Purdue Boilermakers
2011 Overall Record: 7-6
2011 Big Ten Record: 4-4
| Date | Opponent |
| Sept 1 | Eastern Kentucky |
| Sept 8 | @ Notre Dame |
| Sept 15 | Eastern Michigan |
| Sept 29 | Marshall |
| Oct 6 | Michigan |
| Oct 13 | Wisconsin |
| Oct 20 | @ Ohio State |
| Oct 27 | at Minnesota |
| Nov 3 | Penn State |
| Nov 10 | @ Iowa |
| Nov 17 | @ Illinois |
| Nov 24 | Indiana |
Do Not Play
Michigan State
Nebraska
Northwestern
Biggest Game
I'll see you're biggest game and raise you two. The back-to-back punch of Wisconsin at home and the trip to Columbus the following week is going to define Purdue's season. If they, like all Leaders division team, have any hopes to make the best of Ohio State's post-season ban, this is when Purdue has to do it. There are other tough games on the schedule, but only 5 of them are pivotal B1G Leaders games.
Non-Conference Loss
I'm picking Notre Dame for obvious reasons. Purdue was handled nicely by a wounded but improving Irish team last season, and this year the Boilers travel to South Bend. Plus the rest of their non-conf schedule is pretty tame.
It's a Trap!
Purdue gets a break not having to play Nebraska or Michigan State from the Legends division. But I think the Oct. 27th game at Minnesota could end up being a bit of a trap, especially if Purdue is riding high after big wins the previous two weeks. A loss there wouldn't kill their B1G title game chances, but at the same time, it could derail a possible dream season heading into the home stretch.
The Game Destined for ESPN3.com
Probably the opener against Eastern Kentucky.
Final Analysis
I have big plans for the Boilermakers this season. They finished 2011 on a bit of a run winning 3 of their final 4 games, including a win over Ohio State and a win in the Little Caesars Bowl. I'm going out on a limb and saying that I think Purdue has as good of a shot as any to make it to Lucas Oil for the B1G Championship from the Leaders division.
There are plenty of roadblocks in the way of course. But a huge one, Ohio State, will not be a post-season factor this year. And while the Buckeyes may have a much better regular season than the Boilermakers, Purdue may really benefit from Ohio State knocking off everyone else in that division. Purdue has shown over the years that they can go toe-to-toe with the Buckeyes in either stadium, regardless of the talent gap.
Fearless Predictions
Non-conference record: 3-1
Division Record: 4-1
Crossover Record: 1-2
Overall: 8-4
Bowl: Gator
That's a bold prediction. You have a lot of confidence in Purdue. I'd personally love to see them knock off the Buckeyes again. But in Columbus? As much as that would be awesome I just don't see it happening.
ReplyDeleteFor me their more likely record is 7-5.