Previewing the 2018 Purdue Boilermakers

The Boilermakers could easily be 4-0 instead of 1-3.

Like Nebraska, Purdue also opened their 2018 football season 0-3, with those three games being decided by a combined eight points. In a 31-27 loss to Northwestern to open the season, Purdue could have gotten the ball back with just over two minutes left, if not for a personal foul penalty on a third down stop of the Wildcats. The next week, Eastern Michigan kicked a 24 yard field goal as time expired to beat Purdue 20-19. Eastern Michigan’s game winning drive was kept alive by two costly Purdue penalties, including a late hit penalty after a third down sack. Purdue gave up another game winning field goal as time expired as Missouri beat Purdue 40-37 in a game that featured 1,224 yards of combined total offense by both teams. But last week, it all came together as the Boilermakers dominated then-23rd ranked Boston College 30-13. Purdue’s defense held BC to just 229 yards of offense, well below their 561 yard average from their first three games.

Elijah Sindelar started at quarterback in the season opener against Northwestern, but after throwing three interceptions in the first half, gave way to David Blough. Blough and Sindelar split time the the next week, but Sindelar has missed the last two weeks due to an undisclosed injury. Not that this really matters, as Blough has staked a clear claim to the starting job. Against Missouri, Blough threw for a school record 572 yards and set a Big Ten record with 590 yards of total offense. For the season, Blough is completing 72% of his passes for 990 yards and seven touchdowns with just one interception.

Four of those touchdowns went to true freshman Rondale Moore (5’9” 175 lbs.), who’s caught 33 passes for 372 yards; he’s also rushed six times for 132 yards, including a 76 yard touchdown. Keep an eye on Moore, and preferably double coverage as well, at all times. Sophomore Jared Sparks has 14 catches for 146 yards while junior tight end Brycen Hopkins has 12 catches for 205 yards, including a 74 yard touchdown.