Hawkeyes Football: Big Ten West Power Rankings Week Two
By Jeremy Karll
No. 6 – Purdue Boilermakers 1-1 (0-0)
In week one, Purdue didn’t look like the same train wreck that they’ve been of recent years. They cruised to a 45-24 victory over Eastern Kentucky. Granted its Eastern Kentucky, however it was a step in the right direction for a team coming off a 2-10 season. Besides, the Boilermakers only topped 40+ points once last season, therefore any sort of offense is a welcoming sign.
Purdue returned to mediocrity against Cincinnati in week two, though. David Blough threw two interceptions in the first half, five all game, and the Purdue offense couldn’t move the ball early in the game. They went into halftime down 21-7, eventually falling to Cincinnati 38-20.
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The Boilermakers should feel semi-happy about starting the season 1-1, however thus far there hasn’t been any improvement in their quarterback play or on defense. David Blough threw eight interceptions over 10 games last season, but he already has six through two games.
As a result of Purdue being down early, Blough passed for an astounding 401 yards in week two. Still, he turned the ball over too many times for the Boilermakers to ever get a groove on offense, especially their running back Markell Jones.The inefficiency through the air has hindered the ground attack.
Defensively, they’ve given up big runs and haven’t forced a ton of turnovers early in the season. Purdue had three interceptions against Eastern Kentucky, however they also allowed them to score 24 points and Eastern Kentucky is far from stable at quarterback.
The Boilermakers may get a couple more wins this year, but it’s no guarantee. They’re off this week with Nevada in a couple of weeks, and Maryland and Illinois following. Although, in the end, David Blough has been terrible so far and Purdue may have to change quarterbacks eventually. They won their one cake walk game of the season but the rest of their schedule will truly test this young football team.
Next: No. 5