Purdue Football

Purdue: Fight for survival

While I was writing a blog on Southern Cal, I saw a comment on one of my older blogs that pertained to the Boilermakers. So I decided to blog a moment about that.

This isn’t about putting down Purdue, this is about writing a blog to examine the season this team has had and how, at this moment, there is still a chance to qualify for a bowl. I realize a lot of sports bloggers like to write with hate, I don’t usually write that way. Mind you, sometimes I get emotional but I believe we all have a place in our hearts for our favorite teams, whether they are undefeated or winless. So for the fan of Purdue, I blog this out:

A lot of people look at the record of Purdue and shake their head, since a 3-6 record does not seem that impressive, and with a 1-4 record in the Big 10, things don’t look too good. But at this very moment, if you read this before this weekend, the Purdue Boilermakers have not been excluded for post season play.

There is still hope, if you believe in them.

But how likely is it? Let’s look at this team and examine how their season has unfolded:

Last year this team was 8-5 and it was said last year that Purdue beat the teams they were supposed to, and lost to the teams they were supposed to. But it was still a winning record and season, beating Central Michigan in a bowl. The problem was that this team had not yet turned the corner to beat quality teams. That had to change this year if they had a chance.

All started well with a big win over Northern Colorado before falling in a close overtime game against then ranked #16 Oregon. There was still hope because the Boilermakers played well against a strong team and it gave them momentum in a win over the same Central Michigan team they have now beat THREE times in two years.

But something didn’t quite go right after that. I personally was so sure that Purdue could beat Notre Dame, and would have bought me a jacket from Steve and Berry’s to support them (sad that they are going out of business). But Notre Dame beat the Boilermakers 38-21 as Purdue suffered their first away loss of the year.

Then Purdue ran into one of the hardest stretches of games in the nation. Losing to then #6 Penn State, and followed by a loss to then #12 Ohio State. But what is remarkable here is that the points were only 36-9, or about 18-5. I gotta tell you, to lose to a top 15 team by this score is NOT that bad, if you have to lose. I know that does not soothe too many Purdue hearts but it’s not like USC dragging teams by 50 points.

And who knew Northwestern would be as good as they were this year, or even Minnesota, both of which Purdue had to face back to back? Five of the teams Purdue has faced this year have been ranked, or ARE currently ranked. This is a very tough schedule for the Purdue Boilermakers, and it almost seemed like it was taking it’s toll.

Then came a slight change when Michigan came to town, and took a loss home with them. Even though it was close, Purdue showed they could put up the points when given the opportunity. And that win gave them a temporary pardon from being exiled from post season.

But with three games remaining, there is no room for error. No more losses or Purdue will see no post season. All of their life lines are gone. They MUST win the last three.

And the toughest of the three is next…Michigan State, currently ranked #18.

If ever there was a time to stand up, this has to be it. Purdue has been charged with winning the easy games and losing the others. To date this may be true in beating lowly Michigan, and Northern Colorado and even Central Michigan. But when it comes to a real scrap, the Boilermakers seem to fall short. That has to change if they have any chance at all for post season.

And if it helps, Michigan State COULD be that team. The Spartans have a history of balking the second half of their seasons. If this team is looking too far ahead against Penn State at the end of the year…the Boilers just MIGHT steal this one…and it would take trickery to do it. Head on, the Spartans are too strong and have much more to play for. But if their head is not into it, it can be a Purdue win.

If they can get past Michigan State, what lies ahead would be a little easier. A road trip to Iowa and finishing the season at home against Indiana could set up a chance for Purdue to not only qualify for a bowl, but to set the next year up for a better season.

It’s there for you Purdue, three wins in three games……