In less than a month, new Purdue coach Jeff Brohm has flipped the script in West Lafayette. The Boilermakers are off to a surprising 2-1 start, having won their last two games. It’s the first time the program has won back-to-back games since 2012. The Boilermakers are looking to maintain the mojo with No. 8 Michigan coming to Ross-Ade Stadium. Why can’t the party keep on going behind what should be an electric sold-out Homecoming crowd? It can. And, it will.
Don’t expect many points. Purdue’s defense has been a big revelation, playing with dogged determination and not yielding big plays behind the strong efforts of end Gelen Robinson, tackle Eddy Wilson and linebackers Markus Bailey and Ja’Whaun Bailey. The front seven is legit. Michigan’s defense is even better. It’s a rugged unit that has one of the best lines in the nation led by Rashan Gary and Mo Hurst. Linebacker Devin Bush has been a beast along with Khaleke Hudson, who plays Jabrill Peppers’ old “viper” spot.
So, which offense will make the most plays? Purdue has an edge at quarterback with David Blough and Elijah Sindelar. Michigan signal-caller Wilton Speight hasn’t been sharp. The running games look similar, while the Boilers have an edge at tight end. Give Michigan the nod at wideout even without Tarik Black out (foot injury).
For the Boilermakers to pull the upset, they will need to score on at least one—maybe two—big plays. Expecting to execute multiple 10-,11-, 12-play scoring drives will be asking too much. And Purdue also probably will need to score on defense or special teams. It can be done.
With a win vs. Michigan, Purdue will be a virtual lock for a bowl game. And that seemed like an outlandish notion just a month ago.