Purdue Football: 3 things I want to see against Minnesota
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — After nearly two weeks since its last game, Purdue finally returns to action Saturday afternoon when they take on Minnesota in the Big Ten opener (3:30 p.m ET. ESPN2).
Since beating Purdue 41-10 last season, Minnesota has won six of its last seven games, including a 34-10 bowl win over Georgia Tech. Purdue will have its work cut out for them facing a Minnesota team that can’t seem to lose, even when it doesn't play all that well.
Here are three things I want to see from Purdue in the conference opener:
1. The passing attack gets back to normal
According to Purdue coach Jeff Brohm, it looks like we may see Elijah Sindelar back under center on Saturday. Sindelar, who missed the last game due to a concussion, has been progressing all week and looks likely to return barring another setback.
This would be huge for the Boilermakers who looked out of sorts in a 34-13 loss to TCU, passing for only 181 yards. Prior to Sindelar’s injury, Purdue was averaging 436 yards per game through the air. Adding Sindelar back to the offense should make things easier for the Purdue offense.
2. Jackson Anthrop's usage
Brohm has stressed repeatedly that the run game needs to improve for Purdue. One way he plans on making that happen is by moving wideout Jackson Anthrop to running back at certain points in the game. Brohm calls him a dynamic player that needs to have the ball in his hands more often.
With how much emphasis Brohm has been putting on Anthrop for the past two weeks, I’m hoping we actually see it happen. The Purdue run game needs to find a way to right the ship, so moving Anthrop can’t hurt. The team is only averaging 50 yards per game on the ground, 129th in the NCAA.
3. Stop the Gophers' running game
The Purdue defense struggled mightily trying to stop the rushing attack of TCU, giving up 346 yards and three touchdowns. For the defense to have to success, that needs to change. This past week, Brohm stressed the importance of being physical and playing downhill as a defense.
With an off week to fix the problems and prepare for a lackluster Minnesota running game, the Boilermakers are in the perfect position to show improvement in this area. Minnesota enters the game averaging just 2.6 yards per carry and 123 yards per game.
