Purdue Boilermakers

An interesting shift has happened in Purdue football over the last few years. When head coach Joe Tiller first got his hands on the program, Purdue cranked out one of the most explosive offenses in the Big Ten finishing first three times and second twice in his first six years. The problem originally was on the defensive side, but now that's a strength over the last few seasons finishing first in the league in 2002 and 13th in the nation last year. Welcome back to 1997.

With eight starters returning on offense led by QB Kyle Orton, the Boilermakers will once again crank out yards and points in bunches, but the defense, after the loss of eight starters including several excellent pro prospects, will be giving them up just as quickly. There are good prospects, but few proven talents. Is the defense just good enough to allow the offense to win games?

There can honestly be Big Ten title hopes if injuries don't strike and the offense and special teams play as expected. While the defense doesn't look strong on paper, it should be able to come together later on in the year just when the big games hit. If nothing else, Purdue football will be a blast to watch and more importantly, worthy of national hype and attention.

The Schedule: Purdue would've loved to have this schedule last year when the team was full of veterans. Even so, it's not asking too much to come out of the first six games, which look tougher on paper than in practice, unbeaten. Michigan, at Iowa and Ohio State in the back half should kill Big Ten title hopes, but the Boilermakers should win at least one.

Best Offensive Player: Senior QB Kyle Orton. With a great arm, good poise and a few years of experience, Orton is ready to be the best quarterback in the Big Ten and finally break out statistically. He's deadly accurate, but he hasn't yet thrown for more than 15 touchdown passes in a season. If Purdue is to have a chance at the Big Ten title, he'll have to double that total.

Best Defensive Player: Senior CB Antwaun Rogers. Lost in the shuffle of all the great defensive players of last year, Rogers was a good corner with size, speed, and good open-field tackling ability. Now he'll have to shine as the cornerstone of the inexperienced defense.

Key player to a successful season: Sophomore LB George Hall. The three star linebackers of last year need to be replaced, so it'll be up to Hall, the projected starter in the middle, to lead the new group and provide the playmaking ability that's been so consistent on the defense over the last few seasons.

The season will be a success if ... Purdue wins the Big Ten title. Yeah it's a lofty goal for a team with so many question marks, but Wisconsin, Ohio State and Michigan all have to come to West Lafayette, and no one in the league can touch this team's offense.

Key game: November 6th at Iowa. With all due respect to Penn State, this is the only brutal road game on the schedule getting all the Big Ten big boys at home. Iowa is the one exception and should be strong enough in Iowa City to screw up any Boilermaker title hopes.

2003 Fun Stats:
- First quarter scoring: Purdue 99 - Opponents 41
- Rushing touchdowns: Purdue 22 - Opponents 9
- Time of possession: Purdue 32:02 - Opponents 27:58

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