Published: 9/13/2011
Author: Clayton_Duffy
© Old Gold Free Press Columnists
A big thanks to Brad at OldGoldFreePress for giving me the opportunity to reach out to you and pass along my two cents about Purdue football. Each Tuesday, I attend Danny Hope's news conference on campus. Mostly, I go for the free lunch (instantly attracts media folks), but I also want to hear what the coach has to say about the Boilermakers. It's a great foundation for my work on Saturday's (more on that later). Here are some tidbits from Hope as the team preps for Southeast Missouri State-
Purdue quarterback Robert Marve has been cleared to play. Hope says it's "safe to say" he will play Saturday against the Redhawks. Hope thought the QB would play last week, but "things were tight" according to the Coach.
Hope remains committed to playing two quarterbacks, but we're witnessing a bit of a juggling act. Clearly he wants maintain some continuity at the position too. It's not like TerBush is seasoned veteran. Definitely something to keep an eye on.
Hope said tight end Gabe Holmes is "doubtful" for Saturday's game, but also reminded us that it's still early in the week. Not sure Purdue is any hurry to rush Holmes, especially with the moves made by Crosby Wright. The junior is third on the team in catches (5) and receiving yards (69) after two contests.
Hope wishes his team was 2-0, but says there's a lot of bright spots on the team. He likes TerBush and he likes the potential on the defensive side of the ball. He says the team is going to play better defense, especially in the middle of the field. Purdue is ranked 100 out of 120 in passing defense so far.
Call me crazy, but I had to go back and watch the end of the Rice game to see what happened on the blocked field goal try. I watched the contest Saturday at a local watering hole, but didn't have the luxury of the rewind and slo-mo buttons on the DVR. Purdue had a ton of time to get set and ready for that field goal. The players were not rushed at all. Kudos to Rice for applying the pressure. It truly was "one arm through a tiny crack" in the Purdue line that denied the Boilers a 2-0 start.
I wonder how the rollercoaster ride of the first two weeks of the season will impact Purdue moving forward. Even Coach Hope described the swing of emotions as "unbelievable." The Boilermakers know they let one get away at Rice. Now, they're going to have to beat a team they're not expected to. The quest for at least 6 wins just got a little tougher, didn't it?
On your way over to Ross-Ade Saturday, be sure to join Brendan Murphy and me for the University Bookstore Tailgate Show at the UBS location on Northwestern Avenue. Coverage of the Boilers and Redhawks begins at 10 am. Stop by for food, fun and prizes for all ages. We may even put you on the air. If you can't make it over to our location or you're not going to be in town, you can check out the show live at JPvideopro.com. See you Saturday!
Share