#10 PURDUE BOILERMAKERS

The winds of change are blowing in West Lafayette as Danny Hope could not survive a 6 win 2012 campaign and has been replaced by Kent State’s Darrell Hazell. It has been years since Purdue was a significant factor in the Big Ten race and it appears they are still years away from returning to the past glory days.

Senior Rob Henry is likely your opening day starter. Henry’s passing ability has always been question mark but there is no doubt he can move the chains with his feet. Henry doesn’t figure to get much help from a weak stable of running backs led by Akeen Hunt. Gary Bush returns after catching 7 touchdowns in 2012 while the offensive line hopes to fill 3 spots left vacant by graduation.

The Boilermakers also debut a new defensive coordinator this fall in Greg Hudson. 8 starters return however it can be debated if that is a good or a bad thing as Purdue finished second to last in total defense in the Big Ten last fall. Ricardo Allen is the clear cut leader of the group and is just one interception return for a touchdown away from tying the national record of 5.

On paper, the schedule looks challenging for Purdue. 3 tough non-conference games (Cincy, Notre Dame, Northern Illinois) highlight September. The Boilermakers will miss Minnesota, Michigan and Northwestern during conference play. Visits by Nebraska and Ohio State to Ross Ade Stadium should entertain the home crowd.

PREDICTION: 1-3 non-conference, 1-7 conference, 2-10 overall.