Purdue Statement Game

[Deeringfish]

I don't mean to be Wrastleresque but I don't really get all this Purdue love and NU panning (recent positive B1G network reporting excluded). I get that their new coach is a good one, one to be admired, but Fitz is no slouch and the players play the game.
I feel like this NU squad is better and deeper than last year's. Yes, the schedule appears more difficult and three overtime wins would have been three tie games years ago but three multiple overtime games also put extra hits and stress on the players yet NU won out the season.
ON Defense, even with the loss of Lanny I feel like the excellent front 7 will be improved over last year. The secondary is a little unknown but not a wasteland of injury like it was the last couple of seasons and if I recall some people were concerned that Godwin wasn't playing to his potential.
On Offense there is good reason to believe that the line will be improved; much improved relative to the first 5 games of last season. QB is looking like 4 year starter with NFL potential (how many teams have that?) The RB stable is solid, deep and could have a couple of breakout backs who could make a JJ type contribution. The WR's are much like the OL with more experience and time with the QB. The SB's sound like they will not miss a beat.
If there ever was a year since I have been following NU football (1965) that NU appears to be reloading rather than rebuilding, it's this one. Perhaps the two Barnett years are an exception but the program is more stable now than it was in the mid to late 90's.
With the tough schedule NU might not win 10 games this year and may not be division champs but my apologies to the Boilermakers, I don't see why NU doesn't win this game going away. Fitz won't run up the score and likely Green will come in earlier than we expect but NU controls and wins this game.

 

[Wrestlerneverdiesasacatfan]

I don't mean to be Wrastleresque but I don't really get all this Purdue love and NU panning (recent positive B1G network reporting excluded). I get that their new coach is a good one, one to be admired, but Fitz is no slouch and the players play the game.
I feel like this NU squad is better and deeper than last year's. Yes, the schedule appears more difficult and three overtime wins would have been three tie games years ago but three multiple overtime games also put extra hits and stress on the players yet NU won out the season.
ON Defense, even with the loss of Lanny I feel like the excellent front 7 will be improved over last year. The secondary is a little unknown but not a wasteland of injury like it was the last couple of seasons and if I recall some people were concerned that Godwin wasn't playing to his potential.
On Offense there is good reason to believe that the line will be improved; much improved relative to the first 5 games of last season. QB is looking like 4 year starter with NFL potential (how many teams have that?) The RB stable is solid, deep and could have a couple of breakout backs who could make a JJ type contribution. The WR's are much like the OL with more experience and time with the QB. The SB's sound like they will not miss a beat.
If there ever was a year since I have been following NU football (1965) that NU appears to be reloading rather than rebuilding, it's this one. Perhaps the two Barnett years are an exception but the program is more stable now than it was in the mid to late 90's.
With the tough schedule NU might not win 10 games this year and may not be division champs but my apologies to the Boilermakers, I don't see why NU doesn't win this game going away. Fitz won't run up the score and likely Green will come in earlier than we expect but NU controls and wins this game.

I agree with all this! That being said, Purdue has a solid offense and will move the ball on anyone. I do think we can stop their running game. Key is no long ball for Purdue. Our special teams and defense are much better than the boilermakers. NU is very balanced. We can run,pass, play defense,and solid,if not spectacular,special teams. Lookout folks. We are gonna make a run for the west title.

 

[DaCat]

I agree 100%. We could be a top ten team this year.

 

[CSCatFan1]

I agree 100%. We could be a top ten team this year.

Please stop...too much optimism. I can’t handle it.

 

[DaCat]

Please stop...too much optimism. I can’t handle it.

Why stop there? National Championship, baby!

 

[Deeringfish]

Mostly I would just like to have a strong victory against
purdue and move on from there with more respect.

 

[SimpsonElmwood]

Our schedule adds to this year’s excitement. Can’t wait until Friday!

 

[Fitz51]

I predict anywhere between 15-0 and 0-12.

 

[zbag51]

I predict anywhere between 15-0 and 0-12.

I would like to place a large bet on your prediction!

 

[Eurocat]

He is not a new coach.

 

[phatcat_rivals223240]

I don't mean to be Wrastleresque but I don't really get all this Purdue love and NU panning (recent positive B1G network reporting excluded). I get that their new coach is a good one, one to be admired, but Fitz is no slouch and the players play the game.
I feel like this NU squad is better and deeper than last year's. Yes, the schedule appears more difficult and three overtime wins would have been three tie games years ago but three multiple overtime games also put extra hits and stress on the players yet NU won out the season.
ON Defense, even with the loss of Lanny I feel like the excellent front 7 will be improved over last year. The secondary is a little unknown but not a wasteland of injury like it was the last couple of seasons and if I recall some people were concerned that Godwin wasn't playing to his potential.
On Offense there is good reason to believe that the line will be improved; much improved relative to the first 5 games of last season. QB is looking like 4 year starter with NFL potential (how many teams have that?) The RB stable is solid, deep and could have a couple of breakout backs who could make a JJ type contribution. The WR's are much like the OL with more experience and time with the QB. The SB's sound like they will not miss a beat.
If there ever was a year since I have been following NU football (1965) that NU appears to be reloading rather than rebuilding, it's this one. Perhaps the two Barnett years are an exception but the program is more stable now than it was in the mid to late 90's.
With the tough schedule NU might not win 10 games this year and may not be division champs but my apologies to the Boilermakers, I don't see why NU doesn't win this game going away. Fitz won't run up the score and likely Green will come in earlier than we expect but NU controls and wins this game.

I can easily see us losing; however, I agree entirely with your premise. We are good for like 10 of the last 12 years and aren't in a shambles, yet a team that has one decent year or a new coach is suddenly equal or better (see Vandy under Flimflam, Minny under Cabin Boy). It happens all...the...time

Who is to say that Purdue won't **** the bed the way the Cats did in 2013, for instance?

Of course, part of the problem is that we melt under the spotlight consistently. Win 9 or 10, then lose 6 or 7. Other than 1996, it's kind of our pattern

 

[Fitz51]

I can easily see us losing; however, I agree entirely with your premise. We are good for like 10 of the last 12 years and aren't in a shambles, yet a team that has one decent year or a new coach is suddenly equal or better (see Vandy under Flimflam, Minny under Cabin Boy). It happens all...the...time

Who is to say that Purdue won't **** the bed the way the Cats did in 2013, for instance?

Of course, part of the problem is that we melt under the spotlight consistently. Win 9 or 10, then lose 6 or 7. Other than 1996, it's kind of our pattern

A Purdue/NU game is spotlight?

 

[WashedUpCat]

A Purdue/NU game is spotlight?

P5 conference game on ESPN in primetime with Herbstreit on the call is a decent spotlight I would say.

 

[Hungry Jack]

I don't mean to be Wrastleresque but I don't really get all this Purdue love and NU panning (recent positive B1G network reporting excluded). I get that their new coach is a good one, one to be admired, but Fitz is no slouch and the players play the game.
I feel like this NU squad is better and deeper than last year's. Yes, the schedule appears more difficult and three overtime wins would have been three tie games years ago but three multiple overtime games also put extra hits and stress on the players yet NU won out the season.
ON Defense, even with the loss of Lanny I feel like the excellent front 7 will be improved over last year. The secondary is a little unknown but not a wasteland of injury like it was the last couple of seasons and if I recall some people were concerned that Godwin wasn't playing to his potential.
On Offense there is good reason to believe that the line will be improved; much improved relative to the first 5 games of last season. QB is looking like 4 year starter with NFL potential (how many teams have that?) The RB stable is solid, deep and could have a couple of breakout backs who could make a JJ type contribution. The WR's are much like the OL with more experience and time with the QB. The SB's sound like they will not miss a beat.
If there ever was a year since I have been following NU football (1965) that NU appears to be reloading rather than rebuilding, it's this one. Perhaps the two Barnett years are an exception but the program is more stable now than it was in the mid to late 90's.
With the tough schedule NU might not win 10 games this year and may not be division champs but my apologies to the Boilermakers, I don't see why NU doesn't win this game going away. Fitz won't run up the score and likely Green will come in earlier than we expect but NU controls and wins this game.

1) It’s week 1 of college football.
2) This team has started very slowly in recent years
3) We don’t know if CT will even play

 

[Overly_Invested_Cat]

I don't mean to be Wrastleresque but I don't really get all this Purdue love and NU panning (recent positive B1G network reporting excluded). I get that their new coach is a good one, one to be admired, but Fitz is no slouch and the players play the game.
I feel like this NU squad is better and deeper than last year's. Yes, the schedule appears more difficult and three overtime wins would have been three tie games years ago but three multiple overtime games also put extra hits and stress on the players yet NU won out the season.
ON Defense, even with the loss of Lanny I feel like the excellent front 7 will be improved over last year. The secondary is a little unknown but not a wasteland of injury like it was the last couple of seasons and if I recall some people were concerned that Godwin wasn't playing to his potential.
On Offense there is good reason to believe that the line will be improved; much improved relative to the first 5 games of last season. QB is looking like 4 year starter with NFL potential (how many teams have that?) The RB stable is solid, deep and could have a couple of breakout backs who could make a JJ type contribution. The WR's are much like the OL with more experience and time with the QB. The SB's sound like they will not miss a beat.
If there ever was a year since I have been following NU football (1965) that NU appears to be reloading rather than rebuilding, it's this one. Perhaps the two Barnett years are an exception but the program is more stable now than it was in the mid to late 90's.
With the tough schedule NU might not win 10 games this year and may not be division champs but my apologies to the Boilermakers, I don't see why NU doesn't win this game going away. Fitz won't run up the score and likely Green will come in earlier than we expect but NU controls and wins this game.

I completely agree and it’s the first time in a long time that the Cats have been relatively injury free going into the season in a while. (Prather should be back soon.)

At the meet the players night on Friday I dectected an air of quiet confidence from the team. They seem ready.

 

[hdhntr1]

I don't mean to be Wrastleresque but I don't really get all this Purdue love and NU panning (recent positive B1G network reporting excluded). I get that their new coach is a good one, one to be admired, but Fitz is no slouch and the players play the game.
I feel like this NU squad is better and deeper than last year's. Yes, the schedule appears more difficult and three overtime wins would have been three tie games years ago but three multiple overtime games also put extra hits and stress on the players yet NU won out the season.
ON Defense, even with the loss of Lanny I feel like the excellent front 7 will be improved over last year. The secondary is a little unknown but not a wasteland of injury like it was the last couple of seasons and if I recall some people were concerned that Godwin wasn't playing to his potential.
On Offense there is good reason to believe that the line will be improved; much improved relative to the first 5 games of last season. QB is looking like 4 year starter with NFL potential (how many teams have that?) The RB stable is solid, deep and could have a couple of breakout backs who could make a JJ type contribution. The WR's are much like the OL with more experience and time with the QB. The SB's sound like they will not miss a beat.
If there ever was a year since I have been following NU football (1965) that NU appears to be reloading rather than rebuilding, it's this one. Perhaps the two Barnett years are an exception but the program is more stable now than it was in the mid to late 90's.
With the tough schedule NU might not win 10 games this year and may not be division champs but my apologies to the Boilermakers, I don't see why NU doesn't win this game going away. Fitz won't run up the score and likely Green will come in earlier than we expect but NU controls and wins this game.

It is OK that PU is getting a lot of love. Makes us look better when we defeat them. Overall we likely have the better team. But we do still have the uncertainty of CT making it harder for them to chose us

 

[crunchtime]

I don't mean to be Wrastleresque but I don't really get all this Purdue love and NU panning (recent positive B1G network reporting excluded). I get that their new coach is a good one, one to be admired, but Fitz is no slouch and the players play the game.
I feel like this NU squad is better and deeper than last year's. Yes, the schedule appears more difficult and three overtime wins would have been three tie games years ago but three multiple overtime games also put extra hits and stress on the players yet NU won out the season.
ON Defense, even with the loss of Lanny I feel like the excellent front 7 will be improved over last year. The secondary is a little unknown but not a wasteland of injury like it was the last couple of seasons and if I recall some people were concerned that Godwin wasn't playing to his potential.
On Offense there is good reason to believe that the line will be improved; much improved relative to the first 5 games of last season. QB is looking like 4 year starter with NFL potential (how many teams have that?) The RB stable is solid, deep and could have a couple of breakout backs who could make a JJ type contribution. The WR's are much like the OL with more experience and time with the QB. The SB's sound like they will not miss a beat.
If there ever was a year since I have been following NU football (1965) that NU appears to be reloading rather than rebuilding, it's this one. Perhaps the two Barnett years are an exception but the program is more stable now than it was in the mid to late 90's.
With the tough schedule NU might not win 10 games this year and may not be division champs but my apologies to the Boilermakers, I don't see why NU doesn't win this game going away. Fitz won't run up the score and likely Green will come in earlier than we expect but NU controls and wins this game.

 

[crunchtime]

Fitz "won't run up the score" ?? Hey THANKS, Wildcats !!! Boiler fans were preparing for a 6-touchdown debacle !! Now we can rest easy.

 

[SciCat_rivals]

Fitz "won't run up the score" ?? Hey THANKS, Wildcats !!! Boiler fans were preparing for a 6-touchdown debacle !! Now we can rest easy.

That’s not what he was saying. Fitz doesn’t run up the score on anyone.

 

[Deeringfish]

That’s not what he was saying. Fitz doesn’t run up the score on anyone.

Yes, honestly it is annoying. If, and I realize it is an if out of respect to your team, if NU gets ahead by 3 scores, first Fitz will go into a clock burning, drive killing mode on O and a soft, prevent on D. Who ever the opponent is they gain some momentum from the switch. Still up by 3 scores with 5 minutes left he will play some younger guys.

 

[hdhntr1]

Yes, honestly it is annoying. If, and I realize it is an if out of respect to your team, if NU gets ahead by 3 scores, first Fitz will go into a clock burning, drive killing mode on O and a soft, prevent on D. Who ever the opponent is they gain some momentum from the switch. Still up by 3 scores with 5 minutes left he will play some younger guys.

Rather see him save that for week two and three. This is a conference game

 

[eastbaycat99]

Fitz "won't run up the score" ?? Hey THANKS, Wildcats !!! Boiler fans were preparing for a 6-touchdown debacle !! Now we can rest easy.

Actually, checking the Purdue boards, I haven’t seen anyone picking the Cats, and some are calling for multiple touchdown Purdue picks. It strikes me that Deeringfish’s comment is pretty much balanced by similar comments on Gold and Black. I did not see (yet) any NU commenters posting snark on Gold and Black.

I also agree with some of the sentiments in DFish’s post. Last year the Cats built a 20 point lead and pretty much controlled the game. This year, assuming Thorson is healthy, the Cats’ defense should be close to or as good as last year, and the offense should be a little better, while Purdue will need to integrate a lot of new players on defense while adding some explosiveness on offense. Giving some weight to both the home, night game advantage and the fact that it is the second summer the Brohm staff has had the team makes sense, but under the circumstances, exclusive of possible Thorson limitations, it’s hard to see Purdue as better than a pick ‘em from my perspective, and if Thorson is 100%, I think NU ranks as about a 5 point favorite based on position group match ups. If anyone has a solid argument why that would not be the case, I would be glad to hear it.

 

[GOUNUII]

Actually, checking the Purdue boards, I haven’t seen anyone picking the Cats, and Some are calling for multiple touchdown Purdue picks. It strikes me that Deeringfish’s comment is pretty much balanced by similar comments on Gold and Black. I did not see (yet) any NU commenters posting snark on Gold and Black.

I also agree with some of the sentiments in the post DFish’s post. Last year the Cats built a 20 point lead and pretty much controlled the game. This year, assuming Thorson is healthy, the Cats’ defense should be close to or as good as last year, and the offense should be a little better, while Purdue will need to integrate a lot of new players on defense while adding some explosiveness on offense. Giving some weight to both the home, night game advantage and the fact that it is the second summer the Brohm staff has had the team makes sense, but under the circumstances, exclusive of possible Thorson limitations, it’s hard to see Purdue as better than a pick ‘em from my perspective, and if Thorson is 100%, I think NU ranks as about a 5 point favorite based on position group match ups. If anyone has a solid argument why that would not be the case, I would be glad to hear it.

Purdue is young and inexperienced in the front seven with little depth on the DL. Just 2 of the 7 starters are established quality players. Cats will have to deal with stunts. Boilers will not play straight up. And they will be vulnerable as fatigue sets in late in the 3rd quarter.

Look for the Cats to pound the rock, complimented with passes designed to attack the OLBs. Then go deep when the safeties cheat up.

The Purdue fans remember that the Boilers scored a lot of points last year. They forget that Wisconsin — Michigan and NU held them to 9,10 and 13 points. They will have to hit several big plays downfield to win. Can’t imagine them running the ball with much success.

If the Cats take control early we should win. Let the Boilers get the upper hand out of the gate and it could be another disappointing early season loss. On paper and a neutral field, we are a 17-20 point better team.

GOUNUII

 

[corbi2961]

Actually, checking the Purdue boards, I haven’t seen anyone picking the Cats, and Some are calling for multiple touchdown Purdue picks. It strikes me that Deeringfish’s comment is pretty much balanced by similar comments on Gold and Black. I did not see (yet) any NU commenters posting snark on Gold and Black.

I also agree with some of the sentiments in the post DFish’s post. Last year the Cats built a 20 point lead and pretty much controlled the game. This year, assuming Thorson is healthy, the Cats’ defense should be close to or as good as last year, and the offense should be a little better, while Purdue will need to integrate a lot of new players on defense while adding some explosiveness on offense. Giving some weight to both the home, night game advantage and the fact that it is the second summer the Brohm staff has had the team makes sense, but under the circumstances, exclusive of possible Thorson limitations, it’s hard to see Purdue as better than a pick ‘em from my perspective, and if Thorson is 100%, I think NU ranks as about a 5 point favorite based on position group match ups. If anyone has a solid argument why that would not be the case, I would be glad to hear it.

I’ve been following predictions on their board as well. What I find humorous are not the predictions that they will win, those are to be expected, It’s the predictions that they will put up 30-40 points on NU. Do they have any clue that the strength of our team is our defense and that many predict we have the best front seven in the Western Conference? They know their defense is weak so their predictions are driven by a realization that the only way they can win is in a shootout. Won’t happen. My prediction is that they get a heavy dose of Larkin and Moten and NU wins 27-14 in a game dominated by our defense and ball control offense.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Actually, checking the Purdue boards, I haven’t seen anyone picking the Cats, and some are calling for multiple touchdown Purdue picks. It strikes me that Deeringfish’s comment is pretty much balanced by similar comments on Gold and Black. I did not see (yet) any NU commenters posting snark on Gold and Black.

I also agree with some of the sentiments in DFish’s post. Last year the Cats built a 20 point lead and pretty much controlled the game. This year, assuming Thorson is healthy, the Cats’ defense should be close to or as good as last year, and the offense should be a little better, while Purdue will need to integrate a lot of new players on defense while adding some explosiveness on offense. Giving some weight to both the home, night game advantage and the fact that it is the second summer the Brohm staff has had the team makes sense, but under the circumstances, exclusive of possible Thorson limitations, it’s hard to see Purdue as better than a pick ‘em from my perspective, and if Thorson is 100%, I think NU ranks as about a 5 point favorite based on position group match ups. If anyone has a solid argument why that would not be the case, I would be glad to hear it.

Who cares. It is going to be that way for almost every game. NU rarely gets respect and opposing fans pull out their two best arguments 1) you need xx number of wins to catch us in the all time series and 2) your stadium is filled with opposing fans. I swear I think posters that troll us are all 50 or older!

The last 25 years we stack up pretty well with all but the most elite B1G teams. It sucks for them to suddenly fall behind NU as a program.

 

[Fitz51]

The first mistake was going on an opponent’s fan board. Unless you’re going for a reminder of how delusional many of us actually are, too. Every fanbase is.

 

[mikewebb68]

The first mistake was going on an opponent’s fan board. Unless you’re going for a reminder of how delusional many of us actually are, too. Every fanbase is.

I agree, with the possible exception of Illinois. Most of their fanbase is so beaten down that the delusional rah-rah posts are in the minority.

 

[corbi2961]

The first mistake was going on an opponent’s fan board. Unless you’re going for a reminder of how delusional many of us actually are, too. Every fanbase is.

There are some balanced posters amongst the homers on every board, including this one. Purdue is no different. I usually visit other boards to get insights from those posters about the upcoming match up.

 

[BleedingPurple15]

I don't like the big talk I'm hearing here. I know it's the fatalist in me, but it seems like we're just positioning ourselves for massive disappointment.

 

[Gocatsgo2003]

I don't like the big talk I'm hearing here. I know it's the fatalist in me, but it seems like we're just positioning ourselves for massive disappointment.

No

 

[eastbaycat99]

There are some balanced posters amongst the homers on every board, including this one. Purdue is no different. I usually visit other boards to get insights from those posters about the upcoming match up.

I agree with Corbi. I will also admit to doing it to stoke a healthy case of schadenfreude in the weeks the Cats win, which over the last 3 years is more than two thirds of them! I am hopeful but not certain this week will count as one of them.

 

[crunchtime]

Purdue is young and inexperienced in the front seven with little depth on the DL. Just 2 of the 7 starters are established quality players. Cats will have to deal with stunts. Boilers will not play straight up. And they will be vulnerable as fatigue sets in late in the 3rd quarter.

Look for the Cats to pound the rock, complimented with passes designed to attack the OLBs. Then go deep when the safeties cheat up.

The Purdue fans remember that the Boilers scored a lot of points last year. They forget that Wisconsin — Michigan and NU held them to 9,10 and 13 points. They will have to hit several big plays downfield to win. Can’t imagine them running the ball with much success.

If the Cats take control early we should win. Let the Boilers get the upper hand out of the gate and it could be another disappointing early season loss. On paper and a neutral field, we are a 17-20 point better team.

GOUNUII

Hmmm,......I'm conflicted. The boys in Nevada have Purdue as a 2 1/2 to 3 pt. favorite, yet GONUNUII says 17-20 on a neutral field. Guess I'll take out a 2nd mortgage and load up n the Cats. Pretty close to a mortal lock. Thanx again for the pick !!

 

[eastbaycat99]

Hmmm,......I'm conflicted. The boys in Nevada have Purdue as a 2 1/2 to 3 pt. favorite, yet GONUNUII says 17-20 on a neutral field. Guess I'll take out a 2nd mortgage and load up n the Cats. Pretty close to a mortal lock. Thanx again for the pick !!

Purdue had a winning season, and wow, they have a genuine troll!
I think Lou should have an annual end of year poll for most hilarious troll and name it the Droski Award.

 

[Purdidit]

They know their defense is weak so their predictions are driven by a realization that the only way they can win is in a shootout. Won’t happen.

I think this is probably right. Purdue's offense wasn't great last season, averaging around 25ppg, so the idea that it would run wild against NU stretches the imagination.

My prediction is that they get a heavy dose of Larkin and Moten and NU wins 27-14 in a game dominated by our defense and ball control offense.

I could definitely see this game going this way and man that would be a downer for Purdue.

Purdue has so many questions on Defense its hard not to see NU moving the ball on Purdue. If Northwestern is in control midway through the 3rd quarter I could see Purdue wearing down due to youth and questionable depth.

OTOH, I do expect Purdue to move the ball on Offense. I suspect NU's coaches will be somewhat conservative with their unproven secondary and that will allow Purdue some room to move the ball between the 20s. Purdue did not turn its RZ chances into points last season and that all but eliminated any chance it had to win in Evanston. I see this being a very important determinant on how the game goes on Thursday.

There are reasons for Purdue fans to be somewhat optimistic for the game but the only real advantage is that Purdue's base offense forces NU to play Nickel, which is away from its strenght in the front 7 and really the only potential soft spot of this NU team.

Much respect to Fitzgerald and the entire NU program. Hope you have a healthy 2018 season.

 

[corbi2961]

I think this is probably right. Purdue's offense wasn't great last season, averaging around 25ppg, so the idea that it would run wild against NU stretches the imagination.


I could definitely see this game going this way and man that would be a downer for Purdue.

Purdue has so many questions on Defense its hard not to see NU moving the ball on Purdue. If Northwestern is in control midway through the 3rd quarter I could see Purdue wearing down due to youth and questionable depth.

OTOH, I do expect Purdue to move the ball on Offense. I suspect NU's coaches will be somewhat conservative with their unproven secondary and that will allow Purdue some room to move the ball between the 20s. Purdue did not turn its RZ chances into points last season and that all but eliminated any chance it had to win in Evanston. I see this being a very important determinant on how the game goes on Thursday.

There are reasons for Purdue fans to be somewhat optimistic for the game but the only real advantage is that Purdue's base offense forces NU to play Nickel, which is away from its strenght in the front 7 and really the only potential soft spot of this NU team.

Much respect to Fitzgerald and the entire NU program. Hope you have a healthy 2018 season.

This is a spot on assessment. Purdue will gain yardage because Hankiwitz's defenses are designed to bend but not break. The key will be if Purdue can convert those drives into TDs rather than FG attempts, which is what the NU defense is designed to do. The game will be decided in those situations because I am confident the NU offense will put up points even if we lean less heavily on Thorson to throw the ball. Jeremy Larkin should have a big game.

 

[GOUNUII]

Hmmm,......I'm conflicted. The boys in Nevada have Purdue as a 2 1/2 to 3 pt. favorite, yet GONUNUII says 17-20 on a neutral field. Guess I'll take out a 2nd mortgage and load up n the Cats. Pretty close to a mortal lock. Thanx again for the pick !!

Vegas isn’t handicapping a game that will be played either on paper or a neutral field. Thus my conclusion the game could go either way.

GOUNUII

 

[EvanstonCat]

This is a spot on assessment. Purdue will gain yardage because Hankiwitz's defenses are designed to bend but not break. The key will be if Purdue can convert those drives into TDs rather than FG attempts, which is what the NU defense is designed to do. The game will be decided in those situations because I am confident the NU offense will put up points even if we lean less heavily on Thorson to throw the ball. Jeremy Larkin should have a big game.

BTN team was high on NU and not so high on Purdue. Our O should be better given what we are returning and our D should be nearly as solid if not more so. The question boils down to one safety position. If Pace can step up and play, Purdue will not move the ball on us.

If I'm not mistaken, Purdue's lines on both sides of the ball are green. Our OL should have no problems with them and our O should roll right over them. Our DL will abuse their OL all day and never give their QB time to throw.

I can't really see how Purdue could even keep this one close. Don't really understand the Vegas line at all.

 

[NJCat]

Don't really understand the Vegas line at all.

Well, lay some of your ganja money and take NU and the points!!

 

[CatFanEd]

BTN team was high on NU and not so high on Purdue. Our O should be better given what we are returning and our D should be nearly as solid if not more so. The question boils down to one safety position. If Pace can step up and play, Purdue will not move the ball on us.

If I'm not mistaken, Purdue's lines on both sides of the ball are green. Our OL should have no problems with them and our O should roll right over them. Our DL will abuse their OL all day and never give their QB time to throw.

I can't really see how Purdue could even keep this one close. Don't really understand the Vegas line at all.

I think Vegas factors in our QB situation as well as a road game.

 

[Purple Pile Driver]

Hmmm,......I'm conflicted. The boys in Nevada have Purdue as a 2 1/2 to 3 pt. favorite, yet GONUNUII says 17-20 on a neutral field. Guess I'll take out a 2nd mortgage and load up n the Cats. Pretty close to a mortal lock. Thanx again for the pick !!

Where you been the last decade?