bridgewater</span> walks on water and was equally confident that Purdue was going to lose by somewhere in the neighborhood of 932 points. There’s two ways to look at the Boilers’ opening week performance if you’re a MAC fan or an Ohio fan. The first is positive, in that there may be a letdown after a better-than-expected performance against a national power. The flip side of that, however, is that the Boilers’ confidence is higher now than it has been in years. That normally doesn’t bode well for a MAC squad going on the road.</p>
<p id="cPysSH">Thanks Alan. We appreciate you stopping by!</p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2017/9/8/16276618/purdue-ohio-pregame-blogger-interviewBoilerTMillAlan Rucker