Hammer and Rails - Illinois (1-3, 1-1) at Purdue (2-1, 0-0) Game CenterPurdue's Okayest Bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52787/Hammer_And_Rails_favicon..png2021-09-26T17:06:24-04:00http://www.hammerandrails.com/rss/stream/224473052021-09-26T17:06:24-04:002021-09-26T17:06:24-04:00The Whistlestop Tour: Week 4 of Big Ten Football
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<img alt="Illinois v Purdue" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/NkgzC3edv8LFt3nIpyH8jVWgcCM=/0x350:5108x3755/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69912316/1235503090.0.jpg" />
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<p>Someone is good, right?</p> <p id="Nrutkg">Is anyone in this conference good? Michigan and <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com">Michigan State</a> look the part. Maryland is 4-0. Penn State is good. <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a> at least has a lot of good players. Everyone else? Yeeesh. </p>
<p id="D1V4cR">I suppose if you’re a Purdue fan it is encouraging that a large number of future opponents have not looked good for long stretches of the season. It doesn’t gloss over the fact that Purdue’s offense has looked really bad the last two weeks, but at least it gives some hope we can find three more wins against some fellow bad teams. </p>
<p id="fOsu7P">At least we’re 3-1.</p>
<p id="TQXT2d"><strong>Purdue 13, Illinois 9</strong></p>
<p id="0p4aAF">We hired Jeff Brohm to score points, and if the defense is doing so well it is giving up less than 10 points, which it has now done twice, we should be blowing people out. Purdue won today basically because Illinois’ <a href="https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2021/9/25/22693438/illini-fall-in-familiar-fashion-against-purdue-illinois-fighting-bret-bielema-josh-mccray-boiler-up">own offense was worse</a>:</p>
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<p id="ih5YPN">And just like last week, Purdue marched right down the field with a 10 play, 96 yard drive to take a 13-9 lead. O’Connell hit TJ Sheffield on a slant and the sophomore wideout took it 14-yards for the game’s first touchdown.</p>
<p id="0Axev2">Unlike last week’s loss against Maryland, the Illini were able to muster up a drive. But after a 13-play drive, the Illini failed to convert on 4th-down in the red zone, and the end result is just another tally in the “L” column.</p>
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<p id="WWsjt1"><strong>Iowa 24, Colorado State 14</strong></p>
<p id="Ew61GI">The Hawkeyes actually trailed this game at halftime 14-7, but they came back for a <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/9/25/22693738/5-iowa-hawkeyes-football-24-colorado-state-14-onto-the-next-keagan-johnson-kirk-ferentz-bhgp">relatively dull win</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="cRGD5s">After three games where the #5 <a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/"><strong>Iowa Hawkeyes</strong></a> (4-0) were able to assert their will early and ride it out to early wins, the Hawks finally faced an outfit up to the challenge in the Colorado State Rams (1-3). In a game which was rarely easy due to the Rams’ management of field position, clock, and turnovers, the Hawkeyes prevailed 24-14.</p></blockquote>
<p id="Z4UrWH"><strong>Penn State 38, </strong><a href="https://www.vuhoops.com"><strong>Villanova</strong></a><strong> 17</strong></p>
<p id="cwv5UL">This was closer than the final score, as Villanova got a pair of late TDs to make it <a href="https://www.blackshoediaries.com/2021/9/25/22693242/four-takeaways-from-penn-state-nittany-lions-football-victory-over-villanova-wildcats-james-franklin">look a little better</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="GiSPJJ">No offense toward Villanova but the Wildcat front 7 is not one that should be able to negate the Nittany Lion rushing attack. Despite this, for most of the day on Saturday running lanes were few and far between for Penn State running backs.</p></blockquote>
<p id="qkm33i"><strong>Ohio State 59, Akron 7</strong></p>
<p id="hAn9E4">Ohio State is still better than Akron at football, and maybe the rest of the state of Ohio, depending on<a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/2021/9/26/22694589/ohio-state-football-stock-market-report-akron-rebound-kyle-mccord"> how you view Cincinnati</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="d6yyzy">Well, there’s no doubt that it really matters whom you’re playing. And there’s no doubt that Akron is a very bad team. I don’t remember seeing a major college game where receivers dropped so many passes or that defenders simply waived at guys running by them with the ball. I’m not a gambling man (usually), but when I saw that initial 50-point spread, I figured “no way.” I thought that Akron, despite how bad they were reputed to be, would score at least 14, and the Bucks, with a new quarterback, weren’t likely to put up 65 to cover. No way.</p></blockquote>
<p id="u1cNPL"><a href="https://www.onefootdown.com"><strong>Notre Dame</strong></a><strong> 41, Wisconsin 13</strong></p>
<p id="Ic2nOF">Could Purdue beat Wisconsin? Obviously our offense would need to play significantly better, but the Badgers <a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2021/9/26/22694625/wisconsin-badgers-football-four-takeaways-from-the-loss-to-notre-dame-defense-graham-mertz">have been very bad offensively</a>:</p>
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<p id="LIVcw5">The Wisconsin defense was once again solid all day long on Saturday. Overall the group only surrendered 242 yards of total offense, including a ridiculous three net yards rushing by the Irish.</p>
<p id="X9HT4Y">The defense forced a huge turnover and got to the quarterback for six sacks. A big reason for the pressure was the play of the Badgers defensive line. Four defensive linemen were credited with at least half of a sack, while outside linebacker Nick Herbig got home twice.</p>
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<p id="CGj2Db"><strong>Michigan 20, </strong><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com"><strong>Rutgers</strong></a><strong> 13</strong></p>
<p id="ZPbpwu">It turns out Michigan is pretty good this year, as they survived a <a href="https://www.maizenbrew.com/2021/9/26/22694890/michigan-football-survives-scare-against-rutgers-again">decent test from Rutgers</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="ODZv6B">The <a href="https://www.maizenbrew.com">Michigan Wolverines</a> moved to 4-0 on the season on Saturday with a 20-13 win over Rutgers, but it wasn’t supposed to be that comfortable and certainly didn’t feel like it would happen after the first half of football. The Wolverines did not fold in the last two quarters of play and were able to do enough to secure a win, but it has fans on the edge heading into a showdown with Wisconsin next weekend.</p></blockquote>
<p id="LGXmk9">Rutgers wasn’t able to spring the upset, but a bowl game is possible for <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2021/9/26/22694156/five-takeaways-from-rutgers-loss-to-no-19-michigan-isaih-pacheco-noah-vedral-big-ten">the Scarlet Knights</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="qQOyT8">There was plenty to be frustrated about but also encouraged by in Rutgers’ <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2021/9/25/22693769/rutgers-comes-up-just-short-at-no-19-michigan-in-20-13-loss-big-ten"><strong>20-13 loss </strong></a>to Michigan on Saturday. In the Big Ten opener for both teams, it really was a tale of two halves. The Scarlet Knights trailed by 17 points at the half, but fought back only to fall short in the end. They proved they can <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2021/9/26/22693852/rutgers-football-hurts-so-good-michigan-big-ten-greg-schiano-troy-rainey-big-house-reggie-sutton"><strong>compete against anyone</strong></a> in the Big Ten. Here are five takeaways from the game and what we learned about this team in the process.</p></blockquote>
<p id="ZrSKxj"><strong>Michigan State 23, Nebraska 20 OT</strong></p>
<p id="HfhFcQ">Michigan State is the surprise of the conference so far, and survived thanks to a late punt <a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2021/9/25/22693919/michigan-state-spartans-outlasts-nebraska-cornhuskers-in-overtime-23-20">return and stout defense</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="czzCes">The Michigan State offense severely struggled in second half, but somehow found a way to get the victory. Michigan State gained a total of 14 net yards — including just one yard in the fourth quarter — and didn’t gain a single first down in the half.</p></blockquote>
<p id="OvJN64">Nebraska has had a hard luck season <a href="https://www.cornnation.com/2021/9/26/22694565/nebraska-vs-michigan-state-three-things-we-learned-blackshirts-cornhuskers-spartans">with three losses so far</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="IMXA6b">Rather than getting embarrassed by ranked teams, the Huskers are now playing well enough to win, but finding maddening ways to lose.</p></blockquote>
<p id="r1luVf"><strong>Bowling Green 14, Minnesota 10</strong></p>
<p id="RyHHEf">The MAC got its Big Ten win, and it was completely <a href="https://www.thedailygopher.com/2021/9/26/22693149/minnesota-football-postgame-bowling-green-elite-meh-ugly">unexpected in a shocking upset</a>:</p>
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<p id="mRPFnn">The Falcons completed the biggest upset of the season so far as 31-point underdogs on Saturday, narrowly missing the all-time Top 10 upsets by point spread since 1980.</p>
<p id="4fQHAG">Bowling Green was 0-5 last season, had not beaten an FBS opponent since Nov. 2, 2019, and have not finished above .500 since 2015.</p>
<p id="LgTDt9">The Falcons ranked 155th in Sagarin (FBS/FCS) and 124th in ESPN FPI.</p>
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<p id="1U87zm"><strong>Northwestern 35, Ohio 6</strong></p>
<p id="0H33fq">The Wildcats blew out a bad Ohio team for their <a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2021/9/26/22694002/even-in-a-dominant-win-big-questions-still-remain-for-northwestern">second win this year</a>:</p>
<blockquote><p id="TvrEBY">Northwestern got up by two scores quickly on an opponent that was blatantly overmatched, saw its offense stall during both the second and third quarters, hammered the run game to no end and lost its chance to get a shoutout via surrendering a meaningless late touchdown.</p></blockquote>
<p id="UjwMit"><strong>Maryland 37, Kent State 16</strong></p>
<p id="ieC7XV">The Terrapins are now 4-0 as well and two wins <a href="https://www.testudotimes.com/2021/9/25/22693441/quarterback-taulia-tagovailoa-leads-maryland-football-to-37-16-victory-over-kent-state-stats">from a bowl game:</a></p>
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<p id="QgDE8L">With about seven minutes to go in the third quarter, Maryland football was up 30-9 against Kent State. Led by quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa, the Terps’ offense was marching down the field again.</p>
<p id="zaGnKB">After passing the ball four yards to running back Isaiah Jacobs, Tagovailoa was just a few yards shy of hitting the 300 passing yard mark. A few moments later, Tagovailoa found Jacobs yet again on the right side, putting the quarterback at 307 passing yards just two and a half quarters into the matchup.</p>
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<p id="XHAljT"><strong>Indiana 33, Western Kentucky 31</strong></p>
<p id="v4U9tU">The Hilltoppers had a chance down 2 late, but elected to punt in IU territory and the Hoosiers came down to get the winning TD.</p>
<p id="6PqnIx"><strong>Non-Conference Opponents</strong></p>
<p id="L5GAwp"><a href="https://www.buildingthedam.com"><strong>Oregon State</strong></a><strong> 45, USC 27 - </strong>The Beavers move to 3-1 <a href="https://www.buildingthedam.com/2021/9/26/22694206/beavers-dominate-usc-45-27-victory-jack-colletto-chance-nolan-tyjon-lindsey-bj-baylor-avery-roberts">with a very nice road win</a>. It was their first win at USC in 61 years. </p>
<p id="B5SW32"><strong>Wyoming 24, </strong><a href="https://www.theuconnblog.com"><strong>UConn</strong></a><strong> 22 - </strong>The Huskies came close to winning a game! They were stopped <a href="https://www.theuconnblog.com/2021/9/26/22693853/takeaways-from-uconn-huskies-football-loss-to-wyoming-cowboys">on a late deuce to tie</a>. </p>
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https://www.hammerandrails.com/2021/9/26/22694105/week-4-big-ten-football-recapBoilerTMill2021-09-26T09:00:00-04:002021-09-26T09:00:00-04:00Purdue 13, Illinois 9: In Tweets
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<img alt="Illinois v Purdue" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/CtvkIJZXBFyMuoUp_-vMVxQUxV8=/0x0:2968x1979/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69910742/1235502804.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Yeah, people were tweeting about this, for some reason. </p> <p id="IAJSwh">Well, Purdue accomplished that whole goal of “score more points than the other team”. The 13-9 margin was the fewest points Purdue has scored in a win since beating Michigan 9-3 in November of 1996. That was coach Jim Colletto’s final win at Purdue, so it has been a while. This also marks the first time Purdue has held two opponents without a touchdown in one season since 2007, when it did so to Eastern Illinois and Iowa. The defense has been pretty solid. </p>
<p id="WMWfKt">The offense? Eh...</p>
<p id="6fWeE2">As I said, Purdue accomplished the goal of scoring more points than the other team. The Boilers now have the all-time lead in the series with Illinois for the first time since 1905 at 46-45-6. We’re also halfway to bowl eligibility, so there is that. </p>
<p id="7A74tj">People were tweeting about this. I did my best, but despite Purdue being a leading technology school cell service and wi-fi in the stadium is still hot garbage. </p>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Purdue Students every breakfast club: <a href="https://t.co/lu1hBRoxKf">pic.twitter.com/lu1hBRoxKf</a></p>— Barstool Boilers (@BarstoolPU) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarstoolPU/status/1441762361426198534?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">We can afford this against teams like ILL and OSU, but not against better teams, see the ND game.</p>— mike didonna (@DidonnaMike) <a href="https://twitter.com/DidonnaMike/status/1441858079960801280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">3 - 6 at half. Woof. Better have a few of those. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/DrinkResponsibly?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#DrinkResponsibly</a></p>— Brent Childers (@Brent_Childers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Brent_Childers/status/1441872859027021825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It is EXTREMELY pragmatic.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Illini?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Illini</a> PK James McCourt, The Irishman who is one of "the lads" with Punter Blake Hayes, should shout THE EQUALIZER!!! if/when he hits a game-tying FG <a href="https://twitter.com/Air_Force_Juan?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Air_Force_Juan</a> <a href="https://t.co/XWjUB3JchU">https://t.co/XWjUB3JchU</a></p>— Fully Vaxxed Paul M. Banks (@PaulMBanks) <a href="https://twitter.com/PaulMBanks/status/1441874083063402496?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr"> Like this tweet if you’re a beautiful Big Ten team who don’t need touchdowns. <a href="https://t.co/xJv7DxBePR">pic.twitter.com/xJv7DxBePR</a></p>— RedditCFB (@RedditCFB) <a href="https://twitter.com/RedditCFB/status/1441871394426425346?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Can’t throw the ball downfield if the line doesn’t hold up and the wideouts can’t get any separation. Run game needs to make play action a possibility.</p>— Robert Baker (@kerba1123) <a href="https://twitter.com/kerba1123/status/1441875119710752769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Waiting for Brandon Peters to throw, is like trying to look at porn on AOL in 1997, and nervously watching the site buffer as you hear footsteps upstairs.</p>— Ian Gold (@iansgold) <a href="https://twitter.com/iansgold/status/1441856792150093825?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">It could be worse you could be staying up until midnight to watch Purdue and Illinois put the special in special teams.</p>— AllMySportsTeamsSuck (@AMSTS) <a href="https://twitter.com/AMSTS/status/1441883621032226821?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Illinois connects on the field goal which means Purdue needs at least two more field goals to win this game.</p>— Derek Schultz (@Schultz975) <a href="https://twitter.com/Schultz975/status/1441887509038968836?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Can't miss the FG if you get the touchdown instead. *taps head* <a href="https://t.co/OA0E39fDn0">https://t.co/OA0E39fDn0</a></p>— Dr. J ⛅ (@Air_Force_Juan) <a href="https://twitter.com/Air_Force_Juan/status/1441893201137205251?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Game MVP: Defense <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Purdue?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Purdue</a></p>— Paul (@BoilerPaulie) <a href="https://twitter.com/BoilerPaulie/status/1441896543813083138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 25, 2021</a>
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<p lang="en" dir="ltr">Hard not to appreciate just how good tonight's sunset was from Ross-Ade <a href="https://t.co/qRYtXcpnhw">pic.twitter.com/qRYtXcpnhw</a></p>— Brad Repplinger (@TCRBrad) <a href="https://twitter.com/TCRBrad/status/1441925410229456899?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2021</a>
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https://www.hammerandrails.com/2021/9/26/22694019/purdue-13-illinois-9-twitter-recapBoilerTMill2021-09-24T12:00:00-04:002021-09-24T12:00:00-04:00Week 4 Big Ten Preview
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<img alt="COLLEGE FOOTBALL: OCT 31 Purdue at Illinois" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/HZJn_yMKUyxjs7xdngjv9We3gyc=/0x2:3700x2469/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69903649/1229422471.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by James Black/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>For most teams their final non-conference games are this week.</p> <p id="ml1Utb">This week we step more of a toe into conference play in earnest. So far there have been some conference games each week, and Illinois has even played two league games so far. Purdue, Michigan, and <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com">Rutgers</a> are the only teams in the league that have not played a conference game yet, but that changes this week as they play each other on Saturday. </p>
<p id="pnoxBP">This week also marks many of the final non-conference games and the formal end of the Big Ten/MAC challenge. It has been a while since we have had a season where a MAC team has not beaten a Big Ten team, but this will probably be it. Yes, last year’s weird year of no non-conference games meant no MAC wins, but you have to go back to 2005 for the last time they didn’t get at least one pelt (and we were happy to assist them in 2009, 2010, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2018), but at least we were not the sole reason the streak kept going in those years. </p>
<p id="vGpWFf">Barring a bowl game matchup this week is the last week for the MAC to continue its run. </p>
<p id="81iUdV"><a href="https://www.vuhoops.com"><strong>Villanova</strong></a><strong> (3-0) at #6 Penn State (3-0) Noon, BTN</strong></p>
<p id="1Sbko2"><a href="https://www.blackshoediaries.com/"><strong>Black Shoe Diaries Preview</strong></a></p>
<p id="r2Okua">For the second week in a row Penn State hosts a ranked opponent, as Villanova is ranked 11<sup>th</sup> in the FCS poll. It won’t matter. Penn State rolls as expected. <strong>Penn State 45, Villanova 10</strong></p>
<p id="TVm4gQ"><strong>#12 </strong><a href="https://www.onefootdown.com"><strong>Notre Dame</strong></a><strong> (3-0) vs. #18 Wisconsin (1-1) Soldier Field, Chicago, IL Noon, FOX</strong></p>
<p id="rfT1hR"><a href="https://www.buckys5thquarter.com/2021/9/22/22686026/wisconsin-badgers-football-key-matchup-to-watch-vs-notre-dame-fighting-irish-linebackers"><strong>Bucky’s 5</strong><sup><strong>th</strong></sup><strong> Quarter Preview</strong></a></p>
<p id="5pfyc6">I would describe this game as sluggish. Both teams have kind of mucked around through their three games so far. They have been underwhelming, but Wisconsin had a week off last week. Can they finish the job and do what <a href="https://www.tomahawknation.com/">Florida State</a>, Toledo, and Purdue couldn’t do by closing out a game in the fourth quarter? All three of those teams had their chances to beat the Irish. All three missed. <strong>Notre Dame 27, Wisconsin 24</strong></p>
<p id="5bCtIu"><strong>Bowling Green (1-2) at Minnesota (2-1) Noon, ESPNU</strong></p>
<p id="Ivp3iU"><a href="https://www.thedailygopher.com/2021/9/23/22686974/minnesota-football-bowling-green-opponent-preview"><strong>The Daily Gopher Preview</strong></a></p>
<p id="y3UIBJ">Purdue’s week 5 opponent gets one of those MAC games as they come off of a completely dominant performance at Colorado. The Gophers are a good team and they have an offensive line that just steamrolls everyone. They sat on Colorado’s head for four quarters last week on defense too. Bowling Green is 1-2, but lost to Tennessee and South Alabama. If they make this a game Purdue’s chances improve for next week. <strong>Minnesota 30, Bowling Green 17</strong></p>
<p id="6FlSWi"><strong>Ohio (0-3) at Northwestern (1-2) Noon, BTN</strong></p>
<p id="FvTaCG"><a href="https://www.insidenu.com/2021/9/21/22685251/three-things-to-know-about-ohio"><strong>InsideNU Preview</strong></a></p>
<p id="nwAmfr">Ohio is bad. They are one of nine teams left in the country without at least one victory. They even lost a home game to FCS Duquesne, which I am not even sure is a scholarship level program. Regardless, a loss for the Wildcats here would be pretty disastrous, and it is a great chance to work some things out. <strong>Northwestern 31, Ohio 13</strong></p>
<p id="w3Ogxi"><strong>Colorado State (1-2) at #5 Iowa (3-0) 3:30pm, Fox Sports 1</strong></p>
<p id="fD7L94"><a href="https://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2021/9/21/22684763/hawkeye-football-5-iowa-vs-colorado-state-rams-game-preview-series-history-matchup-bhgp"><strong>Black Heart Gold Pants Preview</strong></a></p>
<p id="d4xD4X">The Rams have not been good this year, losing to an FCS team and a Vanderbilt team that lost to an FCS team. They did beat Toledo last week by 16 points, so maybe Colorado State can beat Notre Dame? I don’t know. Regardless, Iowa needs to figure things out offensively. They have the worst offense in the league, but have been buoyed by a defense that has scored three touchdowns. They are vulnerable, but not to the Rams. <strong>Iowa 21, Colorado State 7</strong></p>
<p id="PLB9ya"><strong>Rutgers (3-0, 0-0) at #19 Michigan (3-0, 0-0) 3:30pm, ABC</strong></p>
<p id="3b6DKC"><a href="https://www.onthebanks.com/2021/9/23/22679761/rutgers-football-vs-delaware-film-study-initial-thoughts-on-michigan-is-air-attack-back-big-ten"><strong>On the Banks Preview</strong></a></p>
<p id="4G12w7"><a href="https://www.maizenbrew.com/football/2021/9/22/22688072/michigan-football-rutgers-preview-greg-schiano-jim-harbaugh-max-melton"><strong>Maize N’ Brew Preview</strong></a></p>
<p id="jKloG4">Though both teams were bad last year they played one of the more entertaining games of the season with Michigan winning in multiple overtimes. Rutgers has looked solid through three games and might even be a bowl team, but this is their first real test. Michigan has looked even better and has absolutely dominated its competition thus far. They should roll in this one. <strong>Michigan 34, Rutgers 17</strong></p>
<p id="tuBQF8"><strong>Illinois (1-3, 1-1) at Purdue (2-1, 0-0) 3:30pm, BTN</strong></p>
<p id="UMnQXn"><a href="https://www.thechampaignroom.com/2021/9/20/22684344/looking-to-rebound-the-illini-have-their-sights-on-the-cannon-illinois-fighting-bret-bielema-big-ten"><strong>The Champaign Room Preview</strong></a></p>
<p id="AzXwGB">So far, Purdue has passed the “Show improvement and get to a bowl” test. Illinois is arguably the weakest team left on the schedule, so any loss on Saturday would be flunking the next part of that test. I have a hard time seeing a path to a bowl game if we lose to an Illinois team that has not been great defensively and is an offensive mess. The weather will be good, so we’re not playing them in Dagobah during a storm like two years ago. Purdue should win comfortably, but not in blowout fashion. <strong>Purdue 31, Illinois 17</strong></p>
<p id="1iMrXd"><strong>Kent State (1-2) at Maryland (3-0) 3:30pm, BTN</strong></p>
<p id="xcxYae"><a href="https://www.testudotimes.com/"><strong>Testudo Times Preview</strong></a></p>
<p id="MCJ1GR">Maryland is another team that is a bit of a surprise at 3-0, and with a win over the Golden Flashes they will be looking at the Rutgers, Minnesota, and Indiana games as “get to a bowl” games. They are the only team in the conference with a better passing offense than Purdue. Kent State’s opponents have varied wildly, as they blew out VMI 60-10, but lost on the road to <a href="https://www.goodbullhunting.com">Texas A&M</a> and Iowa. <strong>Maryland 27, Kent State 14</strong></p>
<p id="KGGcze"><strong>Nebraska (2-2, 0-1) at #20 </strong><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com"><strong>Michigan State</strong></a><strong> (3-0, 1-0) 7pm, Fox Sports 1</strong></p>
<p id="nUfOFw"><a href="https://www.cornnation.com/2021/9/22/22686987/numbers-statistics-and-lies-week-four-nebraska-cornhuskers-football-oklahoma-michigan-state"><strong>Corn Nation Preview</strong></a></p>
<p id="H2wqRT"><a href="https://www.theonlycolors.com/2021/9/22/22687108/notes-quotes-michigan-state-mel-tucker-home-crowd-nebraska"><strong>The Only Colors Preview</strong></a></p>
<p id="C9xNyS">Michigan State has looked really good and Nebraska is hanging by a thread right now. They need to get to a bowl game and with a loss that path becomes very complicated, as they would need to get at least one from Michigan, <a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com">Ohio State</a>, Wisconsin, or Iowa while not dropping any other game. They looked better against Oklahoma last week, but they are still a dysfunctional mess at least a few times per game. <strong>Michigan State 28, Nebraska 13</strong></p>
<p id="JTXMpB"><strong>Akron (1-2) at #10 Ohio State (2-1) 7:30pm, BTN</strong></p>
<p id="gn7xOJ"><a href="https://www.landgrantholyland.com/"><strong>Land-Grant Holyland Preview</strong></a></p>
<p id="Vk74W2">This year marks a century since the Buckeyes last lost to an in-state opponent, and that was a 7-6 loss to Oberlin on October 8, 1921. That’s a streak of 43 consecutive games, and it seems unlikely to end this year, but the Bucks have been underwhelming at best. Akron lost to Auburn and Temple, so even underwhelming will be enough. <strong>Ohio State 52, Akron 10</strong></p>
<p id="aBbFr0"><strong>Indiana (1-2) at Western Kentucky (1-1) 8pm, CBS Sports Network</strong></p>
<p id="pXcDFc"><a href="https://www.crimsonquarry.com/"><strong>Crimson Quarry</strong></a><strong> still totally exists as a site. </strong></p>
<p id="ciksfX">It would be wise of Michael Penix Jr. would stop throwing interceptions, as he has a half dozen of them so far and seems very determined to throw them. This game is exactly the type that old Indiana would lose. The Hilltoppers have a blowout FCS win, a narrow road loss at a good Army team, a week off to prepare, and they are playing at home. If Indiana really is a good team they win. If not, they will miss a bowl game during their OMG <a href="https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/30781980/how-2021-way-too-early-college-football-top-25-teams-make-playoff-run">GREATEST SEASON EVAR WE CAN CHALLENGE FOR THE EAST AND EVEN THE PLAYOFF</a>! <strong>Indiana 31, Western Kentucky 28</strong></p>
<p id="Yu09lQ"><strong> </strong></p>
<p id="9QfRgt"><strong> </strong></p>
<p id="1a9BLh"><strong> </strong></p>
<p id="djjoeK"><strong> </strong></p>
<p id="HUSkQl"><strong> </strong></p>
<p id="xWQxaI"><strong> </strong></p>
<p id="zVUn3Y"><strong> </strong></p>
<p id="2jpKOJ"></p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2021/9/24/22689556/week-4-big-ten-preview-how-to-watchBoilerTMill2021-09-24T10:46:09-04:002021-09-24T10:46:09-04:00Behind the Rails Episode 7: Illinois Preview
<figure>
<img alt="NCAA Football: Illinois at Rutgers" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/XIEm3y8g3Y2-9aGDLRZUFK7mzng=/0x0:2554x1703/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69903254/usa_today_15199795.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Kory Sheets and Travis discuss the Big Ten opener. </p> <p id="0LTKCb">It’s Illinois week, and we’re a day late because of some technical issues on Wednesday, but we still have a new Behind the Rails for you. Starting the Big Ten season with a win is always important, and Purdue has a great opportunity to get a victory on Saturday as the struggling Fighting Illini come to town. In this edition of Behind the Rails Kory and I discuss:</p>
<ul>
<li id="kyiw9v">The importance of Brian Brohm mixing up the offense to open things up. </li>
<li id="BeUz20">How the defense has been impressive so far and what it needs to do against a struggling Illinois offensive line.</li>
<li id="ghLvCN">The importance of hidden yards gained or lost in special teams. </li>
<li id="C6lLCS">Kory’s favorite celebration spots after a win and how Lovshack was a lost institution as one of campus’ best night restaurants. </li>
</ul>
<p id="rAgZ8K">Yes, we need to mourn Lovshack. both of us really loved that place and it is missed greatly. </p>
<div id="5Xi5Js"><div style="left: 0; width: 100%; height: 200px; position: relative;"><iframe src="https://art19.com/shows/behind-the-rails-of-purdue-football/episodes/f28acdad-c243-4584-8e72-c39f76c4b49d/embed?theme=light-gray-blue" style="top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;" allowfullscreen="" scrolling="no" allow="encrypted-media;"></iframe></div></div>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2021/9/24/22691535/behind-the-rails-podcast-episode-7-illinois-previewBoilerTMill2021-09-23T18:40:50-04:002021-09-23T18:40:50-04:00Purdue to Wear Rose Bowl Throwbacks vs. Illinois
<figure>
<img alt="Purdue QB Drew Brees..." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/l2Nskxxvy3sKAgfcKjsosPrEPBI=/0x230:1678x1349/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69900815/81344598.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>SetNumber: X58609</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Now people get to see them!</p> <p id="gmuTV2">Last season Purdue wore its black throwback uniforms from the 2000 season against Northwestern to honor the 20th anniversary of the 2000 Big Ten championship season. Of course, no one got to see them in person, so we get to run it back this week against Illinois.</p>
<div id="BUCjoD">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">They are back!<br><br>The uniforms that sent the team to the Rose Bowl will be on display Saturday. <a href="https://t.co/xdTRwQ9eFX">https://t.co/xdTRwQ9eFX</a> <a href="https://t.co/ciizoRk6D6">pic.twitter.com/ciizoRk6D6</a></p>— Boiler Uniforms (@BoilerUniforms) <a href="https://twitter.com/BoilerUniforms/status/1441161776549097479?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2021</a>
</blockquote>
<script async="" src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
</div>
<p id="JQiwEm">Now they need to sell these. </p>
<p id="J7rYdV">Purdue is running this back so the 2000 Big Ten championship team can get its proper honoring in front of a home crowd. Several members of the team will be in town for it, as well as Drew Brees, who apparently has started a broadcasting career after retiring from his previous vocation. </p>
<p id="ToiNGl">I absolutely love these uniforms. They were what we wore when I was a student, so in honor I will be immature and make poor decisions over the course of the weekend. </p>
<p id="X9yEkV">Yes, I know that is probably just par for the course with me. </p>
<p id="sAMrQy"></p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2021/9/23/22690616/purdue-rose-bowl-throwback-uniforms-illinoisBoilerTMill2021-09-23T13:20:36-04:002021-09-23T13:20:36-04:00Illinois vs Purdue: 5 Things to Watch For
<figure>
<img alt="Syndication: Journal-Courier" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/4NXBk9P3NcqsSMa7MSsK-nKC_hs=/0x0:2000x1333/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69898875/usa_today_16790869.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nikos Frazier / Journal & Courier via Imagn Content Services, LLC</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Keep the Cannon!</p> <ol>
<li id="OVMD66">
<em><strong>1 Quarterback or 2 Quarterbacks? -</strong></em> Late in the Notre Dame contest, Coach Brohm turned the keys over to AOC. He has said all year he is not afraid to use two quarterbacks. Though, Plummer has played well through 3 games this season, he was trying to spark the offense. He has said all week that Jack is still the starting quarterback. </li>
<li id="hOTgFu">
<em><strong>Punting -</strong></em> It is bad, again. Jack Ansell was supposed to be the answer. He looked okay in game 1, but has been bad since. Can it get fixed? Please? </li>
<li id="Srs2Xs">
<em><strong>What IF David Bell is Ruled Out? </strong></em>- Bell is still in concussion protocol. If he is out, I would expect Broc Thompson to start in his place. Broc has played very well. The transfer and Indianapolis native has been very good for our Boilermakers through 3 games. </li>
<li id="wY10ZF">
<em><strong>Continued Defensive Aggressiveness </strong></em>- I am loving the defense playing balls to the wall. They are blitizing, flying around and apparently having a lot of fun doing it. The new defensive coaches have that side of the ball playing hard, at least. The co, co co, cordinators has worked early on. </li>
<li id="7x0LDk">
<em><strong>Run Game, as always</strong></em> - I am always interested in seeing how we use the run game week to week. Since Brohm has arrived at Purdue, we have thrown the ball 2nd most in the nation, only second to Washington State. The run game just needs to be good enough to keep people honest. Zander is still out, but Doerue and Downing have been solid. </li>
</ol>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2021/9/23/22689971/illinois-vs-purdue-5-things-to-watch-forkholderf2021-09-22T12:13:20-04:002021-09-22T12:13:20-04:00Illinois at Purdue Preview
<figure>
<img alt="Maryland v Illinois" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/l0FNtLelunSc7VKKKfth1iVu5HQ=/0x0:6835x4557/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69893548/1341115760.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Can Purdue keep the Cannon and take the overall series lead?</p> <p id="RNUNaO">Purdue only has one rivalry trophy at the moment, and that is the Cannon. It is a trophy that Purdue has had a lot over the last couple decades. Since 1994 Purdue is 15-6 against the Illini, with many of those losses coming in recent seasons at home. It is a bizarre series. The home team has actually lost 8 of the last nine games, and Purdue has won five in a row in Champaign after last season’s win. </p>
<p id="00138A">Because of that, the Illinois game is always relatively important. In those six seasons that Purdue has lost to the Illini it only made the postseason twice, in 2002. Conversely, Purdue has made bowl games in nine of the 16 seasons where the Boilers won the Cannon. In many of those seasons Purdue was 6-6, so a win over the Illini was the difference between a bowl and no bowl. That was true the last four times Purdue made a bowl game. </p>
<p id="nk27yi">We are a quarter of the way through the season. Purdue is a third of the way towards bowl eligibility and there are a couple of opponents that Purdue has as “must wins” if it is going to return to a bowl game. Illinois and Northwestern have looked bad, so Purdue needs to beat them. It seems like the most likely spots for the other two needed wins would be Minnesota, Nebraska, and Indiana, but those two are a trier above the Illini. </p>
<p id="hAq8uv">It is hard to see Purdue making a bowl with a loss to the Illini. </p>
<p id="pCGMbB"><a href="https://www.thechampaignroom.com/"><strong>Illinois Fighting Illini</strong></a></p>
<p id="bqiukp"><strong>2020 Record: </strong>2-6</p>
<p id="S7KChM"><strong>2021 Recored:</strong> 1-3, 1-2</p>
<p id="UImbdr"><strong>Bowl Result: None</strong></p>
<p id="TzMUw1"><strong>Blog Representation:</strong> <a href="https://www.thechampaignroom.com/"><strong>The Champaign Room</strong></a></p>
<p id="iSVJsX"><strong>Series with Purdue: </strong>Series tied 45-45-6</p>
<p id="KbZOeH"><strong>Last Purdue win: </strong>31-24 at Illinois on 10/31/2020</p>
<p id="c2r0pT"><strong>Last Illinois win: </strong>24-6 at Purdue on 10/26/2019</p>
<p id="1YJL4V"><strong>Head Coach: </strong>Bret Bielema (1-3 in first season at Illinois, 98-61 overall)</p>
<p id="EplEV7"><strong>Line: </strong><a href="https://www.oddsshark.com/ncaaf/illinois-purdue-odds-september-25-2021-1391816">Purdue by 10</a></p>
<p id="KnmTNG"><strong>The Season So Far</strong></p>
<p id="8ApIiS">Things at least started well for the Illini. They got a nice 30-22 win over Nebraska during week 0 and things looked promising. Since then, they have lost three in a row. Texas-San Antonio came to Champaign and pushed them around, looking a lot better than Big Ten Nebraska. The offense was punchless in a 42-14 loss at Virginia. Last week they dropped a 20-17 game to Maryland where they were leading 17-10 with three minutes left, but gave up 10 points in the final 2:13 and somehow completed a pass to their center. </p>
<p id="ucL06f">This is a team that has struggled with consistency on offense and the defense is the worst in the Big Ten. They are giving up a league worst 30.3 points per game 481 yards per game. How bad is that? They are only 10 yards per game better than <a href="https://www.theuconnblog.com">UConn</a>, and Purdue moved the ball at will on the Huskies before putting in the backups. It is the second best passing offense in the conference for Purdue against the worst passing defense in the league. </p>
<p id="OBJOte">In short, if the Purdue offense can’t get back on track this week, it won’t the rest of the season. </p>
<p id="0a6sxD"><strong>Who to Watch on Offense</strong></p>
<p id="WVceNq"><strong>Brandon Peters – QB – </strong>Peters returned as the starter last week and it was his first full game of the season. He was… not great. He completed 10 of 26 passes for only 185 yards and an interception. Artur Sitkowski has done better as the backup, completing 58 of 102 passes for 611 yards and 6 TDs against one interception. He also beat Purdue with <a href="https://www.onthebanks.com">Rutgers</a> last season. The passing offense is not great, and Purdue’s pass defense has been surprisingly decent at only 202 yards per game. The offensive line has given up 12 sacks so far. </p>
<p id="wXkNiT"><strong>A Plethora of Running Backs – </strong>There is going to be quite the diversified rushing attack, as is typical for Bret Bielema. They have five running backs that have rushed for between 80 and 150 yards, led by Reggie Love III’s 146 yards. They will mix things up, but don’t have one dominant guy. </p>
<p id="n9Ksoj"><strong>Isaiah Williams – WR – </strong>Williams is the top target by a wide margin with 21 receptions for 230 yards and a touchdown. No one else on the team has more than 9 receptions. Tight end Daniel Barker is a red zone threat with a pair of touchdowns on only four catches. </p>
<p id="drz08I"><strong>Jake Hansen – LB – </strong>The senior linebacker has been a long time stalwart on the defense and he has 30 tackles, 2.5 for loss, a sack, and two forced fumbles. He is approaching 300 tackles in his career, so he has about as much experience as you can ask for. </p>
<p id="lUuVLY"><strong>Devon Witherspoon – DB – </strong>Is David Bell going to be back? I have my doubts he plays this week, so the assignment for the Illinois secondary just got a little easier. Witherspoon is a solid defensive back with 27 tackles, 4 for loss, and a team leading 7 pass breakups. Of his tackles, 24 are solo, a team best. </p>
<p id="Kq3tiO"><strong>Jer’Zahn Newton – DL – </strong>Newton is only a redshirt freshman, but he leads the team with two sacks. He brings good size to the line at 6’2”, 290 pounds and gives them a nice presence up front. </p>
<p id="zl2wjC"><strong>Who to Watch on Special Teams</strong></p>
<p id="jEOF98"><strong>Blake Hayes – P - </strong>Purdue has been an absolute mess at punter, so having a guy that averages 44 yards per kick is a nice luxury for the Illini. </p>
<p id="W4BjP9"><strong>James McCourt – K –</strong> McCourt is only 4 of 6 on field goals, but he has hit from 53 yards. He had a 26 yard field goal blocked by Maryland. </p>
<p id="slWE5v"><strong>Game Outlook</strong></p>
<p id="vk4bfE">So far Purdue has performed according to plan. It got the <a href="https://www.buildingthedam.com">Oregon State</a> game that was somewhat of a toss up, blew out UConn, and was competitive against a top 15 <a href="https://www.onefootdown.com">Notre dame</a> team. Illinois better than UConn (though not by much defensively), but probably worse than Oregon State. As I said above, it is a game Purdue cannot afford to lose it if wants to reach a bowl game. </p>
<p id="scf36t">Purdue should have more room to move the ball this week even if David Bell is out. The pass defense is bad. The run defense is okay, but not as good as Notre Dame’s. I am looking for Purdue to continue to try and improve on the offensive line and diversify the offense a little. </p>
<p id="REvaBW">Defensively, Purdue should be able to do some things. It is facing another struggling offense line and Peters has not been good so far. He did beat Purdue in Ross-Ade two years ago, but Sitkowski did too last year and so far he has been the better quarterback. </p>
<p id="6L1gdU">Purdue needs to get ahead early in this game and put them away. Illinois has not shown an ability to really fight back when trailing so far, and their one road venture was a disaster. The defense needs to get after Peters early and often, and hopefully get some turnovers too.</p>
<p id="BlPCr1">The Boilers will be alright if they play at an Oregon State game level or better. </p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2021/9/22/22687947/illinois-purdue-preview-oddsBoilerTMill2021-09-22T08:13:35-04:002021-09-22T08:13:35-04:00Purdue vs Illinois: Depth Charts!
<figure>
<img alt="Syndication: Journal-Courier" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/IDksuRXnYM3QOuXe2eEwrWQpWyU=/0x0:2000x1333/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/69892328/usa_today_16790865.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Nikos Frazier / Journal & Courier via Imagn Content Services, LLC</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>An updated list to include injured players from last week. </p> <p id="0RHCUo"><strong>Wide Reciver:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="znhKfH">David Bell - 6-2, 205 Pounds, Junior, Indianapolis, Indiana <strong>QUESTIONABLE CONCUSSION </strong>
</li>
<li id="UxPiVg">Abdur Rahmaan-Yaseen - 6-2, 195 Pounds, RS Frosh, Southfield Michigan OR Broc Thompson - 6-3, 190 Pounds, Junior - Indianapolis, Indiana </li>
</ol>
<p id="FB86km"><strong>Wide Receiver:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="awMFLV">T.J. Sheffield - 5-11, 190 Pounds, Sophomore, Thompson’s Station, Tennessee</li>
<li id="NLyVkb">Jackson Anthrop - 5-11, 190 Pounds, GRAD, Lafayette, Indiana</li>
</ol>
<p id="mRYL6Z"><strong>Wide Receiver:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="fDWYRX">Milton Wright - 6-3, 195 Pounds, Junior, Louisville, Kentucky</li>
<li id="j1Qrf4">Broc Thompson - 6-3, 190 Pounds, Junior, Indianapolis, Indiana</li>
</ol>
<p id="9oFKZp"><strong>Tight End:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="CDVZWx">Payne Durham - 6-5, 255 Pounds, Junior, Suwanee, Georgia</li>
<li id="WIdx61">Kyle Bilodeau - 6-5, 250 Pounds, Sophomore</li>
</ol>
<p id="aSDePz"><strong>Running Back:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="8CGt1x">King Doerue - 5-10, 205 Pounds, Junior, Amarillo, Texas</li>
<li id="t5IVLt">Dylan Downing - 6-0. 225 Pounds, RS Freshman, Indianapolis, Indiana</li>
</ol>
<p id="bSNMt1"><strong>Quarterback:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="UB3tin">Jack Plummer - 6-5, 225 Pounds, Junior, Gilbert, Arizona</li>
<li id="YFlHGs">Aidan O’Connell - 6-3, 210 Pounds, 5th Year, Long Grove, Illinois</li>
</ol>
<p id="IsQFY6"><strong>Left Tackle:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="h6PO6U">Greg Long - 6-4, 300 Pounds, GRAD, El Paso, Texas</li>
<li id="kqZOlu">Cam Craig - 6-5, 310 Pounds, Sophomore, Dublin Ohio</li>
</ol>
<p id="dR6AVB"><strong>Left Guard:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="OlNckV">Spencer Holstege - 6-5, 310 Pounds, Sophomore, Grand Rapids, Michigan</li>
<li id="vPJFHI">Josh Kaltenberger - 6-5, 305 Pounds, RS Freshman, Cranberry Township, Ohio</li>
</ol>
<p id="2cW5Jo"><strong>Center:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="a6d2ge">Gus Hartwig - 6-5, 310 Pounds, Sophomore, Zionsville, Indiana</li>
<li id="qoXO2o">Spencer Holstege - 6-5, 310 Pounds, Sophomore, Grand Rapids, Michigan</li>
</ol>
<p id="6caqNf"><strong>Right Guard:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="hyzS7Q">Tyler Witt - 6-2, 310 Pounds, GRAD, Joliet, Illinois</li>
<li id="GA84oD">Dave Monnot - 6-6, 300 Pounds, Sophomore, Joliet, Illinois</li>
</ol>
<p id="Q59MgH"><strong>Right Tackle:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="823pOe">Eric Miller - 6-7, 310 Pounds, Junior, Mason Ohio</li>
<li id="AEKRt8">Cam Craig - 6-5, 310 Pounds, Sophomore, Dublin Ohio</li>
</ol>
<p id="gmZG7G"><strong>David Bell is questionable this week, he is in concussion protocol. Mershawn Rice is now OUT for an extended period of time with a lower leg injury. We could see Broc Thompson start at Bell’s spot if he is indeed out. Backup Tight End Jack Cravaack is out for the season. </strong></p>
<p id="QqttbZ"><strong>Defensive End:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="VsR43t">George Karlaftis - 6-4, 275 Pounds, Junior</li>
<li id="rxBjVi">Jack Sullivan - 6-5, 275 Pounds, Junior</li>
</ol>
<p id="x4RHyO"><strong>Defensive Tackle:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="oupEoZ">Lawrence Johnson 6-3, 310 pounds, Junior</li>
<li id="CTbPp0">Bryce Austin - 6-2, 305 Pounds, RS Freshman</li>
</ol>
<p id="3YCWRm"><strong>Defensive Tackle:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="vWlQSw">Demarjhe Lewis - 6-3, 310 Pounds, RS Freshman</li>
<li id="S3tfc4">Branson Deen - 6-2, 275 Pounds, Junior</li>
</ol>
<p id="0HTDjA"><strong>Defensive End:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="56S4tQ">Demarcus Mitchell - 6-3 275 Pounds, Senior</li>
<li id="eLqm3e">Kydran Jenkins - 6-1, 270, RS Freshman</li>
</ol>
<p id="NeuOGu"><strong>Outside Linebacker:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="5r9sON">Jalen Graham - 6-3, 220, Pounds, Junior</li>
<li id="2xDAgI">OC Brothers - 6-2, 225 Pounds, Sophomore</li>
</ol>
<p id="NuqzXb"><strong>Inside Linebacker:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="wRhAfO">Kieren Douglas - 6-2, 240 Pounds, 5th Year</li>
<li id="wqlANk">Jacob Wahlberg - 6-4, 235 Pounds, Sophomore</li>
</ol>
<p id="3O2rlF"><strong>Outside Linebacker:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="u8cTDa">Jaylan Alexander - 6-1, 240 Pounds, Senior</li>
<li id="w33sG6">Clyde Washington - 6-2, 230 Pounds, RS Freshman</li>
</ol>
<p id="wH65S6"><strong>Cornerback:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="QUuOKM">Jamari Brown - 6-3, 205, Junior</li>
<li id="tARKKu">Brandon Calloway - 6-1, 190, Freshman</li>
</ol>
<p id="mxrA4U"><strong>Cornerback:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="BdtiqB">Dedrick Mackey - 5-11, 190 Pounds, 5th Year</li>
<li id="57RJot">Anthony Romphf - 6-0, 195 Pounds, RS Frosh </li>
</ol>
<p id="hNfbiO"><strong>Strong Safety:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="BAxSs7">Marvin Grant Jr - 6-2, 210 Pounds, Sophomore</li>
<li id="BL6YSc">Sanoussi Kane - 6-0, 205 Pounds, Sophomore</li>
</ol>
<p id="Cf7F9n"><strong>Free Safety:</strong></p>
<ol>
<li id="k3dYt6">Cam Allen - 6-1, 195 Pounds, Junior</li>
<li id="TIq0g9">Chris Jefferson - 5-11, 190 Pounds, Senior</li>
</ol>
<p id="kYGBNV">DJ Washington, who has played some nose in obvious run downs is out for a while. Cory Trice will be out at least a month with an ankle injury sustained in practice. Jamari Brown, the transfer from Kentucky did a pretty good job last week against Notre Dame </p>
<p id="xlUxNL"><strong>Punter</strong></p>
<p id="dW8RVE">OPEN COMPETITION </p>
<p id="d3yYvd"><strong>Kicker</strong></p>
<ol><li id="mjTPno">Mitchell Fineran - 5-11, 185 Pounds, Grad</li></ol>
<p id="vLsCFo">Punting has been bad. Coach Brohm said it is an open competition. </p>
<p id="OI0Ug2"></p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2021/9/22/22687560/purdue-vs-illinois-depth-chartskholderf