Purdue Boilermakers
Big Ten Conference
Purdue has had a turbulent year, but managed to salvage bowl eligibility. They were able to put together some great victories and are a team to not be taken lightly in bowl play. Head Coach Danny Hope has put together his best season at Purdue, guiding them to a respectable 6-6 record and his first ever bowl berth. Now he is trying to capture his first bowl victory.
2011 Record: 6-6, 4-4
Last Bowl Appearance: 2007 Motor City Bowl VS Central Michigan (W 51-48)
Big Wins: 10/22 at Illinois (21-14), 11/12 VS Ohio State (26-23)
Bad Loses: 9/10 at Rice (22-24), 11/2 at Wisconsin (17-62)
Coach: Danny Hope (15-21 at Purdue, 15-21 Overall)
Bowl Record: 0-0 at Purdue, 0-0 overall
Offensive Coordinator: Gary Nord
Defensive Coordinator: Gary Emanuel
Strengths:
Purdue has managed to be .500 this year thanks to forcing negative plays on defense and playing excellent special teams. This defensive unit is fourth in the Big Ten in tackles for a loss, averaging 6.67 per game. This makes it tough on opposing offenses to get going or it provides the defense with a drive killer. On special teams, Purdue boasts the number one kickoff return team in the nation. This helps to set up their offense, which can be stagnant at times, in good field position. Their punt coverage team also helps pin the offense back, as they are third in the Big Ten in net punting. Offensively, Purdue has a balanced attack, ranking sixth in the Big Ten in both passing and rushing yards per game. This team prides themselves on not being predictable and keeping the defense on their heels, making them a tough matchup.
Weaknesses:
Purdue has struggled defensively this year, particularly against the run. Opponents are able to gash the Boilermakers for 185.67 yards per game. Their passing defense has been abused in the Big Ten, giving up 202.83 yards, which is eighth in the conference. Quarterbacks are able to complete a high percentage of their passes against the Boilermakers, making it hard for them to get off the field or to stop the clock. Purdue ranks 90th in the nation and 9th in the Big Ten in quarterback efficiency. Purdue also struggles protecting the ball and forcing turnovers. The Boilermakers rank 9th in the Big Ten in turnover margin, and are tied for 74th in the nation. Purdue also struggles keeping their quarterback upright, allowing 2.25 sacks per game, 80th nationally and eighth in the Big Ten. Teams will certainly be able to move the ball on the Boilermakers.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: Ralph Bolden, RB, 674 yards
Passing: Caleb TerBush, QB, 1,804 yards
Receiving: Antavian Edison, WR, 561 yards
Tackles: Dwayne Beckfrod, LB, 91
Sacks: Kawann Short, DT, 6.5
Interceptions: Ricardo Allen, CB, 3
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 174.67 (41st in the nation, 6th in conference)
Passing Offense: 196.75 (83, 6)
Total Offense: 371.42 (79, 7)
Scoring Offense: 26.08 (69, 7)
Rushing Defense: 185.67 (89, 10)
Pass Defense: 202.83 (39, 8)
Total Defense: 388.50 (68, 9)
Scoring Defense: 26.42 (61, 9)
Turnover Margin: -.17 (74, 9)
Sacks: 1.75 (71, 7)
Sacks Allowed: 2.25 (80, 8)
