The Boilermakers enter the 2011 season looking to rebound from a 4-8 2010 campaign. On the plus side, Purdue returns depth and experience at many key positions. On the downside, these same players went 4-8 last fall.
Offensively, Rob Henry had won the starting QB job until he went down in camp with a season ending injury. Robert Marve (if eligible) will get another shot to lead a Boilermaker offense that has lacked their signature high octane passing game for the past several seasons. Ralph Bolden returns at RB after missing all of 2010 with a knee injury. The WR position is the main question mark on offense however the OL returns 4 starters.
On defense, Ryan Kerrigan is gone (NFL) which figures to negatively impact an already weak defensive line. Purdue’s secondary looks to be the strength of the unit with Ricardo Allen back after 3 INTs and 2 TDs last season. Purdue also boasts perhaps the best kicker in the country with Carson Wiggs. Once past midfield, Wiggs is in range.
The non-conference schedule features 3 very winnable games followed by Notre Dame visiting West Lafayette. The Boilers figure to get out of this stretch at 3-1 before entering conference play vs Minnesota. Prediction: 5-7 overall, 2-6 in conference.
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