Notes from Lafayette beat writer...Purdue 3rd down defense, Purdue TFLs, QB runs vs Purdue

[swingman]

Takeaways: Two of the Boilermakers’ four interceptions have occurred in the red zone.

Getting off the field: Holding opponents to 16 of 58 (27.6%) on third down, which is fourth among Big Ten teams.

TRENDING DOWN​

QB runs: The last two quarterbacks – Syracuse’s Garrett Shrader and Florida Atlantic’s N’Kosi Perry – averaged 5.7 yards per carry.

TFLs: The Boilermakers have eight tackles for loss against FBS teams ranking last in the Big Ten.

3 QUESTIONS​

▶ Is this the week defensive back/linebacker Jalen Graham (tibia) returns?

▶ Can Purdue disrupt Morgan’s rhythm?

▶ When will the defensive line/linebackers apply more pressure in the backfield?

LOOKING AHEAD​

The defense has been tested in three of the first four games and hasn’t allowed a lot of yards but given up an average of 31 points to Penn State, Syracuse and FAU. Can the Boilermakers keep the Gophers to that number? History says Minnesota will score at least 30 points in its home stadium since it's averaging 39.5 in the last six games against Purdue. That is a bad trend line. It likely won’t improve since the Gophers feature plenty of balance. They’re the only Big Ten team to rush for more than 1,000 yards in the first four games and are six yards short of 1,000 yards passing. The line will need to slow down running back Mohamed Ibrahim, who is averaging 141.8 yards, try to bring pressure against Morgan and deal with the RPO game. Improved play from the secondary is needed but the lack of depth is starting to show. Purdue needs a big game from its linebackers against the run and must produce takeaways to slow down Minnesota’s offense.

Mike Carmin covers Purdue sports

Tracking Purdue's defense: Lack of depth at cornerback starting to show up

The Boilermakers face one of the Big Ten's most efficient quarterbacks Saturday in Minnesota's Tanner Morgan

www.jconline.com