One of the more interesting stats from last night was the one put up by BTN acknowledging that Barry Odom is the first Purdue coach to start his time 2-0 since 1916. I knew Purdue football has not been great, but really? 1916? Sure enough, it is right though. Even Purdue’s better coaches all-time dropped one of their first two games. Joe Tiller lost his opener at Toledo. Jim Young lost his opener to Michigan State. Jack Mollenkopf lost his second game to Minnesota.
This 2-0 start was expected. Even
after last year’s disaster, this schedule was set up to start 2-0. It is exactly what this team of parts thrown together for the first time needed. What’s encouraging is that the Boilermakers were dominant in this start. Ball State never really threatened Purdue. Southern Illinois hung around for a quarter, but the Boilers dominated the last three.
It was also basic stuff too. Purdue did not show a lot in either victory, but fundamentals and coaching were enough. We’re not exactly booking plane tickets for Pasadena yet, but a pair of comfortable wins in games that were expected to be just that is progress.
So how does the rest of the Big Ten look? Here is week 2 in a nutshell.
Northwestern 42, Western Illinois 7 – Nothing to see here other than the expected blowout of a bad FCS team.
Maryland 20, Northern Illinois 9 – This was a close game until the fourth quarter and the Terps should be concerned they only scored 20. The defense did an admirable job.
Ohio State 70, Grambling 0 – At least the bands were good.
Penn State 34, Florida International 0 – This one was close for a long time, but FIU could not get over the hump and get the score they needed to really pressure Penn State.
Oregon 69, Oklahoma State 3 – Oklahoma State played this one like Ryan Walters & Purdue at Indiana last year. The Ducks didn’t even need the 4th quarter.
Illinois 45, Duke 19 – An impressive win by the Illini, as they pulled away in the second half 31-6. They might be for real.
Oklahoma 21, Michigan 13 – Not the best game from Bryce Underwood, but that will come in time. John Mateer also did a lot of John Mateer things.
Iowa State 16, Iowa 13 – This was a very ¡EL ASSICO! Game, and Iowa’s final two minute drive was a clinic in what not to do on a two-minute drive if you’re down three points. A fitting ending for ¡EL ASSICO!
Indiana 56, Kennesaw State 9 – This was a much better outing from the Hoosiers, as their defense didn’t give up much of anything. Fernando Mendoza also threw five TDs.
Minnesota 66, Northwestern State 0 – Northwestern State had 42 yards of offense and two first downs. Minnesota was up 59-0. There was no need to play more than a quarter of this game.
Wisconsin 42, Middle Tennessee State 10 – Middle Tennessee State was driving down 14-10 in the third when Wisconsin got a key 4th down stop and never looked back. You still need to be concerned about the Badgers though.
Rutgers 45, Miami-Hydroxide 17 – Another game where a Big Ten team started slow before pulling away. I don’t think the MAC has it this year against the B1G.
Nebraska 68, Akron 0 – There is A LOT of blood in this week’s games.
USC 59, Georgia Southern 20 – The Trojans are going to put up some points next week in West Lafayette. Can Purdue do so as well?
Michigan State 42, Boston College 40 2 OT – The absolute game of the day yesterday. Really close throughout and the finish was fantastic as Michigan State converts the deuce in double OT. Straight banger. Great atmosphere too. I really enjoyed watching the end of this one.
Purdue 34, Southern Illinois 17 – SIU’s first two drives were flawless, including some big third down conversions. Once things settled down and I kind of like that Odom just decided to grind them into paste. Purdue ran the ball 50+ times and Devin Mockobee had 32 carries. Somewhere Joe Tiller is spinning. There is still a lot to clean up, but Purdue is definitely improved.
UNLV 30, UCLA 23 – Very dangerous week for the Bruins this week. If they lose to New Mexico a winless season is on the line. They might be the worst team in the conference.
Washington 70, UC Davis 10 – UC Davis is a good FCS team, too. Get used to seeing Washington in the late night spot and checking up on them on Sunday mornings.
