Looking ahead to our next opponent, Purdue...

[GopherRock]

You have got to wonder how much is left in the tank in West Lafayette. Saturday was the third time this season that they've had their balls busted at the wire after roaring out to a large early lead (@Oregon, at home under the lights to Notre Dame, then NU), and you've got to be wondering when the wheels come off.

I think the most important part of next Saturday's game are the first two series by each team. If the Gophers can get out to a fast start (10-0 or 14-0) they could very well run the Boilers out of the building.

 

[MinnesotaBoiler99]

You have got to wonder how much is left in the tank in West Lafayette. Saturday was the third time this season that they've had their balls busted at the wire after roaring out to a large early lead (@Oregon, at home under the lights to Notre Dame, then NU), and you've got to be wondering when the wheels come off.

I think the most important part of next Saturday's game are the first two series by each team. If the Gophers can get out to a fast start (10-0 or 14-0) they could very well run the Boilers out of the building.

Purdue never had a large lead in any of those games except NU. At Oregon, the lead changed hands several times with their biggest lead being maybe a TD. A missed PAT cost them the game. Against NIU they trailed 28-7 in the 4th before rallying and falling short 28-21. Against Notre Dame, they trailed 17-7 in the 2nd half before scoring a pair of TD's to take a 24-21 lead with 3:00 left, only to see ND score with 20 seconds left. Their biggest lead was 7-0 5 minutes into the game. NU was a complete disaster blowing a 21-3 lead thanks to 6 turnovers. They still had a shot to win at the end but Joey Elliott overthrew a wide open receiver in the end zone on 4th and goal form the 5 as time expired.

This should be a good game. I don't think the Gophers can run anyone out the stadium. They're not that good. I've watched all 5 games for both teams and I'm equally unimpressed with either team. The Gopher offense doesn't scare me nor does the defense. If Wisconsin can get 300 on the ground, I'd like to see what Ralph Bolden can do. Keep an eye on Ryan Kerrigan. If the Gophers don't fix their OL issues, he will probably kill Weber. Weber to Decker should go for about 150 yards but the non-factor at RB should be a plus for the Boilers D.

I think the Gophers have a slight edge with home field but if Coach Hope can rally the troops they will not be the 1-4 team most people are expecting to show up.

 

[mnboiler]

The most common phrase heard on Purdue's campus right now is "is it basketball season yet?" Right now if Joe Tiller was the coach the wheels would have already come off and thats a testament to Danny Hope, so far. Purdue needs a win in the worst way, mainly just to show the team "hey, we can win games against good teams". You are right on, the first couple of series is huge for both teams.

My early thought is that Purdue hasn't faced a WR like Decker yet this year. With an experienced but overall not that great of secondary Weber to Decker should be able to have a field day as long as Brew doesn't require the offensive to use the run to set up the pass and just waste series not getting anywhere on the ground.

 

[MinnesotaBoiler99]

Opening line is Minnesota -4.5 which means on a neutral field Vegas thinks the team are almost even.

 

[mnboiler]

Weber to Decker should go for about 150 yards but the non-factor at RB should be a plus for the Boilers D.QUOTE]

If Weber to Decker only goes for 150 I would be pumped. I'm thinking 200+ yard and a couple of TD. With broken tackles being about 20 and yards after first hit being about 100 yards. Purdue secondary can't tackle to save there lives.

 

[PlymouthGopherFan]

Keep the running back in to protect

Keep the running back in to protect Weber. Bennett seems to be the best blocking rb on blitzes. Have him chip (not chopblock) their best rusher every play. Give Weber some time this week and we will tear Purdue up.