Hammer and Rails - 2013 College Football: Northern Illinois at PurduePurdue's Okayest Bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52787/Hammer_And_Rails_favicon..png2013-09-30T14:30:31-04:00http://www.hammerandrails.com/rss/stream/41669152013-09-30T14:30:31-04:002013-09-30T14:30:31-04:00The Whistlestop Tour: Week 5 Of Big Ten Football
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/8Ql4DX_cX94Q-_WubXIM2NfKHvc=/0x66:4000x2733/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20426531/20130928_kkt_bl4_457.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A light week in the Big Ten still had some important games. </p> <p></p>
<p>The short week of games in the Big Ten allowed for the glare of the spotlight to shine on all six teams involved. Half the conference was on bye, but two teams were able to get their first conference win and Ohio State, with one victory, likely seized the Leaders Division barring a miraculous run by Indiana, Illinois, or Purdue. The Buckeyes now essentially own a two-game lead over Wisconsin because of the tiebreaker and it is looking less and less likely that Ohio State loses two games while Wisconsin remains perfect the rest of the way.</p>
<p>Here is what happened around the league, including a look at what NIU had to say about the win over Purdue:</p>
<p><b>Northern Illinois</b><b> 55, Purdue 24</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>Boiled Sports seems to be already trending slightly against coach Hazell, as after five games they are asking for a <a href="http://www.boiledsports.com/2013/september/enough-happy-talk-coach.html">cessation of the happy talk</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>So, we're five games into a season in which the W-L record is exactly what I thought it'd be when I gazed into my cloudy crystal ball back in August...But I really didn't see beatdowns like this one coming. That fragile psyche of this team that I talked earlier is probably teetering or has already tipped...a bye week might help the coaches get the players focused on the essential work that needs to get done now; and there's plenty of it.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>There were a large number of records established on Saturday:</p>
<ul type="disc">
<li>Largest MAC margin of victory over a a B1G team (tied with a 38-7 Toledo over Minnesota win in 2001)</li>
<li>Largest MAC margin of victory over a B1G team at a B1G stadium</li>
<li>Most points (55) scored by a MAC team against a B1G team (previous record was 41 held by Ball State over Indiana last season). </li>
<li>Most points ever by any opponent in the history of Ross-Ade Stadium, which opened in 1924</li>
<li>Most points ever given up by Purdue at home in the 126 year history of the program.</li>
</ul>
<p>Red and Black Attack was <a href="http://www.redandblackattack.com/2013/9/28/4781032/final-score-niu-huskies-hammer-purdue-55-24">naturally very pleased</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Pretty much every game that NIU has ever played against a BCS opponent has been a close victory, with pundits saying they "just slipped by" in certain games. This, however, was not one of those game. NIU dominated every facet of the game. Sure Purdue put up 524 yds, but a lot of that was in garbage time and not to mention they turned the ball over 5 times to the Huskies. It's about time the Huskies showed they could dominate a game like this.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Illinois</b><b> 50, </b><b>Miami</b><b> (OH) 14</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>The Fighting Illinois had no problems at all in dispatching Miami, who is among the worst teams in the nation at the FBS level. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75932/nathan-scheelhaase">Nathan Scheelhaase</a> threw for five touchdown passes and three different quarterbacks got to play. Illinois is definitely looking far better than originally thought thanks to Bill Cubit as its <a href="http://www.thechampaignroom.com/2013/9/29/4783092/the-day-after-so-what-do-we-make-of-this">new offensive coordinator</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>It was great. From the two point conversion to the ensuing onside kick and the 29-point outburst in the second quarter that just buried the Redhawks, I enjoyed the hell out of it. I also enjoyed seeing that 50 on the scoreboard even if the Illini probably could have had 70 points if not for turnovers and taking a knee in the fourth quarter.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Iowa</b><b> 23, </b><b>Minnesota</b><b> 7</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>In this old rivalry the Floyd of Rosedale will get to stay in Iowa City as the Golden Gophers did little to nothing on offense <a href="http://www.thedailygopher.com/2013/9/28/4781200/minnesota-football-gophers-dominated-by-hawkeyes-floyd-goes-back-to">for most of the afternoon</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>This game was won by Iowa in the box. The Gopher offensive line was unable to open holes for the running game against the talented and more experienced Hawkeye front-seven. Conversely the Iowa offensive line opened huge holes for their running backs against our front-seven. Throughout the 2nd half, Iowa was able to effortlessly move the ball on the ground with time consuming and will-breaking drives. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/142161/mark-weisman">Mark Weisman</a> closed out this game amassing 147 rushing yards for the game. He racked up a lot of yards but he was running through massive holes, credited to the Hawkeye offensive line.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Iowa fans were more than happy to relish another win for the Hawkeyes as Iowa joins the list of teams not looking as <a href="http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/football/2013/9/28/4781740/iowa-23-minnesota-7-post-game-recap-and-community-player-ratings">bad as originally thought</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>This game was reminiscent of the Iowa State game from a few weeks ago: another rivalry game on the road, another game where Iowa struggled to turn a dominant performance in yardage into a truly lopsided scoring margin, another game where things were a little squirm-inducing late. But Iowa also did a few things differently (and better) in this game: they forced a turnover on a late Minnesota drive (which had the added benefit of preventing us from having to see if Iowa could recover an onside kick) and their running game was able to run out the clock. This team does seem to be making progress game by game -- and it's a lot of fun to watch.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Ohio</b><b> </b><b>State</b><b> 31, Wisconsin 24</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p>This game was really won on one play. The Buckeyes went for it on Fourth and Long just before halftime and the Badgers fell asleep. Philly Brown caught a 40 yard touchdown pass from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/132058/braxton-miller">Braxton Miller</a> and that was the <a href="http://www.landgrantholyland.com/2013/9/29/4782058/ohio-state-stock-market-report-wisconsinhttp:/www.landgrantholyland.com/2013/9/28/4781918/ohio-state-vs-wisconsin-final-score-buckeyes-outlast-badgers-31-24">separation Ohio State needed</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Brown had a great game, nabbing eight balls for 88 yards and two scores. The first one was an electric, momentum changing score at the end of the first half, and the second one was one where he bailed out Miller on a third and goal, and it was the score that put the game out of reach for the Buckeyes.</p>
</blockquote>
<p>Bucky's Fifth Quarter noted that the Badgers made several mistakes, but <a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-football/2013/9/28/4780726/ohio-state-wisconsin-2013-recap-final-score">still kept things close</a>:</p>
<blockquote>
<p>Like the 31-13 Buckeyes' victory over the Badgers in 2009, Stave and company gained more total yards than the Buckeyes, 399 to 300. Unfortunately, Wisconsin received the same result as five seasons ago in the loss column, albeit a closer affair.</p>
</blockquote>
<p><b>Non-Conference Opponents:</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Cincinnati</b><b> - ON BYE</b></p>
<p><b> </b></p>
<p><b>Indiana</b><b> </b><b>State</b><b> - </b>The Tree lost to Tennessee Tech <a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=332712635&confId=21">on a late touchdown 38-37</a>.</p>
<p><b>Notre Dame - </b>God bless the Sooners for <a href="http://scores.espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=332710087&confId=18">their 35-21 win</a>.</p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/9/30/4787610/the-whistlestop-tour-week-5-of-big-ten-footballBoilerTMill2013-09-29T12:25:56-04:002013-09-29T12:25:56-04:00Behind The Numbers: Yancey And Etling
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/2LTC8gWmi4EqyZO1ILkz2EGAgyM=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20356829/20130928_jla_bl4_300.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A pair of freshmen emerged from Purdue's loss to NIU as promising offensive contributors. </p> <p></p>
<p>There were very few positives in yesterday's game, but one of them was the emergence of a couple more freshmen hat played big minutes and had major offensive contributions. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/204513/deangelo-yancey">DeAngelo Yancey</a> had already emerged as a surprise contributor at wide receiver from day one. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/204469/danny-etling">Danny Etling</a>, meanwhile, came off the bench for his first career action to throw a pair of touchdown passes and over 200 yards in just over a half of play.</p>
<p>Yes, Etling still had a pair of interceptions, but he got the offense moving and even ran the hurry-up well. Yancey was often a favorite target of him in the second half. Technically, Yancey caught two of his passes from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77526/rob-henry">Rob Henry</a> in the first half, but he finished the day with seven catches for 117 yards. He was a much-needed deep threat in the vertical passing game with a 50 yards reception and a 20 yard reception.</p>
<p>Purdue has not had a vertical passing game in some time, but Yancey is quickly emerging as the much-needed big outside receiver. Already he has nine catches for 149 yards on the season. He is averaging a team-best 16.6 yards per reception. What makes his emergence so surprising is that <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135182/dolapo-macarthy">Dolapo Macarthy</a> was expected to be the big receiver Purdue needed, while <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77524/gary-bush">Gary Bush</a> had experience as Purdue's best returning receiver. The two have combined for only six catches for 39 yards, with Macarthy getting his first reception of the season yesterday.</p>
<p>The 50-yard catch from Henry yesterday was Purdue's longest pass of the season. It opened things up for Etling,w ho found Yancey five times after halftime. One was a pass down to the one yard line to set up Etling's second TD to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114159/justin-sinz">Justin Sinz</a>.</p>
<p>I saw in the comments yesterday that people were decrying the offense. Well, for the first time yesterday the offense was moving the football even before the scrubs came in for NIU. The offense generated a season best 524 yards, including 371 through the air. The running game was very good before Henry's critical interception on 3<sup>rd</sup> and 2 in NIU territory, then the passing game moved well afterward as Purdue played catch up. Etling ended up attempting 37 passes in the second half, but he had to when we trailed by 24 once he got the ball.</p>
<p>These are all promising signs in the gloom of 1-4 while being on the wrong end of three blowouts. The Boilers still have a long way to go, but Etling was promising in his debut and it certainly looks like he has a classmate that could be an exciting connection over the next 3.5 years.</p>
<p></p>
<h4>More from Hammer and Rails:</h4>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/9/29/4783218/week-6-ap-and-coaches-poll-niu-gets-big-boost-from-purdue-win?utm_source=hammerandrails&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Week 6 AP And Coaches Poll: NIU Gets Big Boost From Purdue Win</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/9/28/4781612/northern-illinois-55-purdue-24-recap-welcome-to-rock-bottom?utm_source=hammerandrails&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Northern Illinois 55, Purdue 24: Welcome To Rock Bottom</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/9/27/4778026/donnie-hale-transfers?utm_source=hammerandrails&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Donnie Hale Transfers</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/9/27/4777502/2013-big-ten-football-week-5-preview-predictions-picks?utm_source=hammerandrails&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">2013 Big Ten Football: Week 5 Preview</a></li>
<li><a href="http://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/9/24/4767888/boilermakers-in-the-nfl-week-3?utm_source=hammerandrails&utm_medium=nextclicks&utm_campaign=blogs">Boilermakers in the NFL: Week 3</a></li>
</ul>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/9/29/4783322/behind-the-numbers-deangelo-yancey-and-danny-etling-form-freshmanBoilerTMill2013-09-29T11:58:39-04:002013-09-29T11:58:39-04:00Week 6 AP And Coaches Poll: NIU Gets Big Boost
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/A9jyhC8BatWwSNb-FFh0LHhRuk0=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20354721/20130928_kkt_bl4_465.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>A win over Purdue propelled Northern Illinois up in the rankings.</p> <p>Well, Northern Illinois can give us a big thank you if they make a second straight BCS Bowl. The Huskies took a big jump towards the top 25 with the blowout of our Boilers. They are just outside the top 25 in the AP poll and in the Coaches poll they are now 23rd.</p>
<p> </p>
<p>
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<table class="sortable" border="1" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" width="100%"><tbody>
<tr class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#EDF1F3">
<th align="center">Rank</th> <th align="center">Team</th> <th align="center">Record</th> <th align="center">Votes</th> <th align="center">Previous</th>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">1</td>
<td align="center">Alabama (55)</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">1,495</td>
<td align="center">1</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">2</td>
<td align="center">Oregon (5)</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">1,422</td>
<td align="center">2</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">3</td>
<td align="center">Clemson</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">1,354</td>
<td align="center">3</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">4</td>
<td align="center">Ohio State</td>
<td align="center">5-0</td>
<td align="center">1,305</td>
<td align="center">4</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">5</td>
<td align="center">Stanford</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">1,280</td>
<td align="center">5</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">6</td>
<td align="center">Georgia</td>
<td align="center">3-1</td>
<td align="center">1,171</td>
<td align="center">9</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">7</td>
<td align="center">Louisville</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">1,091</td>
<td align="center">7</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">8</td>
<td align="center">Florida State</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">1,069</td>
<td align="center">8</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">9</td>
<td align="center">Texas A&M</td>
<td align="center">4-1</td>
<td align="center">1,012</td>
<td align="center">10</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table">
<td align="center">10</td>
<td align="center">LSU</td>
<td align="center">4-1</td>
<td align="center">979</td>
<td align="center">6</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">11</td>
<td align="center">Oklahoma</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">838</td>
<td align="center">14</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table">
<td align="center">12</td>
<td align="center">UCLA</td>
<td align="center">3-0</td>
<td align="center">834</td>
<td align="center">13</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table">
<td align="center">13</td>
<td align="center">South Carolina</td>
<td align="center">3-1</td>
<td align="center">812</td>
<td align="center">12</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table">
<td align="center">14</td>
<td align="center">Miami (FL)</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">753</td>
<td align="center">15</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table">
<td align="center">15</td>
<td align="center">Washington</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">665</td>
<td align="center">16</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">16</td>
<td align="center">Northwestern</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">550</td>
<td align="center">17</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">17</td>
<td align="center">Baylor</td>
<td align="center">3-0</td>
<td align="center">536</td>
<td align="center">19</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">18</td>
<td align="center">Florida</td>
<td align="center">3-1</td>
<td align="center">481</td>
<td align="center">20</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">19</td>
<td align="center">Michigan</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">471</td>
<td align="center">18</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">20</td>
<td align="center">Texas Tech</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">264</td>
<td align="center">24</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table">
<td align="center">21</td>
<td align="center">Oklahoma State</td>
<td align="center">3-1</td>
<td align="center">230</td>
<td align="center">11</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table">
<td align="center">22</td>
<td align="center">Arizona State</td>
<td align="center">3-1</td>
<td align="center">192</td>
<td align="center">NR</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table">
<td align="center">23</td>
<td align="center">Fresno State</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">187</td>
<td align="center">25</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">24</td>
<td align="center">Mississippi</td>
<td align="center">3-1</td>
<td align="center">132</td>
<td align="center">21</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table">
<td align="center">25</td>
<td align="center">Maryland</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">119</td>
<td align="center">NR</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
<table class="sbnu-legacy-content-table"><tbody><tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table">
<td align="center">Others Receiving Votes: Northern Illinois 104, Virginia Tech 49, Wisconsin 46, Nebraska 20, Missouri 14, Notre Dame 12, UCF 6, Michigan State 5, Rutgers 2</td>
</tr></tbody></table>
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<th align="center">RANK</th> <th align="center">TEAM</th> <th align="center">RECORD</th> <th align="center">POINTS</th> <th align="center">PREVIOUS RANK</th>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">1</td>
<td align="center">Alabama (59)</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">1546</td>
<td align="center">1</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">2</td>
<td align="center">Oregon (2)</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">1479</td>
<td align="center">2</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">3</td>
<td align="center">Ohio St.</td>
<td align="center">5-0</td>
<td align="center">1397</td>
<td align="center">3</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">4</td>
<td align="center">Clemson (1)</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">1352</td>
<td align="center">4</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">5</td>
<td align="center">Stanford</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">1325</td>
<td align="center">5</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">6</td>
<td align="center">Georgia</td>
<td align="center">3-1</td>
<td align="center">1148</td>
<td align="center">10</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">7</td>
<td align="center">Louisville</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">1147</td>
<td align="center">7</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">8</td>
<td align="center">Florida St.</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">1129</td>
<td align="center">8</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">9</td>
<td align="center">Texas A&M</td>
<td align="center">4-1</td>
<td align="center">1072</td>
<td align="center">9</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">10</td>
<td align="center">Oklahoma</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">964</td>
<td align="center">12</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">11</td>
<td align="center">LSU</td>
<td align="center">4-1</td>
<td align="center">931</td>
<td align="center">6</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">12</td>
<td align="center">South Carolina</td>
<td align="center">3-1</td>
<td align="center">860</td>
<td align="center">13</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">13</td>
<td align="center">UCLA</td>
<td align="center">3-0</td>
<td align="center">812</td>
<td align="center">14</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table">
<td align="center">14</td>
<td align="center">Miami</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">727</td>
<td align="center">15</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">15</td>
<td align="center">Northwestern</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">620</td>
<td align="center">16</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table">
<td align="center">16</td>
<td align="center">Baylor</td>
<td align="center">3-0</td>
<td align="center">573</td>
<td align="center">18</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table">
<td align="center">17</td>
<td align="center">Michigan</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">546</td>
<td align="center">17</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table">
<td align="center">18</td>
<td align="center">Washington</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">545</td>
<td align="center">20</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table">
<td align="center">19</td>
<td align="center">Florida</td>
<td align="center">3-1</td>
<td align="center">515</td>
<td align="center">19</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">20</td>
<td align="center">Oklahoma St.</td>
<td align="center">3-1</td>
<td align="center">330</td>
<td align="center">11</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">21</td>
<td align="center">Fresno St.</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">270</td>
<td align="center">23</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">22</td>
<td align="center">Texas Tech</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">231</td>
<td align="center">25</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">23</td>
<td align="center">Northern Illinois</td>
<td align="center">4-0</td>
<td align="center">131</td>
<td align="center">NR</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">24</td>
<td align="center">Arizona St.</td>
<td align="center">3-1</td>
<td align="center">118</td>
<td align="center">NR</td>
</tr>
<tr onmouseover="this.bgColor='#C7D9EC'" onmouseout="this.bgColor='#FFFFFF'" class="sbnu-legacy-content-table" bgcolor="#FFFFFF">
<td align="center">25</td>
<td align="center">Nebraska</td>
<td align="center">3-1</td>
<td align="center">71</td>
</tr>
</tbody></table>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/9/29/4783218/week-6-ap-and-coaches-poll-niu-gets-big-boost-from-purdue-winBoilerTMill2013-09-28T20:38:14-04:002013-09-28T20:38:14-04:00Northern Illinois 55, Purdue 24: Rock Bottom
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/-39xgcZdwYrENleKBUc3SIVMKEw=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20327571/20130928_jla_bl4_058.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Almost nine years after The Fumble, Purdue may have finally hit rock bottom. </p> <p></p>
<p>There is no hiding from it:</p>
<ul class="unIndentedList">
<li> The 31-point loss ties the worst ever loss for a Big Ten team to a MAC team, tying when Toledo beat Minnesota 38-7 in 2001 (which was at least AT Toledo to a team that went 10-2). </li>
<li> The 55 points scored by the Huskies is the most points a MAC team has <i>ever</i> scored against a Big Ten team. </li>
<li> Northern Illinois became the first MAC team ever to defeat two Big Ten teams in the same season. </li>
<li> Purdue outgained Northern Illinois 524 to 402, but lost because it had five turnovers to NIU's one and gave up a kickoff return for a touchdown. </li>
<li> Purdue's run defense even held a quarterback averaging about 150 yards on the ground to only 35 yards, but still lost by 31 points. </li>
</ul>
<p>Folks, if this is not rock bottom I am not sure I want to see what is. Without question, Purdue is the worst team in the Big Ten right now, and may be the worst major conference team in the country. I say that even while giving all the credit in the world to Northern Illinois. The Huskies came in and won simply by not making mistakes and making Purdue pay the maximum penalty for its mistakes. The scary thing is that the NIU defense was mostly held in check when you look at their season numbers. They didn't even have to play that well today and they still won with ease.</p>
<p>Later this week I will do a comparison of Danny Hope's first five games to Darrell Hazell's. They are apt comparisons because they have come against similar competition and have both ended with Purdue at 1-4. Hope's teams were at least competitive in their games. Hazell has been blown out three times, barely beaten an FCS team, and inexplicably played a solid game against a team nine months from playing for a National Championship.</p>
<p>That is not to say I am off the Hazell bandwagon. Quite the contrary. I still strongly believe in what he is doing. It is just blatantly obvious that it is going to take a lot longer to fix things that have been in steady decline for a decade.</p>
<p>There are still a few promising things we can take from today. For example, let's look at the freshmen that had major contributions:</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/204469/danny-etling">Danny Etling</a> - </b>The true freshman replaced <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77526/rob-henry">Rob Henry</a> just before halftime and had a decent performance. He had 241 yards passing and two touchdowns, but also threw two interceptions, including one that was returned by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116595/jimmie-ward">Jimmie Ward</a> for a backbreaking touchdown. He also showed an unexpected mobility when the pocket broke down and had the presence to step forward into the pocket instead of retreating 15 steps like Henry.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/204513/deangelo-yancey">DeAngelo Yancey</a> - </b>Another true freshman, Yancey emerged as a deep threat and became Purdue's first 100 yard receiver on the season with seven catches for 117 yards.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160183/b-j-knauf">B.J. Knauf</a> - </b>Only a redshirt freshman, Knauf led Purdue in rushing with 43 yards and proved he is elusive as hell when he gets the football.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/204477/dalyn-dawkins">Dalyn Dawkins</a> - </b>Another true freshman, Dawkins is shifty and Purdue ever settles the troubles with the line in front of him he can be a major factor in both the running game and the passing game.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/170531/cameron-posey">Cameron Posey</a> - </b>The redshirt freshman caught his first career touchdown pass and three total catches for 67 yards.</p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/204467/austin-logan">Austin Logan</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/204463/leroy-clark">Leroy Clark</a> - </b>They were two more freshmen that had to learn by fire today in the defensive secondary that is decimated by injuries.</p>
<p>Those are seven freshmen hat played big roles today and will continue to play big roles going forward. They simply lack experience and it shows at times. This doesn't even consider sophomores like Anthony Brown, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160169/danny-anthrop">Danny Anthrop</a>, Ryan Watson, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160170/paul-griggs">Paul Griggs</a> who are also playing big roles early in their careers. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160171/andy-james-garcia">Andy James Garcia</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160165/bilal-marshall">Bilal Marshall</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/170533/jimmy-herman">Jimmy Herman</a>, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/204489/dezwan-polk-campbell">Dezwan Polk-Campbell</a> also played significant time as freshmen today.</p>
<p>Youth can only be so much of an excuse though. In reality, it was Purdue's more experienced players that made the biggest mistakes today. Henry had two back-breaking interceptions and a fumble that not only took the potential for 21 points off the board, they led directly to 10 points for NIU. That is your 31 point difference right there, and that is even before <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135786/tommylee-lewis">Tommylee Lewis</a> returned the opening kickoff of the second half for a touchdown or Etling's pick 6 (which also ended a promising drive and took Purdue points off the board).</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116594/jordan-lynch">Jordan Lynch</a> is a good quarterback and NIU has a good offense. They rarely need help to put points on the board, but Purdue gave them 14 points on defense and special teams <i>and </i>still gave them four other turnovers that took our own points off the board. NIU was so efficient that it had the ball only had the ball for about five minutes of the third quarter but still outscored Purdue 21-7.</p>
<p>All Purdue can do right now is build for 2014. Hazell's team at Kent State struggled greatly in his first season, then broke out big time in year 2. The young guys are playing and Etling showed today that he is the better choice over Henry going forward. Henry had four and a half games to give us confidence he could move the offense without trouble. He's a good kid and I like him, but Etling was better in a little more than a half today than Henry has been all year. That is all we can do going forward. We have to take our lumps and build for the future, hoping we see some promise going forward.</p>
<p>It is highly unlikely that Purdue is going to win five games in the Big Ten to reach a bowl game. Even though the offense did show some promise by moving the football well today the defense still cannot stop a simple draw up the middle (which <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116592/cameron-stingily">Cameron Stingily</a> ran way too easily in the third quarter). It was so bad today that it got fooled on a play action fake from backup quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/143248/matt-mcintosh">Matt McIntosh</a> to Tim Semisch. When MAC backups are pulling off fakes and fooling our defense it is time for a complete overhaul. Purdue is running a completely new system on offense and still lacks the linebacker play you need at this level of football to be successful. That is going to make for a rough time, but I like what Hazell is doing off the field and the accountability he has. Let's give him some time.</p>
<p>All I want to see over the next seven games is improvement. Purdue is rightfully not going to be favored in any of them and, in fact, may be a double digit underdog the rest of the way. All the Boilers can do is try to improve each week and maybe put it all together for an upset somewhere along the line. I also want to win the Bucket in Bloomington because, well, we can at least take comfort then that one of our worst teams in recent memory is still better than IU. Purdue is a very long away from that, however. At this point, it is very likely that NIU will finish with more Big Ten wins than Purdue.</p>
<p>All due respect to NIU, who is a very good MAC team with a legitimate shot at going undefeated, we just got trounced at home by a team from a conference the Big Ten usually owns. Today, NIU looked like a Big Ten team and was far better than Purdue, who looked like the overwhelmed MAC team.</p>
<p>When you're a fan of a Big Ten team it does not get worse than that.</p>
<p></p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/9/28/4781612/northern-illinois-55-purdue-24-recap-welcome-to-rock-bottomBoilerTMill2013-09-28T15:43:48-04:002013-09-28T15:43:48-04:00Purdue loses 55-24 to NIU
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JVyuaYmeZQOg-3eic5nS0wm18Ns=/0x37:4000x2704/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20317067/20130928_jla_bh4_180.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Homecoming doesn't go as planned for the Boilers, but a new hope arrives.</p> <p> </p>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094);"><b>Purdue took a loss today but the biggest story of the day was the start of the Danny Etling Era at Purdue. After a rough first half for Rob Henry that included a completion percetage south of 50% and two picks, Hazell pulled the redshirt on the prized freshman.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094);"><b><br></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094);"><b>Etling entered to loud applause late in the second half, completing his first two passes and setting Purdue up for a 47-yard field goal to end the half.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094);"><b><br></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094);"><b>The optimism took a slow downturn throughout the rest of the game as Purdue ended the day with one the worst losses ever by the Big Ten to MAC school. This is was an embarrassing loss to an NIU team that is good, but squeaked out wins against Idaho and Eastern Illinois but came into Ross-Ade and wasted Purdue by 31.</b></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094);"><b><span>However t</span><span>oday the next chapter started in Purdue football. Etling showed hints of brilliamce, followed by interceptions and bad decisions, but I'd rather see the future throw picks than the past.</span> </b></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094);"><b><br></b></div>
<div style="font-family: Noteworthy; font-size: 18px; font-weight: bold; -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(130, 98, 83, 0.0976563); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(191, 107, 82, 0.496094);"><b>(Written at a bar, on a phone, after watching 3 hours of Purdue football...what's with that font?)</b></div>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/9/28/4780880/quick-postgame-the-new-new-era-purdue-loses-55-24tschapman2013-09-28T11:00:06-04:002013-09-28T11:00:06-04:00Northern Illinois At Purdue 2013 GameThread
<figure>
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/zA6qQwf3Wk4p0tDu0MfLsuriaPQ=/0x1041:2878x2960/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20295597/20120901_jla_ad4_446.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike DiNovo-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Boilers host Northern Illinois for Homecoming 2013. Talk about it live here.</p> <p>I am headed to West Lafayette today in search of pleasant surprises. We are the embarrassing home underdog to a MAC team, but a win over a Northern Illinois team that is very good would actually be a very big step for the program. I think NIU is a better team than the Cincinnati one that drilled Purdue to start the season, so it would be a step forward in that regard.</p>
<p>Purdue also needs this victory going into the bye week. I have a good feeling about today. I will be in section 127 in my regular seats for the first time this season hoping that good feeling plays out.</p>
<p>Also, the good luck charm is there. Purdue is 1-0 all-time when my son is there in person to watch. He is with me today.</p>
<p>Oklahoma's visit to South Bend provides an excellent non-con game, while conference play brings us a full day's worth of compelling football games in Week 5, highlighted by the SEC's trio of quality match ups, as Ole Miss visits Bama, LSU plays between the hedges, and A&M visits the Hogs.</p>
<h4>Links of Interest</h4>
<p>* <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/9/26/4761442/college-football-tv-schedule-week-5-2013-best-games">SB Nation's Week 5 Viewing Guide</a></p>
<p>* <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-football/2013/9/26/4773138/college-football-betting-picks-week-5-lsu-georgia">Dan Rubenstein Picks This Week's Games</a> [Video]</p>
<p>* <a href="http://www.footballstudyhall.com/2013/9/26/4773352/week-5-college-football-picks-fplus">Week 5 F/+ Picks from Football Study Hall</a></p>
<h4>Week 5 TV Line Up and Game Lines</h4>
<p><label style="color: #222222; font-size: 11px; line-height: 15px;" id="Saturday">Saturday, September 21, 2013 [All Times Eastern]</label><span></span></p>
<table style="border-collapse: collapse; border-spacing: 1px; font-size: 11px; color: #222222; line-height: 15px;" class="noTVTable"><tbody> <tr style="text-align: center;" class="header"> <th>Game</th> <th>Network</th> <th>Line (Over/Under)</th> <th>Time</th> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;" class="game">Oklahoma St. at West Virginia</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;" class="network"> <a target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3260235/channel_espn_hd_logo.png"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3260235/channel_espn_hd_logo_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Channel_espn_hd_logo_medium"></a><br id="1379742651885"> </td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">OSU -21 (68)</td> <td style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="time">12:00 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;" class="game">Northern Illinois at Purdue</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;" class="network"> <a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3260227/CHANNEL_ESPN_2_HD_LOGO.png" style="background-color: #ffffff;"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3260227/CHANNEL_ESPN_2_HD_LOGO_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Channel_espn_2_hd_logo_medium"></a> <br id="1379742799288"> </td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">UNI -3.5 (61)</td> <td style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="time">12:00 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;" class="game">SMU at TCU</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;" class="network"> <a target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3134745/Channel_Fox_Sports_1.jpg"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3134745/Channel_Fox_Sports_1_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Channel_fox_sports_1_medium"></a> <br id="1379742832542"> </td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">TCU -18.5 (57)</td> <td style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="time">12:00 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;" class="game">Miami (FL) at South Florida</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;" class="network"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3260147/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_12.55.36_AM.png" style="background-color: #ffffff;"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3260147/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_12.55.36_AM_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2013-09-21_at_12"></a></td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">MIA -20 (48.5)</td> <td style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="time">12:00 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;" class="game">Miami (OH) at Illinois</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;" class="network"> <a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3260155/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_12.56.18_AM.png"><img src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3260155/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_12.56.18_AM_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2013-09-21_at_12"></a> <br id="1379743012281"> </td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">OSU -24.5 (57)</td> <td style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="time">12:00 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;" class="game">South Carolina at Central Florida</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;" class="network"><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3260163/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_12.57.10_AM.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3260163/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_12.57.10_AM_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2013-09-21_at_12"></a></td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">USC -7.5 (48)</td> <td style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="time">12:00 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;" class="game">Colorado at Oregon St.</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;" class="network"><a style="background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;" href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3260187/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_1.01.17_AM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Screen_shot_2013-09-21_at_1" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3260187/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_1.01.17_AM_medium.png"></a></td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">OSU -10 (64)</td> <td style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="time">3:00 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;" class="game">Oklahoma at Notre Dame</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;" class="network"> <a href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3260211/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_1.05.12_AM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Screen_shot_2013-09-21_at_1" class="photo" src="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3260211/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_1.05.12_AM_medium.png"></a> <br id="1379743507977"> </td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">OU -3 (48)</td> <td style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="time">3:30 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;" class="game">LSU at Georgia</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;" class="network"> <a href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3260219/CHANNEL_CBS_HD_LOGO.jpg" target="_blank"><img alt="Channel_cbs_hd_logo_medium" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3260219/CHANNEL_CBS_HD_LOGO_medium.jpg"></a> <br id="1379743646989"> </td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">UGA -3 (60)</td> <td style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="time">3:30 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;" class="game">Iowa at Minnesota</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;" class="network"> <a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3260163/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_12.57.10_AM.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3260163/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_12.57.10_AM_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2013-09-21_at_12"></a> <br id="1379743067729"><a href="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/0925/ncf_iowaminnmap_ms_576.jpg" target="_blank">TV MAP</a> </td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">MN -1 (48)</td> <td style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="time">3:30 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;" class="game">Florida St. at Boston College</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;" class="network"> <a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3260163/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_12.57.10_AM.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3260163/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_12.57.10_AM_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2013-09-21_at_12"></a> <br id="1379743067729"><a href="http://a.espncdn.com/photo/2013/0925/ncf_iowaminnmap_ms_576.jpg" target="_blank">TV MAP</a> </td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">FSU -22.5 (49)</td> <td style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="time">3:30 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;" class="game">Wake Forest at Clemson</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;" class="network"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3260147/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_12.55.36_AM.png" style="background-color: #ffffff;"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3260147/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_12.55.36_AM_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2013-09-21_at_12"></a></td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">CLEM -27.5 (61)</td> <td style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="time">3:30 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="game" style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;"><p>Army vs Louisiana Tech (Dallas, TX)</p></td> <td class="network" style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;"><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3134745/Channel_Fox_Sports_1.jpg"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3134745/Channel_Fox_Sports_1_medium.jpg" class="photo" alt="Channel_fox_sports_1_medium"></a></td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">LA TECH -1 (52)</td> <td class="time" style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;">4:00 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td class="game" style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;">Ole Miss at Alabama</td> <td class="network" style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3260235/channel_espn_hd_logo.png" style="background-color: #ffffff;"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3260235/channel_espn_hd_logo_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Channel_espn_hd_logo_medium"></a></td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">AL -16.5 (63)</td> <td class="time" style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;">6:30 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;" class="game">Arizona at Washington</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;" class="network"> <a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3260139/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_12.54.14_AM.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3260139/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_12.54.14_AM_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2013-09-21_at_12"></a> <br id="1379742923630"> </td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">UW -7 (67)</td> <td style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="time">7:00 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;" class="game">Texas A&M at Arkansas</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;" class="network"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3260227/CHANNEL_ESPN_2_HD_LOGO.png" style="background-color: #ffffff;"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3260227/CHANNEL_ESPN_2_HD_LOGO_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Channel_espn_2_hd_logo_medium"></a></td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">A&M -3 (68)</td> <td style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="time">7:00 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;" class="game">Florida at Kentucky</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;" class="network"> <a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3260147/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_12.55.36_AM.png"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3260147/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_12.55.36_AM_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2013-09-21_at_12"></a> <br id="1379742962515"> </td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">UF -14 (45.5)</td> <td style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="time">7:00 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;" class="game">Wisconsin at Ohio St.</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;" class="network"> <a href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3260163/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_12.57.10_AM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Screen_shot_2013-09-21_at_12" class="photo" src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3260163/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_12.57.10_AM_medium.png"></a> <br> </td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">OSU -7.5 (60)</td> <td style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="time">8:00 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;" class="game">Stanford at Washington St.</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;" class="network"><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3260235/channel_espn_hd_logo.png"><img src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3260235/channel_espn_hd_logo_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Channel_espn_hd_logo_medium"></a></td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">STAN -9.5 (52)</td> <td style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="time">10:00 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;" class="game">USC at Arizona St.</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;" class="network"><a style="background-color: #ffffff;" target="_blank" href="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3260227/CHANNEL_ESPN_2_HD_LOGO.png"><img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/assets/3260227/CHANNEL_ESPN_2_HD_LOGO_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Channel_espn_2_hd_logo_medium"></a></td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">ASU -7 (52)</td> <td style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="time">10:15 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;" class="game">Southern Miss at Boise St.</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;" class="network"><a target="_blank" href="http://cdn2.sbnation.com/assets/3260147/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_12.55.36_AM.png" style="background-color: #ffffff; text-decoration: underline;"><img src="http://cdn1.sbnation.com/assets/3260147/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_12.55.36_AM_medium.png" class="photo" alt="Screen_shot_2013-09-21_at_12"></a></td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">BSU -26 (55)</td> <td style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="time">10:15 PM</td> </tr> <tr> <td style="width: 203px; padding: 2px;" class="game">Cal at Oregon</td> <td style="text-align: center; width: 135px; padding: 2px;" class="network"> <a href="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3260187/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_1.01.17_AM.png" target="_blank"><img alt="Screen_shot_2013-09-21_at_1" class="photo" src="http://cdn0.sbnation.com/assets/3260187/Screen_Shot_2013-09-21_at_1.01.17_AM_medium.png"></a><br id="1379743267054"> </td> <td style="width: 100px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="line">UCLA -34.5 (80)</td> <td style="width: 60px; text-align: right; padding: 2px;" class="time">10:30 PM</td> </tr> </tbody></table>
<h4>More from Hammer and Rails:</h4>
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https://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/9/28/4779728/northern-illinois-at-purdue-2013-gamethreadBoilerTMill2013-09-27T16:00:05-04:002013-09-27T16:00:05-04:00Northern Illinois At Purdue 2013: H&R Staff Picks
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/xrNWlP94XwQ74XCFL3arXU86ctA=/0x0:4000x2667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/20262183/20130831_jla_ad4_631.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The staff of Hammer & Rails picks Purdue's Homecoming game against Northern Illinois. </p> <p>it is Homecoming for all Boilermakers everywhere, and Purdue is hosting the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/northern-illinois-huskies">Northern Illinois Huskies</a>. it is a tough game, but not impossible, as we need to rally around the Boilers in a must-win game. Here is what the staff of Hammer & Rails thinks.</p>
<p><b>Rachel Van Gessel</b></p>
<p>This weekend we're taking on Northern Illinois and it's not going to end well for us. Northern Illinois is getting votes toward the Top 25 and they cannot afford to lose to us if they have any chance of cracking the Top 25. And I don't think they will lose to us. While it won't be a shock if they win since they are favored it will certainly help them in the long run to have this W.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116594/jordan-lynch">Jordan Lynch</a> is about as good as they get. I don't think we'll be able to contain his both passing and run game. We may be able to stop one or the other. Many of our coaches have scouted Northern Illinois which helps but I don't think we have the talent or the discipline on defense to stop the Huskies. One good thing though is that NI's defense is vastly inferior to their offense. This is semi-encouraging. This should make it easier for Rob Henry but then again its Rob Henry leading us on the field. I think our offense will perform admirably but Jordan Lynch and the rest of the Husky offense will be too much. <b>Northern Illinois 42, Purdue 27</b></p>
<p><b>Juan Crespo: Author Emeritus & Badass Meteorologist<br></b>When I was a freshman at Purdue in 2009, I wasn't able to buy any season student tickets mainly because 1) I didn't have the money then and 2) my parents wanted me to "study" (who does that anymore?). However, I made it to all the football home games except Notre Dame (because I had to do this thing called work). I was able to get free tickets for all the games except for 2 that I went to, which were Northern Illinois and Ohio $tate. Going into each of those games I had a different mentality. For NIU I thought that Purdue would shake off it's hangover from the Oregon loss in Eugene and beat NIU for Family/Band Day. For Ohio $tate, I thought that it would be Purdue's 6th loss in a row and a Buckeye domination, but hey I get to see a Top 10 team play live in person so I figured why not pay the price? Sure enough, those two games had completely different outcomes, as NIU jumped out to a 28-7 lead in 2009, but Purdue would end up being the Spoilermakers again against O$U.<br><br>Though everyone's mentality going into the 2013 NIU game is much different than the 2009 game, I think the outcomes will be the same. NIU knows what is at stake and with a semi-national audience (thank you, ESPN2), they can show that they are still a potential BCS bowl team. Though their defense has been lackluster, it will find a way to shut Purdue's non-existent offense. Heck, Purdue's offense wouldn't be able to gain more than 2 touchdowns and 200 total yards against University Place's football team. Unless the defense and special teams can return a touchdown or two, NIU is going to not only beat Purdue, but also embarrass them just like Toledo did in 2010. <b>Northern Illinois 31, Purdue 14</b></p>
<p><b><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="#">Thomas Chapman</a></b></p>
<p>Yes, NIU is a MAC team and yes it's embarrassing to be an underdog at home, but this isn't your run-of-the mill MAC team. Northern Illinois returns nine offensive starters from last year's Orange Bowl team, including quarterback Jordan Lynch. Lynch entered the season as a dark horse Heisman candidate, and while that movement never really gained much momentum, he has still accounted for 1,066 yards (662 passing, 404 rushing). That's 82 yards more than the entire Purdue offense has combined...and Purdue has played one more game than NIU. Lynch is the dual-threat quarterback we all envision Rob Henry as in our dreams.<br><br>If we get the team that showed up against Notre Dame, maybe it's a different story. But the performances we've seen in the Cincinnati, Indiana State, and Wisconsin games hold more weight in my eyes than a rivalry game at home under the lights on ABC. Remember, NIU took down the now 3-1 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/iowa-hawkeyes">Iowa Hawkeyes</a> at Kinnick Stadium to open the season. <b>Northern Illinois 31, Purdue 21</b></p>
<p><b>T-Mill</b></p>
<p>As I have said this week, it is pretty much a must-win game for Purdue if there is any chance at all of going to a bowl game, even Detroit. Ironically, heading to Detroit could force a rematch with this same Northern Illinois team, just as what happened with Central Michigan in 2007.</p>
<p>I am reminded not of that 2007 game against Central Michigan, but the 2008 one. That Central Michigan team was also very good led by a dual threat quarterback, and it faced a Purdue team that eventually finished 4-8. CMU went on to finish 8-5 and won six in a row after the loss to Purdue.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, this NIU team is far better. Purdue will be missing <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../ncaa-football/players/169667/frankie-williams">Frankie Williams</a> (concussion) and possible <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../ncaa-football/players/114141/ricardo-allen">Ricardo Allen</a> (ankle), depriving it of two of its better defenders. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../ncaa-football/players/116594/jordan-lynch">Jordan Lynch</a> has rushed for more yards by himself in three games than Purdue has as a team in four games. Given that the run defense was nothing short of awful last week, it is not a good sign.</p>
<p>I think the offense is going to play better. It almost accidentally has to at this point, and the Huskies' own defense has been rather bad against the pass. That makes this possibly <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77526/rob-henry">Rob Henry's</a> Last Stand. Should the offense continue to falter it may be time for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="../../ncaa-football/players/160163/austin-appleby">Austin Appleby</a> to take over, because the rest of the 2013 season will simply be building for 2014.</p>
<p>I want to pick Purdue, I really do, but I also know reality. Northern Illinois is a very good team that will likely be in the top 25 later this year. A month into the season they have looked far better than Purdue, so I hope I am wrong with this pick. <b>Northern Illinois</b><b> 38, Purdue 28</b></p>
https://www.hammerandrails.com/2013/9/27/4777570/northern-illinois-at-purdue-2013-h-r-staff-picksBoilerTMill2013-09-27T13:43:25-04:002013-09-27T13:43:25-04:002013 Big Ten Football: Week 5 Preview
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<figcaption>Joe Robbins</figcaption>
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<p>There are only four games this week with a very light Big Ten schedule. </p> <p></p>
<p>This is a light week for the Big Ten, as most teams get two off weeks this year and half the teams in the league are taking this week off. We also have two of the final three non-conference games involving Big Ten teams, as well as a huge game in the Leaders Division race.</p>
<p>There are already bowl projections out there for most of the conference, and they are rightfully counting out our Boilers. With two losses in non-conference play, Purdue and Indiana have a lot of work to do, needing to go 4-4 at minimum in conference play. Iowa, Illinois, Michigan State and Wisconsin are slightly in back of the leaders with one loss, but still should be fine.</p>
<p>With Penn State already out of one of the eight Big Ten bowl commitments Purdue can pretty much join them unofficially with a loss this week.</p>
<p><b>Northern Illinois</b><b> (3-0) at Purdue (1-3, 0-1) </b><b>Noon</b><b>, ESPN2</b></p>
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<p><b><a href="http://www.redandblackattack.com/2013/9/26/4772710/niu-huskies-northern-illinois-injury-updates-and-depth-chart-for-purdue">Red And Black Attack Preview</a></b></p>
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<p>As I have said this week, it is pretty much a must-win game for Purdue if there is any chance at all of going to a bowl game, even Detroit. Ironically, heading to Detroit could force a rematch with this same Northern Illinois team, just as what happened with Central Michigan in 2007.</p>
<p>I am reminded not of that 2007 game against Central Michigan, but the 2008 one. That Central Michigan team was also very good led by a dual threat quarterback, and it faced a Purdue team that eventually finished 4-8. CMU went on to finish 8-5 and won six in a row after the loss to Purdue.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, this NIU team is far better. Purdue will be missing <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/169667/frankie-williams">Frankie Williams</a> (concussion) and possible <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114141/ricardo-allen">Ricardo Allen</a> (ankle), depriving it of two of its better defenders. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/116594/jordan-lynch">Jordan Lynch</a> has rushed for more yards by himself in three games than Purdue has as a team in four games. Given that the run defense was nothing short of awful last week, it is not a good sign.</p>
<p>I think the offense is going to play better. It almost accidentally has to at this point, and the Huskies' own defense has been rather bad against the pass. That makes this possibly Rob Henry's Last Stand. Should the offense continue to falter it may be time for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/160163/austin-appleby">Austin Appleby</a> to take over, because the rest of the 2013 season will simply be building for 2014.</p>
<p>I want to pick Purdue, I really do, but I also know reality. Northern Illinois is a very good team that will likely be in the top 25 later this year. A month into the season they have looked far better than Purdue, so I hope I am wrong with this pick. <b>Northern Illinois</b><b> 38, Purdue 28</b></p>
<p><b>Miami</b><b> (OH) (0-3) at </b><b>Illinois</b><b> (2-1) </b><b>Noon</b><b>, Big Ten Network</b></p>
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<p><b><a href="http://www.thechampaignroom.com/2013/9/27/4777006/game-preview-illinois-miami-ohio">The Champaign Room Preview</a></b></p>
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<p>This Fighting Illini should have no trouble in this game. Last week Miami played Cincinnati and lost 14-0, but only gained 87 yards of total offense. They rank dead last in FBS in scoring at only seven points per game. They average only 60 rushing yards and 90 passing yards per contest. This is a putrid offense that has more turnovers than it has touchdowns.</p>
<p>Illinois should be able to pick its score here. Miami is probably the worst team in all of FBS and will not likely provide a challenge to the Illini. Look for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/75932/nathan-scheelhaase">Nathan Scheelhaase</a> to be on the bench by the third quarter and the Illini defense to pitch a shutout. <b>Illinois</b><b> 52, </b><b>Miami</b><b> 0</b></p>
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<p><b>Iowa</b><b> (3-1, 0-0) at </b><b>Minnesota</b><b> (4-0, 0-0) </b><b>3:30pm</b><b> </b><b>ABC</b></p>
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<p><b><a href="http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/football/2013/9/27/4776948/four-factor-friday-iowa-at-minnesota">Black Heart Gold Pants Preview</a></b></p>
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<p><b><a href="http://www.thedailygopher.com/2013/9/27/4776732/minnesota-football-gopher-football-gophers-football-versus-iowa-football-preview">The Daily Gopher Preview</a></b></p>
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<p>Our Most Hated Rival faces its other most hated rival by heading to the twin Cities to take on the Golden Gophers. The Hawkeyes looked good last week against Western Michigan, but that is taken with the caveat of their opponent being Western Michigan. Still, there is some real hatred here. Iowa once tore down the <a href="http://www.blackheartgoldpants.com/2013/9/26/4772470/great-moments-in-gopher-football-history-all-your-goalposts-belong-to">goalposts in Minnesota's own stadium</a>.</p>
<p>Both of these teams like to run. Minnesota is 118<sup>th</sup> in the country in passing, which is behind even Purdue at this point. Still, they are undefeated at 4-0 and have gotten great efforts, especially in the second half, from their defense and special teams. At the same time Iowa has looked, well, special against teams not named Western Michigan.</p>
<p>These two teams hate each other and there is a bronze pig at stake. What is not to like? <b>Minnesota</b><b> 24, </b><b>Iowa</b><b> 21</b></p>
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<p><b>No. 23 </b><b>Wisconsin</b><b> (3-1, 1-0) at No. 4 </b><b>Ohio</b><b> </b><b>State</b><b> (4-0, 0-0) </b><b>8pm</b><b>, </b><b>ABC</b></p>
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<p><b><a href="http://www.buckys5thquarter.com/wisconsin-badgers-football/2013/9/23/4761474/week-5-wisconsin-vs-ohio-state">Bucky's Fifth Quarter Preview</a></b></p>
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<p><b><a href="http://www.landgrantholyland.com/2013/9/27/4775450/ohio-state-vs-wisconsin-2013-game-preview">Land-Grant Holyland Preview</a></b></p>
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<p>The Buckeyes have the nation's longest active winning streak at 16 games in a row, while Wisconsin can take a major step towards a fourth straight Rose Bowl with a win in Columbus. A victory for the Badgers would be huge, because it amounts to a two game lead in the Leaders Division standings with six to play. Wisconsin is not going to lose to Iowa, Indiana, Illinois, or Minnesota, and it gets both Northwestern and Penn State at home. With no Nebraska, Michigan State, or Michigan from the Legends Division their final six league games are about as easy as you can ask except for the Northwestern game.</p>
<p>Then you have Ohio State, who is 4-0 but has not played any kind of a defense at all so far. Wisconsin is only giving up 10 points per game (albeit against three lousy offenses), while Ohio State is averaging 52.5 points per game against four lousy defenses. Something has to give.</p>
<p>I think the difference is that Ohio State is starting <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/132058/braxton-miller">Braxton Miller</a> over <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/114079/kenny-guiton">Kenny Guiton</a>, but may do the dreaded QB rotation. They might as well say they want to lose the Big Ten. Miller is good, but Guiton makes their offense far more balanced. The Badgers are going to hit Miller and get after him. He is injury prone and could go down, but that might be a blessing since it would put in Guiton.</p>
<p>Then you have Wisconsin's running game. The vaunted Ohio State defense is not as good as Wisconsin's and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/135206/melvin-gordon">Melvin Gordon</a>, James White, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/214791/corey-clement">Corey Clement</a>, Ron Dayne, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77778/montee-ball">Montee Ball</a>, Michael Bennett, and the ghost of Walter Payton rushed with ease behind the massive offensive line last week.</p>
<p>Wisconsin has the make up of a team that can knock off a cocky Ohio State fans base. They can control the clock and put some points up. I like them in the upset. <b>Wisconsin</b><b> 31, </b><b>Ohio</b><b> </b><b>State</b><b> 28</b></p>
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