thought of throwing the ball of 10,000 times in 2007 than you are dreaming. The Boilermakers roll into Happy Valley on November 11th (the preceeding week the Lions will have faced Tosu on the field and then spent Sunday cleaning up the stadium) which sets up the team for a possible big-time-let-down against the Boilermakers. The Lions will have just finished the "toughest" part of their schedule having faced three top ten teams in the last six weeks. Below, I will try to show you what PSU fans can expect from Purdue.I pooped!
Boilermaker Passing:
Purdue put the ball in the air 541 times in 2006 and 322 of those times a Purdue player caught the ball. Of the times a ball was caught by a boilermaker 24 of those times ended with a
Boilermaker in the endzone (TDs). Unfortunately, 20 of those passes ended up with an opposing player having caught the ball (Ints). Curtis Painter (QB) will return with much more experience to lead the Boilermakers in 2007. He certainly is skilled as he passed for nearly 4,000 yds and 22 TDs in 2006. However, his decision making was terrible as he threw 19 Ints. Painter will also benefit from the return of his three favorite receivers (Dorien Bryant, Greg Orton, and Dustin Keller). Bryant is an absolute beast snagging 87 balls for over 1000 yards. The matchup of King and Bryant will be the match-up to watch. In sum, if Painter improves his decision making and their inexperienced offensive line comes together Purdue could be deadly through the air.Boilermaker Rushing:
While Purdue loves to pass they actually do rush the ball nearly 42% of the time! Balanced it is not, but there is some talent in the backfield. Kory Sheets and Jaycen Taylor both will see some serious playing time. Last year the duo combined for 1457 yds rushing and 15 Tds. Purdue also likes to work their RBs into the passing game as the two also combined for 417 yds receiving and three TDs. Purdue's offensive line is extremely inexperienced as they replace every starter from last year. If they remain healthy and work as a team the running game could take a big step forward in 2007.
Boilermaker Defense:
The Boilermakers return no starters from last year on Defense. That might be a good thing as Purdue gave up 26.7 pts/game last year (note: PSU only managed to put up 12 against Purdue). They weren't good against the run and they weren't good against the pass. It is a smörgåsbord of defensive mediocrity.
Prediction:
Purdue's pass-heavy offense plays into Penn State's strengths as the line and linebackers can put their ears back and rush the passer. Penn State's Offense should, hopefully, be able to put up more than 12 pts against an inexperienced defense. If Penn State gets on top early they will win. However, if Purdue's passing game is clicking it could be a very close game. In the end, PSU won't be looking past Purdue, Justin King and A.J. Wallace are athletic enough to handle the recievers, and the Lions will win comfortably.
PSU: 31
Purdue: 17
To learn a little more about Purdue you can see them in their natural environment over at Boiled Sports.
GO STATE! GET FIRED UP!
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