Hammer and Rails - Eastern Michigan (1-0) at Purdue (0-1) Game CenterPurdue's Okayest Bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52787/Hammer_And_Rails_favicon..png2018-09-10T20:52:07-04:00http://www.hammerandrails.com/rss/stream/175801412018-09-10T20:52:07-04:002018-09-10T20:52:07-04:00Jeff Brohm Press Conference- Mizzou Week
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<img alt="Northwestern v Purdue" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7L8EG_lS1e9oFmRtPH4tHt0hagI=/0x0:3504x2336/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61269967/1025403564.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="B3PR1U">After a terribly disappointing loss against Eastern Michigan Jeff Brohm fulfilled his contractual obligation to step up to the microphone and answer questions from the rabid media. Okay, that might be a bit much but at a certain point I’m surprised that no coach has ever walked up to the mic and said “I’m just here so I don’t get fined.” With that mundane introduction out of the way I’ll let Coach Brohm speak for himself. </p>
<p id="RMQMir"><strong>Introductory statement:</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="EygOW9">As you guys know, it’s time to put the last game behind us. It was, like you guys saw, disappointing, an embarrassing loss that I take full responsibility for. I need to do a much better job in a lot of ways.</p>
<p id="SfJKmu">So we’re going to work hard this week to identify the problems, which we’ve definitely already started that -- that’s underway -- and go about trying to fix them.</p>
<p id="8VGszR">So these losses are no fun, but that’s part of football. So I think it’s important that you learn from your mistakes, you go about trying to get better and you work hard to fix them.</p>
<p id="2Squ8U">There’s a lot of other opportunities ahead of us this year. And they’re going to be challenging opportunities. And we’ve got to make sure we’re doing our part.</p>
<p id="fTQZ5X">We’ve got a great opponent coming up in Missouri that I know we beat last year, but if you watch the video of them since that game, I believe they won eight of nine or nine of ten or eight or nine games since then.</p>
<p id="vJ0Buk">They’re very talented. Very good football team. They’re well-coached. They’re playing very confident now, and it’s going to be a tough matchup. We’re definitely going to have to improve a great deal this week, come out, not shoot ourselves in the foot, play disciplined, hard football, opportunistic, find ways not to make mistakes. And if we can do that we’ll give ourselves a chance. But a lot of work to do. We’re looking forward to getting after it in practice this week.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="Nzx6M5"><strong>On getting something out of these tough losses:</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="L6RVK8">I think our guys do understand that, hey, we’re going to take the practice field like we want to improve and get better and attack it. We need to be able to come out and be aggressive in everything we need to do. We need to be able to practice hard so that when we take the field still play confident.</p>
<p id="y97jLH">Right now I’m sure some people’s confidences are not at the highest point. We’ve got to get that back up and that’s only going to be done through hard work and preparation and making sure that, like I said, you identify the issues, you work hard to solve them, and then you go about trying to play as confident as you can come game field. And veterans have to step up and the young guys have to improve each and every week in order to give ourselves a chance to win.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="R07QwV"><strong>ACCOUNTABILITY!!!</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="IKKmsS">For us, you know, we’re going to make sure from here on out everyone is held accountable every step they make, 24 hours a day, on the practice field. And what they may think is something small has been costing us. And really they’re silly, silly mistakes that there’s no use for them.</p>
<p id="9iJLEu">It’s something that -- there has to be consequences for their actions. And if we -- if guys are getting 15-yard penalties they’re out the game. If we see something close to that, that’s not a penalty, they’re coming out of the game. We have to do it in practice, address it in practice and make sure that they’re training themselves every day to understand you can’t be silly, I guess is a nice way of putting it, and do things that cost your team when it has nothing beneficial for anybody.</p>
<p id="Cbgx7X">So it should be about the team. When good things happen, we need to celebrate with our guys only and get back to the next play.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="DXa2aO"><strong>Brohm providing a self-evaluation:</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="DHjkwF">Well, like I said, I have not done a good job and I need to do better. And I think that we’ve shot ourselves in the foot and there have been some discipline issues and penalties that have cost us that should not have happened and that starts with me. So I need to get that fixed and make sure that our players understand that that can’t happen and there are going to be consequences and we’ve got to coach it and talk about it in practice and make sure that they’re aware of it. So obviously that didn’t happen good enough.</p>
<p id="fBCQmH">So, yes, I need to get better at that. I need to make sure that we continue to improve upon our weaknesses. And that means scoring in the red zone, not having critical penalties, not turning the ball over and making sure on defense that we can stop the pass. I’ve been very disappointed in our pass coverage with and some things we’re doing and how we’re playing. And we cannot allow that amount of pass yards to that football team and expect to win the game even in those conditions, and even going back to last year we gave up too many pass yards.</p>
<p id="C84RBY">You can look at the Arizona game. We made a quarterback -- he’s not a thrower -- throw for a lot of yards and five touchdowns. So we’ve got to get better at certain things. We have identified quite a few of them internally. We have to make sure we work hard at getting that done, and it’s going to be an everyday process, but yes, I have to get better.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="v1yatn"><strong>Will Smiley be back?</strong></p>
<blockquote><p id="FnEjmD">You know what, I’m not -- I’m hopeful but I’m not for sure if that’s going to happen. We’ll work hard to get him ready, but I’m not for sure yet.</p></blockquote>
<p id="cYZRYm"><strong>On the Mizzou QB:</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="9XHDg6">Well, he can flat spin the ball. He can throw it vertically. He’s accurate. He has a really good arm. He can put it in tight windows. He looks the part. He’s played a lot of football. He’s played against a lot of football teams. Last year they had a bad day; we had a good day.</p>
<p id="fJPy0x">And since that game they’ve taken off and they’ve played extremely well. And to this point he’s played extremely well again. And he’s got a chance to play on Sundays.</p>
<p id="DbF7Vj">And it will be a great test for us. It will be a tough matchup, but our players need to take the field confident and expect to make plays and go out there and play as hard as they can and figure out a way to get it done.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="rt8IV0"><strong>On the Purdue QB situation:</strong></p>
<blockquote>
<p id="zqCQpl">Well, I think this past game, overall, both quarterbacks played better. We took care of the ball. We made better decisions. We ran the offense. We just had some costly penalties and turnovers and some missed opportunities that hurt us.</p>
<p id="1hu8VR">We ran the football very effectively. Now probably do need to take a few more shots up the field, find ways to make some bigger plays, but I think we’ll start one guy and the next guy will be ready to come in if we need a change up or a spark.</p>
<p id="95iQew">ou know what, even last week, if things are going well, I’m going to be, try to be a smart coach. We want -- I think we have both quarterbacks that are capable of helping us win. They can do some different things for us.</p>
<p id="5n8lyh">Whoever starts the game we’ll give them an opportunity to showcase what he’s about and the other one will be ready. Whether that’s the second quarter or beyond, I don’t know. I try not to predetermine it exactly and I think both guys will be up and ready.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="6x4DFt"><strong>Are O-Line changes possible:</strong></p>
<blockquote><p id="PCza3T">Yes, we’ve contemplated that. And we’re addressing that right now. So you’ll probably see a mix of things happening in this game. But, yes, we are definitely open to doing whatever we think will help us in that aspect.</p></blockquote>
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https://www.hammerandrails.com/2018/9/10/17844256/jeff-brohm-press-conference-mizzou-weekjumboheroes2018-09-10T16:12:44-04:002018-09-10T16:12:44-04:00Purdue vs EMU - Monday Morning Review
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Eastern Michigan at Purdue" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GUM2-AAAUdayHOnS-OWzsIwA868=/0x0:3103x2069/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61266933/usa_today_11209429.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>After further review....the loss is confirmed</p> <p id="J8w77q">I’m not going to lie. I was in College Station on Saturday for the Clemson vs TAMU game and I couldn’t find a tailgate willing to put on Purdue vs EMU, so other than following the game on my phone, today was my first actual viewing of the game.</p>
<p id="8N9lRK">Here are some of my initial reactions, and what I’ll be looking at further this week.</p>
<h1 id="4gZ8Ye"><strong>Offense</strong></h1>
<p id="7t2wZ1"><strong>Red Zone</strong></p>
<p id="9IQIcR">Purdue’s offense took 5 trips into the red zone (inside the opponents 20) and came away with 12 points. That’s the difference in the game.</p>
<p id="XunERE"><strong>Offensive Line</strong></p>
<p id="gH1GnT">Purdue’s tackle situation is not good. Right tackle in particular is a huge problem in pass protection. Purdue was having to chip the EMU LDE b/c we couldn’t block him straight up. I wonder if a line shuffle is in order once Evans is back to full speed.</p>
<p id="Xe3EoT"><strong>Wide Receiver</strong></p>
<p id="LvtRpo">Purdue lacks a true deep threat. Sparks looks like a good possession receiver and Rondale is explosive with the ball, but EMU was not worried about getting beat deep. This is partially because Purdue’s line can’t hold up and partially because I don’t see anyone out their right now that can run a go route and win down the sideline. When Mahoungou provided that threat at the end of last year, the offense took off. It may be time give 6’5 freshman Kory Taylor a look. I’m sure he’s way behind the other receivers in terms of understanding the offense but if he can win one on one on the outside, I don’t really care.</p>
<p id="kJBRkk"><strong>Tight End</strong></p>
<p id="nJ4UvY">It was a mixture of decent receiving and poor blocking. Purdue needed the tight end position to dominate and it’s been a poor showing so far this year. I’ve yet to see Hopkins threaten down the seam of the defense. That’s another aspect of the offense that has been sadly lacking. The other team’s safety is free to fly around the field on most plays.</p>
<p id="lyYys6"><strong>Running Back</strong></p>
<p id="HJcn6s">Purdue had 2 100 yard rushers, so it’s hard to pin the loss on the running backs, but the Jone’s fumble (2nd of the game) was a back breaker. I still think Tario Fuller is the only RB on the roster that is a threat on all 3 levels. Knox had a long touchdown run because the safety got caught in the box. Other than that, any time the Purdue running back had a chance to take on a safety, the safety brought them down. If Purdue is going to run conservative pass routes, they are going to need their running backs to hit home runs. Right now, we’re hitting singles and doubles for the most part.</p>
<p id="yBJTdo"><strong>Quarterback</strong></p>
<p id="nNqwPO">Blough hasn’t shown the ability to throw it down the field this year. All his passes were in front of the EMU linebackers. He’s not bringing the 3rd level of defense into play, and that’s freeing up both safeties to cruise around the box and get outside on our screen passes and jet motions. When Blough is in, the game is played in a 15 yard box, and EMU took advantage of that early in the game. Blough is a decent runner, but that’s as far as I’m willing to go.</p>
<p id="u4llBv">Here’s the rub with the quarterback situation. Sindelar is the more talented quarterback. He also needs help from his offensive line and receivers to display that talent. He’s not getting that help. When Eli is in at QB, Purdue has more room to operate both vertically and horizontally, but that’s not helpful if the line can’t hold up against EMU.</p>
<h1 id="i8a3F9"><strong>Defense</strong></h1>
<p id="IiZn5a"><strong>Defensive Line</strong></p>
<p id="kmh8Ok">The only explosive player I see on the Purdue defensive line is Lorenzo Neal. The pass rush looked somewhat better and Higgins flashed on occasion, but on most plays, the EMU quarterback had plenty of time. It’s either feast or famine with the Purdue pass rush. It either got home, or didn’t get within 10 yards of the quarterback. I saw way too many plays where our defensive end engaged the tackle and just stayed right at that spot for the entire play.</p>
<p id="VvHhTL"><strong>Linebacker</strong></p>
<p id="U765n8">I thought this was the bright spot for Purdue. Jones showed off some elite athleticism and when he was turned loose, he found a way to effect the play almost every time. Jones is clearly outplaying his meager high school rankings. Great find by the Purdue coaching staff. He still makes mistakes, but he’s making them at 100 miles an hour.</p>
<p id="ScDoma">Bailey is as stead as they come, but I’m going to be honest; he isn’t playing up to his lofty preseason expectations. He needs to be a double digit tackle guy for Purdue’s defense to take the next step. He ends up out of the play too often from my taste. I still wonder if a move to the inside wouldn’t help keep him more involved.</p>
<p id="XPAjCA">Barnes is still learning. I’ve seen him either chose the wrong gap or get blocked out of his gap on a few big running plays. He’s got to make better choices as a middle linebacker. The other team can’t bust big runs up the middle without him laying a finger on the back. He’s willing, but I’m not convinced he’s consistently able yet.</p>
<p id="hkQFPJ"><strong>Seconday</strong></p>
<p id="t4y4Vb">To be blunt, there is a glaring lack of physical talent in the Purdue secondary. I’m not sure Purdue fans appreciated just how important Josh Okonye and Da’wan Hunt were to Purdue’s defense last year. You could put them on an island and they could hold up. When EMU saw man coverage they went right at Purdue’s corners and dared them to make a play. They were physically over matched 1 on 1 vs EMU on the outside and EMU knew it going into the game.</p>
<p id="snCQbc">Our safeties are slow and can’t get outside on deep passes. Teams are going to take 5-10 shots deep down the sideline a game if our deep safety can’t get outside the numbers from the deep middle, and I’m not sure either is physically capable at this point.</p>
<p id="tWEGJY"><strong>Special Teams</strong></p>
<p id="GuYhz3">That was an absolute disaster in the kicking game. We missed an extra point and a 38 yard field goal in the clutch. A shanked punt gave EMU great field position that ended up in 4 play touchdown drive in the 4th quarter.</p>
<p id="PAt1SM">We had no kick or punt returns worth mentioning.</p>
<h1 id="nmuPUl"><strong>Overall</strong></h1>
<p id="j0KBaq">This team isn’t that talented on either side of the ball. That doesn’t mean we can’t win, and that absolutely doesn’t mean we should lose to a team like EMU. That said, I didn’t see a huge talent gap on the field Saturday. I feel like EMU had the best 2 defenders on the field (Rachwal and Crosby) and their offensive line was significantly better in pass protection. When you’re playing a MAC team, you expect your offensive and defensive lines to dominate, and that didn’t happen, or at least didn’t happen enough.</p>
<p id="TlYCuX">Purdue can overcome a lack of overall talent with execution, but if they don’t execute, they can and will lose, and they didn’t execute.</p>
<p id="OcxBOG">The talent won’t get any better this year. I think you’re going to see the coaches try to get some more athletic players on the field, even if that means sacrificing some experience, but even then, we don’t have a stable of stud athletes in reserve. </p>
<p id="HjXk4t">The execution will get better, and Purdue will win some games. That needs to start next week. The Boiler have no margin of error against a Missouri team that looks more and more like a match-up nightmare.</p>
<p id="UO4VxK"><strong>Note:</strong></p>
<p id="tSLyvv">If anyone has something specific they would like me to cover, leave it in the comments and I’ll see what I can do.</p>
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https://www.hammerandrails.com/2018/9/10/17842142/purdue-vs-emu-monday-morning-reviewDrew Schneider2018-09-10T08:55:25-04:002018-09-10T08:55:25-04:00The Whistlestop Tour: Week 2 of Big Ten Football
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<img alt="NCAA Football: Eastern Michigan at Purdue" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VT2uvS-QbpcN3Gm9ebPMTNLfI4s=/0x0:3300x2200/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61260561/usa_today_11211165.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The rest of the league is looking a lot better than Purdue right now. </p> <p id="jelMNc">Purdue’s once promising season is now on fire. The two losses by five points is minor in a vacuum, but momentum has been lost and it is never a good look to lose at home as a 16.5 point favorite to a historically awful program. Just when Purdue was gaining respect again we’re suddenly the butt of jokes. “To Purdue” became a verb again on Saturday at an unexpected time, and it is an uphill climb to gain that respectability back. So let’s start of this week’s Whistlestop Tour with the Hustle Belt.</p>
<p id="02kW35"><strong>Eastern Michigan 20, Purdue 19</strong></p>
<p id="SKlCJ1">The Eagles now have a two game winning streak over the Big Ten and hopefully they are in line for a big season so this loss <a href="https://www.hustlebelt.com/2018/9/9/17837826/five-things-learned-eastern-michigan-at-purdue-boilermakers-recap-score">is not as embarrassing</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="2jhezM">Coach Creighton is in his fifth year at Eastern Michigan. He has one bowl visit to speak for and with a handful of plays, might have had a second bowl game to speak for. He has managed to do something with Eastern that it hasn’t done before and that is beating a Power Five team in back to back seasons. The offense appears to be throwing the ball well and the defense is humming along. I am hoping this bodes well when Eastern plays their first MAC opponent next weekend.</p></blockquote>
<p id="18HxaH"><strong>Ohio State 52, Rutgers 3</strong></p>
<p id="ITzTUa">The Buckeyes rolled, as expected, and their nightmare of being without Urban Meyer <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/2018/9/8/17835632/ohio-state-rutgers-football-breakdown-dwayne-haskins-nick-bosa-chase-young">is almost over</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="F4JGPH">The Buckeye offense has been a runaway train so far this season. When they get going, you might as well pack it up and go home. Oregon State learned that last week; Rutgers learned it this week.</p>
<p id="IXjU1H">Of the eight OSU scoring drives against the Scarlet Knights, five of them ended in touchdowns being scored within three minutes. All five of those “three-minute drills” needed to go at least 45 yards for the score. </p>
</blockquote>
<p id="xtMtXY">As for Rutgers, at least <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2018/9/8/17835706/ohio-state-throttles-rutgers-again-52-3-chris-ash-artur-sitkowski-dwayne-haskins-big-ten-football">they scored this year</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="YVoVQE">The first half could not have ended any worse, as Ohio State star <span><strong>Nick Bosa</strong></span> blew past Rutgers’ best lineman <span><strong>Tariq Cole</strong></span> and ran over quarterback Artur Sitkowski. He left the field walking off holding his throwing arm and shoulder. The true freshman never returned after the Scarlet Knights trailed 35-0 at the break. No word on his <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2018/9/8/17835766/starting-quarterback-artur-sitkowski-injured-end-first-half-setting-up-potential-disaster-scenario"><strong>potential injury</strong></a> as of yet, but there is no sugar coating what a setback that would be for both Sitkowski and the program.</p></blockquote>
<p id="8Ofaix"><strong>Wisconsin 45, New Mexico 14</strong></p>
<p id="atoZLD">The Badgers started a little slow in this one, but eventually got going full speed and <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2018/9/8/17835162/wisconsin-football-new-mexico-recap-scott-nelson-aj-taylor-jonathan-taylor">rolled past the Lobos</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="e4Nc8j">Down at the end of the first quarter, they crawled their way to a 10–7 lead at halftime behind the legs of sophomore running back <span><strong>Jonathan Taylor</strong></span>, who lost his second fumble in as many games during the second quarter.</p>
<p id="uaumch">In the second half, Wisconsin certainly pulled away with the help of an <span><strong>A.J. Taylor</strong></span> touchdown reception and another Jonathan <span>Taylor</span> rushing score to put the Badgers up 24–7 after three quarters. The rest was academic, as Wisconsin held New Mexico under 225 yards of total offense after the Lobos gained 87 on their initial drive of the day, their only scoring opportunity of the first half.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="DkHHCs"><strong>Penn State 51, Pittsburgh 6</strong></p>
<p id="5lIr25">Pittsburgh had a chance to tie this game before missing an extra point, then they promptly got drilled the <a href="https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2018/9/10/17836862/two-things-i-liked-two-things-i-didnt-like-pitt-edition-penn-state-football-kevin-givens-bsd">rest of the night</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="1RpUes">Penn State’s defensive line was <em>given</em> a big boost against Pitt this past weekend with the return of the previously suspended Kevin Givens. The 6-foot-1, 285-pound defensive tackle isn’t the biggest guy in the world, but goodness, is he an absolute terror on the interior.</p>
<p id="kZQmT5">Givens mixes elite quickness with a high football I.Q. to make up for any “prototypical” physical shortcomings he has. Watch here as he diagnoses the jet sweep, but then has the quickness to not only burst past the oncoming lineman, but to also make a play on the speedy receiver.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="Hon6mM"><strong>Arizona State 16, Michigan State 13</strong></p>
<p id="XVOVRZ">The Sun Devils kicked a field goal as time expired to earn a nice home win in a <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2018/9/9/17836864/michigan-state-blows-lead-arizona-state">marquee home night game</a>: </p>
<blockquote>
<p id="yyX2f8">Michigan State took a 10-point lead into the fourth quarter, when the ASU offense returned to form. They scored 13 unanswered points culminating in a game-winning field goal as the final seconds ticked off the clock.</p>
<p id="DwX74c">The 15th-ranked Spartans showed many of the same weaknesses against Arizona State that flared in Week 1. Little-to-no push on the offensive line left the MSU offense prone to mistakes in key moments. With <span><strong>LJ Scott</strong></span> sidelined the entire second-half and <span><strong>Connor Heyward</strong></span> hobbled after a big hit, the running game was non-existent, finishing with fewer than 100 rushing yards as a team.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="LXnVQr"><strong>Michigan 49, Western Michigan 3</strong></p>
<p id="S3w6UY">The Broncos kicked a sad field goal down 49-0 with less than three minutes left. That was really the only <a href="https://www.maizenbrew.com/football/2018/9/8/17835260/takeaways-from-michigan-football-win-over-western-michigan">blemish the Wolverines had</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="erdYX7">Entering Saturday’s game, a Michigan wide receiver hadn’t caught a touchdown pass since September 9, 2017 when both <span>Grant Perry</span> and <span>Kekoa Crawford</span> reached the end zone in a non-conference game against Cincinnati.</p>
<p id="ef0vb3">Michigan ended that streak at 364 days when quarterback <span>Shea Patterson</span> found wide receiver <span>Nico Collins</span> for a 44-yard touchdown in the second quarter. In the third quarter, Patterson hit wide receiver <span>Donovan Peoples-Jones</span> for a five-yard score, which gave U-M a 42-0 lead.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="urjOGS"><strong>Duke 21, Northwestern 7</strong></p>
<p id="sK1tbc">Suddenly Purdue’s week 1 loss does not look as good, as the Wildcats were pretty <a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2018/9/8/17834924/northwestern-duke-final-score-football-clayton-thorson-pat-fitzgerald-tj-green-daniel-jones">bad in their home opener</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="teHBOp">At the start of the second half, Northwestern’s offense seemed to awaken from its quarter-long slumber. On the Wildcats’ first drive of the half, they found themselves near the goal line for the first time since their touchdown, but were unable to convert. The drive finished with a questionable call to go for it on fourth and goal from the Duke four, rather than electing to kick the field goal to make the score 21-10. The Wildcats would muster together a couple more threatening drives throughout the second half, but came up short on every one of them.</p></blockquote>
<p id="QbxYTY"><strong>Colorado 33, Nebraska 28</strong></p>
<p id="wTPODS">The Buffaloes scored a TD with 1:06 left to spoil the debut of new <a href="https://www.cornnation.com/2018/9/8/17836396/nebraska-colorado-mistakes-huskers-sad-loss">Cornhuskers coach Scott Frost</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="kYnQJx">Three turnovers, including two on the first two offensive Husker series that gave Colorado a 14-0 lead</p>
<p id="Gr0Z5L">A dropped “in the bread basket” touchdown catch by a senior wide receiver</p>
<p id="n74BZn">An unnecessary roughness call with the game winding down and Colorado behind, desperate, and needing to convert a 3rd and 24</p>
<p id="6MORIR">11 penalties for 95 yards</p>
<p id="1tapd0">Going 0-for-3 on fourth down conversion attempts</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="cfUBAw"><strong>Iowa 13, Iowa State 3</strong></p>
<p id="V9vnnS">It was a classic El Assico as it was a 6-3 game <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2018/9/8/17836112/iowa-hawkeyes-football-iowa-state-cyclones-kirk-ferentz-phil-parker-aj-epenesa-nate-stanley-bhgp">entering the fourth quarter</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="d3E4eJ">Iowa won playing Iowa’s game for the second time in two weeks. For the fourth straight time, the <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/"><strong>Iowa Hawkeyes</strong></a> beat the Iowa State Cyclones 13-3.</p>
<p id="LPbv8y">The defense carried the torch in this one and only struggled on one play. After Iowa punted it to ISU after their first possession, the Cyclones found <span><strong>Deshaunte Jones</strong></span> underneath and he took it 31 yards well into Iowa territory. They moved the ball to the Hawkeye 1 before a 4th down false start forced <span>Matt Campbell</span> to send out the field goal team to put them up 3 points.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="mjzwbo"><strong>Maryland 45, Bowling Green 14</strong></p>
<p id="ImcZvR">The Falcons led 14-10 at halftime, but the <a href="https://www.testudotimes.com/maryland-terps-football/2018/9/9/17837232/maryland-football-bowling-green-stats-highlights-score-recap">second half was all Maryland</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="mFWC1G">As the teams trotted toward the locker rooms, the stats told a very different story from the one on the scoreboard. The Terps were averaging 7.3 yards per play, while the Falcons were only getting 4.2.</p>
<p id="Csf4bL">But sloppy play was holding Maryland back. Nine penalties for 79 yards in the first half helped end a few Maryland drives and or get a few others from rolling. And when Maryland needed one more stop to thwart a Bowling Green drive, a crucial coverage mishap gifted the home team a wide-open score.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="4al7NA"><strong>Indiana 20, Virginia 16 </strong></p>
<p id="wQE64e">The Hoosiers earned a nice win as Virginia ran out of time during their <a href="https://www.crimsonquarry.com/2018/9/9/17837220/indiana-20-virginia-16-the-morning-after">potential game-winning drive</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="2c1yqa">After Virginia’s offense sputtered for almost the entire first half, they came out hot in the second half and on a seven-play, 71-yard touchdown drive, cut the Indiana lead to 20-15. I immediately looked to the buddy sitting to my right and said, “with these conditions and as bad as their offense has been, wouldn’t you chase the points now?”</p>
<p id="aa5bAk">Well, Virginia needed me in that moment. Bronco elected to take one rather than go for two and when the Cavaliers faced a 4th and 5 at the Indiana 31 with 16 seconds left, still trailing 20-16, that decision loomed as large as possible.</p>
<p id="yIlTS0">There’s no giving Mendenhall credit for believing in his guys, thinking they could tie or take the lead over the last 22 minutes and 59 seconds. On a dry night, that would have been fine thinking. But last night’s weather was not conducive to points, and Bronco should have grabbed them while he could.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="tfHiUe"><strong>Illinois 34, Western Illinois 14</strong></p>
<p id="XTTmd5">Illinois was the previous laughingstock of the league, but they are 2-0 after <a href="https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2018/9/9/17837664/illinois-vs-western-illinois-takeaways-the-illini-are-undefeated-illinois-fighting-illini-football">handling their business this weekend</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="fSMUQi">True freshman quarterback MJ Rivers was forced to lead the Illini during the second quarter after starter <span><strong>AJ Bush</strong></span> limped to the sideline with what appeared to be a minor injury. Rivers showed as much poise in the pocket as you could expect from a kid in his second college football game, as he went 9-for-16 for 105 yards passing with two touchdowns. He also flashed mobility, accounting for 40 yards on the ground and finishing as Illinois’ third leading rusher.</p></blockquote>
<p id="kn2OYo"><strong>Minnesota 21, Fresno State 14</strong></p>
<p id="yidUUU"><span>Antoine Winfield Jr.</span> made a spectacular interception in the end zone to seal this <a href="https://www.thedailygopher.com/2018/9/9/17835904/minnesota-gophers-overcome-rodney-smith-injury-and-hang-on-to-beat-fresno-state-bulldogs-21-14">win for the Gophers</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p id="fZN6Du">The Minnesota Gophers held on to beat a talented Fresno State team 21-14. After the Fresno State offense woke late in the third quarter, leads changed hands a couple times before the Gopher defense made an end zone interception to seal the win and move to 2-0 on the season.</p>
<p id="NIK95B">Things looked bleak early for the Gophers when their best offensive player was lost for the game to a knee injury. <span><strong>Rodney Smith</strong></span> took a screen pass for 11-yards on the third play of the game and had to be helped off the field without putting any weight on the injured leg. It was encouraging to see him along the sidelines in the first half with his teammates, but he did not return.</p>
</blockquote>
<p id="To0kIl"><strong>Non-Conference Opponents</strong></p>
<p id="aNyBkR"><strong>Missouri 40, Wyoming 13 – </strong>The Tigers are 2-0 after a second straight win over an overmatched <a href="https://www.rockmnation.com/2018/9/8/17835892/missouri-football-wyoming-40-13-drew-lock-emanuel-hall">opponent at home</a>. </p>
<p id="4x9MIH"><strong>Boston College 62, Holy Cross 14 – </strong>The Eagles are 2-0 and are <a href="https://www.bcinterruption.com/2018/9/9/17839210/boston-college-62-holy-cross-14-thumbs-up-thumb-down-aj-dillon-is-boss">averaging more than 57 points</a> per game after two in-state home wins. </p>
<p id="bbyKeh"><strong>Single Thought Big Ten Power Rankings</strong></p>
<p id="TM4B9R"><strong>1. Ohio State (2-0, 1-0) – </strong>They’re averaging 65 points per game!</p>
<p id="i2Sr3L"><strong>2. Wisconsin (2-0) –</strong> After Northwestern faltered the Badgers are a clear leader in the West.</p>
<p id="tdHcit"><strong>3. Penn State (2-0) –</strong> So much for that near stumble in week 1.</p>
<p id="aJpl7P"><strong>4. Maryland (2-0) – </strong>An impressive win over Texas and a road blowout in a trap game is pretty good.</p>
<p id="VjXGpc"><strong>5. Michigan (1-1) –</strong> They found an offense and just crushed a team. </p>
<p id="Uz9PQ0"><strong>6. Iowa (2-0) –</strong> You might fall asleep watching them, but 2-0 is 2-0. </p>
<p id="o6C4c5"><strong>7. Indiana (2-0) –</strong> The Hoosiers have made the defensive plays necessary to get a pair of good wins. </p>
<p id="P6ztlU"><strong>8. Minnesota (2-0) –</strong> The Minnesota defense has also been impressive at 12 points per game. </p>
<p id="MW3h7W"><strong>9. Michigan State (1-1) –</strong> After barely surviving Utah State the Spartans were burned on the road. </p>
<p id="KWS54M"><strong>10. Norhwestern (1-1, 1-0) –</strong> With Purdue not looking as good as we thought the Duke loss is magnified. </p>
<p id="i54taa"><strong>11. Illinois (2-0) – </strong>Credit is being given for at least handling business against teams they should beat.</p>
<p id="15nzPi"><strong>12. Nebraska (0-1) –</strong> They are partially incomplete due to the week 1 rainout. </p>
<p id="MWJXKy"><strong>13. Rutgers (1-1, 0-1) – </strong>Hey! They scored on Ohio State this year. </p>
<p id="5MnLk6"><strong>14. Purdue (0-2, 0-1) –</strong> Deserved for now at being the only 0-2 team in the league. </p>
<p id="pYXHuj"></p>
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https://www.hammerandrails.com/2018/9/10/17840696/week-2-big-ten-football-recapBoilerTMill2018-09-10T07:30:02-04:002018-09-10T07:30:02-04:00Hammerin’ Ales Football Podcast #2: West Lafayette, We Have a Problem
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Eastern Michigan at Purdue" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/RfpEKk5xDfuJj57cOn_B8S2HiIA=/0x206:3300x2406/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61259219/usa_today_11211167.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="fSleIO">Well, we didn’t expect Purdue to be at this point in the season. While the Northwestern game was a toss up, most Purdue fans expected Purdue to beat Eastern Michigan this past Saturday.</p>
<p id="RoXu2c">But the mighty EMUs had other plans.</p>
<p id="BMQ1fl">Purdue is now 0-2 for the first time since 1996. Will Jeff Brohm turn this around in just his second year in the program? Travis and Juan discuss the losses and how Purdue can start to turn this ship around before it’s too late.</p>
<p id="vVAwbJ">Additionally, thanks to user boilerU for suggesting the name “Hammerin’ Ales” as our football podcast name.</p>
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https://www.hammerandrails.com/podcast/2018/9/10/17840268/west-lafayette-we-have-a-problemJuan Crespo2018-09-08T20:49:07-04:002018-09-08T20:49:07-04:00Eastern Michigan 20, Purdue 19: Momentum Lost
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Eastern Michigan at Purdue" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/KEWxDHGsPonuzFJbDNbRqfHQ7g0=/0x0:2869x1913/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61248353/usa_today_11209423.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Sandra Dukes-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p id="hUqjGl">Even though Purdue was only 7-6 last season, a lot was made about the momentum it had going into this year. Purdue won three straight, including a bowl game, and during the summer Jeff Brohm started locking in our best recruiting class by far in well over a decade. When the season kicked off last Thursday the hope was that momentum would carry over into a fast start. We had four straight winnable home games and a hot start would mean even more for a program that had lacked excitement for a while. </p>
<p id="2RiaDc">That momentum is now gone, and we have to spend the next week figuring out a way to regain it. </p>
<p id="FEIIPn">Make no mistake, this was a really, really bad loss. For years, Eastern Michigan has been the laughing stock of even the MAC. They have gotten much better under Chris Creighton, however. After a successful run at Wabash College down the road from West Lafayette he ended up in Ypsilanti in one of the most uneviable jobs in college football. Two season ago he got them to 7-6 and their second bowl appearance, first since 1987. Last season they were 5-7, but lost three games in overtime, another three by less than a touchdown, and they won their first game ever over a Big Ten foe at Rutgers. It is safe to say this is a much better program the last three years. </p>
<p id="wWuTb4">Still, this was a game Purdue absolutely should have won. </p>
<p id="DtWtLv">I have to give credit to the Eagles. They played mostly mistake free football and we paid for it. They had a pair of fumbles that they were able to recover. Their only huge mistake was the interception by <span>Kai Higgins</span> off of a tipped pass from Giovanni Reviere. Even then, Purdue didn’t score off of it, so no loss. <span>Tyler Wiegers</span> was sacked six times, but he was still 20 of 28 for 312 yards and a touchdown. Matthew Sexton made a big play on his 75 yard touchdown catch and at the end of both halves they made impressive drives for scores. </p>
<p id="8aPyJA">Purdue... was not so mistake free. </p>
<p id="vew202">All day long the Boilermakers were making big mistakes and it ended up being just enough for the Eagles to capitalize. We did it in every phase of the game, too. </p>
<p id="RbEJzC">Offensively, Purdue rushed for an impressive 341 yards. <span>D.J. Knox</span> had 152 yards and a touchdown and <span>Markell Jones</span> had 109 yards rushing and a touchdown receiving. It is the first time Purdue has had two 100-yard rushers in the same game since Brandon <span>Jones</span> and <span>Joey Harris</span> did it against Indiana way back in 2002. That should be more than enough to win any game, especially against the likes of Eastern Michigan. </p>
<p id="tiXG9j">Unfortunately, Purdue managed just 19 points, which is, quite honestly, pathetic for that high of an offensive output. <span>Jones</span> had two fumbles, but the one he did not recover came at the Eastern Michigan 37 as Purdue was driving. <span>Rondale Moore</span> also lost a fumble at the EMU 11. This killed a pair of potential scoring drives and took at least a few points off the board. </p>
<p id="aEuasx">Purdue’s inability to score after the interception was also costly. This is the prefect time to work <span>Jones</span> and <span>Knox</span>, who were gashing the Eagles at this point. We tried to do that, as <span>Knox</span> gained 6, then lost 7. On third down <span>Jared Sparks</span> nearly made an impressive catch at the goal line. His foot was just barely on the out of bounds line, however. That half an inch or so could end up costing Purdue its season. <span>Spencer Evans</span> was forced to try a 38 yard field goal in sloppy conditions and missed. </p>
<p id="LKBov7">It was not <span>Evans</span>’ first miss on the day, either. He missed an extra point just before halftime after <span>Jones</span>’ touchdown, and that was the difference in the game. Purdue was set to regain it with a two-point attempt after Knox’s touchdown, but an absurd celebration penalty cost us 15 yards and we elected to kick. We still probably should have gone for two there, but needing 17 yards in one play is a tougher proposition than just two yards. </p>
<p id="K0YpYk">There were other, smaller mistakes that later had bigger consequences. For example, On the 53-yard run by Moore it looked like he was going to score, but he got tangled with <span>Sparks</span> and brought down. Instead of getting an early touchdown Purdue had to settle for a field goal. After gaining a ton of yards on the ground by srpeading things out Purdue was stopped on 4th and 1 near midfield because it ran directly into a stacked box. Like last year at Rutgers, Purdue excellent at racking up yards, but could not finish drives. </p>
<p id="VGN4hY">Then there were the defensive mistakes. In any game where we give up only 20 points and less than 70 yards on the ground we should win. We generated a pass rush (at times) to the tune of six sacks and Cornel <span>Jones</span> had nine tackles and 2.5 sacks. The defense kept Purdue in the game while the offense flailed, but when it made mistakes, they were huge. </p>
<p id="fZ5d1n"><span>Tim Cason</span> was completely turned around and misplayed the ball on the long touchdown. Giving up a 65 yard drive for a field goal in less than a minute when the opposition has no timeouts is simply inexcuseable. One of the only long runs EMU had all day was a 16 yarder from <span>Shaq Vann</span> to start that drive, and if he is stopped for the usual 2-3 yards there is a very good chance the Eagles just run out the clock and go into halftime. Instead, it gave them a push and led to a field goal. </p>
<p id="ZZkTqU">Then there was the final drive. 15 plays and almost 5 minutes as EMU drove for the win. <span>Jones</span> had a big 3rd down sack, but his roughing penalty (at first I thought he was just trying to get up in his excitement, but upon review, it was dumb mistake) gave them new life. Even then, We had them at 4th and 15 needing a single play to win the game, but <span>Wiegers</span> found a wide open <span>Arthur Jackson III</span> for 23 yards and a backbreaking first down. We blitzed, but their line held and <span>Wiegers</span> made us pay. <span>Dedrick Mackey</span> then had a costly pass interference and from there it was easy to set up their field goal. </p>
<p id="kEw6GI">Eastern Michigan deserved this win. Purdue did not. Last season we had some experienced seniors on both sides of the ball plus a couple of key grad transfers that made a big difference. Everyone bought in and we pulled off a near miracle. What we’re seeing this year is a lack of discipline and a ton of inexperience defensively rearing its ugly head at the worst times. Also, the offense has bogged down way too many times and neither quarterback is looking great. </p>
<p id="prvcVq">This is a very frustrating loss because it shouldn’t have happened. We thought we were past games like this under Brohm, but we were not. It was a perfect storm of poor weather conditions, inexperience, a lack of discipline, and an Eastern Michigan team playing with poise that led to this loss. </p>
<p id="jlpbMz">We’re also seeing what four years of poor recruiting under Hazell has done. We’re working with classes rated 71 (2014), 68 (2015), 73 (2016), 68 (2017) and 49 (2018). The class Brohm has lined up for next season (and he WILL sign most of it as it stands, plus he has made inroads on a few more 4-stars) is 23rd. The future is bright, but this might be more of a gap year as the leaders of last season are gone and we wait for an influx of talent. It still should be enough to beat Eastern Michigan though. </p>
<p id="NLpWcE">Obviously this season has not started as we expected it to. It is frustrating as fans because this is the one game no one imagined losing. The players and coaching staff are frustrated too, but I have to trust Brohm will find a fix. Unlike Hazell, he has actually proven he can do something and find a fix. He did not mince words today when he called it an embarrassing loss. We do have a history showing he can achieve better results, however. </p>
<p id="5Xoo1l">It is still early and we have lost two games by 5 points total despite a large number of very correctable mistakes. Today you could argue we were half an inch from a win on Sparks’ non-catch. Yes, it should have not been that close, but despite everything, if he finds a way to get his foot down a split second faster we’re talking about a close win. Last week it was turnovers, dumb defensive penalties, and a couple of non-pass intereference calls. </p>
<p id="vp2KG2">There is a lot of football yet to be played and Purdue can still win a lot of games. It starts next week against a Missouri team that is better than EMU, but we still dominated them a year ago. Purdue can absolutely win that game. Pick a quarterback (I think I would go with <span>Elijah Sindelar</span>), play with better defensive discipline, cut down on turnovers, and it is a winnable game. These are things we can do. </p>
<p id="oUiCcz">Of the remaining 10 games only three (Michigan State, Wisconsin, and Ohio State) would totally shock me if we won (and Michigan State was shaky last week). It is not going to be easy, but when this team lost to Rutgers and Nebaska by 3 total points in consecutive weeks last season it looked lost. They are similar losses to Northwestern and Eastern Michigan here. Purdue then won four of its next five. </p>
<p id="T5bSWy">For now, don’t worry about a bowl. If it happens, it will happen. To reach a bowl I felt we needed to win two of our three non-conference games and beat Minnesota, Illinois, Iowa, and Indiana. We can still do that. This sucks, but we can either whine and complain about it or work at fixing it. </p>
<p id="8Oj0kf">After last year I trust Brohm to work on fixing it. I think next week we get an angry team at home against Missouri, and angry is good. </p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2018/9/8/17836028/eastern-michigan-20-purdue-19-final-score-recapBoilerTMill2018-09-08T10:00:02-04:002018-09-08T10:00:02-04:00Eastern Michigan at Purdue GameThread & How to Watch
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Northwestern at Purdue" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/ljz6xflFACOkwQmLXVtzcVNqe4I=/0x0:2484x1656/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61232717/usa_today_11157356.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Time to go get that first win of the season. </p> <p id="9JQOy2">It’s game day again and we have Eastern Michigan in West Lafayette. That’s a lot of directions in one sentence, but hopefully Purdue is just going to go in one direction: the end zone. we know that both <span>David Blough</span> and <span>Elijah Sindelar</span> will play a quarter in the first half, but Jeff Brohm will evaluate at halftime and probably stick with the better guy in the second half. Like many other things, it is one area where Purdue needs to smooth things out and this is a great game to do that. </p>
<p id="0ftWJL">Purdue needs to settle on a quarterback, needs to find a pass rush, and needs to cut back on penalties and turnovers. This should be the game for that. I expect a relatively easy win despite what will probably be some pretty awful weather. Let’s just get out of here with the win and fewer injuries. That is the most important thing.</p>
<div id="aYwfAf"><div data-anthem-component="table:1747009"></div></div>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2018/9/8/17831300/eastern-michigan-purdue-gamethread-how-to-watchBoilerTMill2018-09-07T16:34:20-04:002018-09-07T16:34:20-04:00Expect Heavy Rain for Tomorrow’s Game
<figure>
<img alt="MLB: Detroit Tigers at Chicago White Sox" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/bWczF_IDP4LNKwOQc7ahKb2YKpY=/0x316:4032x3004/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61239373/usa_today_11183890.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Okay it probably won’t get this bad | Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Stock up on those ponchos! </p> <p id="FwzMNL">Having a few degrees in atmospheric science and meteorology, I could go into many details about the weather for tomorrow. Instead, I am going to let Ollie Williams tell you what you need to know for tomorrow’s game against Eastern Michigan:</p>
<div id="sJTgWr"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 0; position: relative; padding-bottom: 75.0019%;"><iframe src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/4Nvm_rq2fMg?rel=0" style="border: 0; top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no"></iframe></div></div>
<p id="LCurYH">Thanks, Ollie. </p>
<p id="V4sb2n">So yes, the weather is going to be a little rough tomorrow afternoon as the remnants of Tropical Storm Gordon move through the area, dumping a inch or so of rain with temperatures in the high-60s. </p>
<p id="rm9oL4">If you have friends with Ross-Ade Pavilion access, I suggest you try to be a little nice to them in the next few hours and maybe they’ll find an extra ticket for you (hint: Travis will be up there tomorrow).</p>
<p id="fotLFs">Now, if you have access to the South End Zone patio/Morgantown, you could camp out under the beer tent for most of the game. Granted, you may not be able to see much of the game or see the videoboard for replays, but it can keep you dry and drink beer too. However, they do have to shut down the patio if wind speeds get too high (much like the Minnesota game last year). </p>
<p id="WlXyfX">According to the National Weather Service office in Indy, wind speeds at tomorrow’s game are expected to be around 15 mph, with gusts over 20 mph. If I recall correctly, wind speeds have to surpass 25 or 30 mph to shut down Morgantown, so you should be okay, but it’s not a guarantee.</p>
<p id="0L7U9Y">Along with all this rain, there is a chance for storms tomorrow afternoon as well. If there is a lightning strike within 8-10 miles of Ross-Ade, the game must be delayed and fans must evacuate Ross-Ade (typically to Mackey, Lambert, and other indoor structures nearby. The game is delayed until 30 minutes after the last lightning strike within that radius.</p>
<p id="MXs3CC">The good news is that the NWS is not expecting storms until after 3pm at this time, so the game should be in the clear as it is a noon start. However, Earth’s atmosphere is a complicated fluid, so things could always change. There are people always monitoring the weather situation at all times at Ross-Ade, so if lightning occurs they will put into motion an evacuation plan just like the Minnesota game last year.</p>
<p id="h4z2Oy">In the end, it’s going to rain a bunch tomorrow afternoon, so if you plan on going make sure you bring a poncho or buy one at the stadium. Additionally, give yourself some extra time for parking, as it will be restricted on some of the grass lots:</p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Due to inclement weather, the D and T lots will be restricted Saturday for the Purdue-Eastern Michigan football game. All or part of these lots will not be open.<br><br>Visit our parking info page for more information. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BoilerUp?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BoilerUp</a></p>— John Purdue Club (@JohnPurdueClub) <a href="https://twitter.com/JohnPurdueClub/status/1038150227386138624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2018</a>
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<p id="fID1XF">The rain and winds will certainly force both teams to focus more on their run games; it’ll be interesting to see how Sindelar and Blough perform in the tougher conditions. </p>
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https://www.hammerandrails.com/football/2018/9/7/17832864/expect-heavy-rain-for-tomorrows-gameJuan Crespo2018-09-07T11:00:48-04:002018-09-07T11:00:48-04:00Purdue vs. EMU- Predictions
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<img alt="US Vice President Mike Pence Visits Sydney - Day 2" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/7PeX_orZ3zplWoV6b98GAaFPEBo=/0x0:4496x2997/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/61229021/671706976.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>What I can only assume is the EMU head coach. | Photo by Peter Parks-Pool/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p id="VMtZSA"><strong>Jumbo Heroes (0-1) Says:</strong></p>
<p id="SwRwTU">While last week was a bit disappointing in that the team was uneven on both sides of the ball, the turnover differential was -3 against Purdue, and of course Purdue ultimately lost. This week though Purdue faces an opponent that should be much easier to tame. So let’s get into predictions shall we?</p>
<p id="6sxY1Q">There’s just no way Purdue is gonna lose this game. I know that’s an absurd thing to say given the recent history of this team but despite last week’s loss I’m all in on Brohm and ready to go on this team. Let’s just hope the team can find a consistent rhythm. If this team struggles right off the bat we might have a bit of a problem on our hands. Given this team is a MAC team and we are Purdue I don’t think I can, in good conscious pick against Purdue. Plus, Purdue has this guy you might’ve heard of called <span>Rondale Moore</span>. He’s gonna continue to put on a show. Let’s hope the other receivers can compliment him and Purdue gets themselves a steady clip. </p>
<p id="FZSjAt"><strong>Purdue 42</strong></p>
<p id="Ux8vWF"><strong>EMU 17</strong> </p>
<p id="bDybTe"><strong>Travis (0-1) Says:</strong></p>
<p id="B917ec">I really, really hope this is as easy as I hope it will be. I still feel burned from the Hazell/Hope era when we were a pitiful 4-5 against the MAC. I think we’re going to have a game similar to the Ohio game last year where Purdue is in control throughout and wins by 3-4 scores. We get a little bit of both quarterbacks and some general tweaking in all phases. That is what these MAC games are supposed to be when you’re a Big Ten team, not a “dear God please don’t let us blow this”. </p>
<p id="Mhocyu"><strong>Purdue 41</strong></p>
<p id="YMN7VS"><strong>Eastern Michigan 17 </strong></p>
<p id="CnN2tH"><strong>Juan (0-1) Says:</strong></p>
<p id="RBFZLH">EMU isn’t exactly the old push-over team that we used to see a few years ago. Granted, they’re not world beaters either, but they’re a team that deserves some respect. I think Purdue’s defense will get tested early on, and we may see a slow start from the offense. But eventually, we will see Purdue <a href="https://deadspin.com/eastern-michigans-cinder-block-smashing-intro-could-hav-1628982147">knock down the wall a bit more effectively</a>, and come away with a win.</p>
<p id="hCEVwN"><strong>Purdue 31, </strong></p>
<p id="IuLnic"><strong>The EMU Emus 17</strong></p>
<p id="Teg9y3"><strong>Casey (0-0) Says:</strong></p>
<p id="mvWeys">The first half last week was very discouraging. At halftime it looked like the defensive losses were going to be too much to overcome. Then Purdue fought back and all seemed not loss. Then that dumb penalty. But at least Purdue had the same fight as last year. Sindelar cant be that bad again this week. Blough should feel more comfortable on his knee and the running attack should find some more consistency. Look for a statement game and some trick play magic. </p>
<p id="scDuCi"><strong>Purdue 55</strong></p>
<p id="PRoAcD"><strong>EMU 20</strong></p>
<p id="V1tPCI"><strong>Kyle (0-1) Says:</strong></p>
<p id="S94B4a">Purdue will right the ship after a turnover plagued loss to NW in week one. With 10 days to prep for a directional Michigan team. Purdue will win and cover the 17 point spread.</p>
<p id="UxIH5I"><strong>Purdue 42 </strong></p>
<p id="8F8hKb"><strong>Eastern Michigan 17</strong></p>
<p id="7NacNK"><strong>Holmes (0-1) Says:</strong></p>
<p id="EOwYGI">Rondale Moore has another big day and Jumbo Heroes is permanently banned from practicing law in the United States after a federal judge declares him too lame to be a lawyer.</p>
<p id="xWHuxS"><strong>Purdue 38 </strong></p>
<p id="mgkBKb"><strong>EMU 17</strong></p>
<p id="OnQYgU"><strong>Drew (0-1)</strong></p>
<p id="LbTB1b">Eli has a rebound game, throws for three touchdowns. The defense has a few hiccups but is good enough,Purdue walks away with it in the second half.</p>
<p id="OvBdqc"><strong>Purdue 31 </strong></p>
<p id="BtQUxH"><strong>EMU 17</strong></p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2018/9/7/17830238/purdue-vs-emu-predictionsjumboheroesBoilerTMillCasey BartleykholderfDrew SchneiderA R Holmes