PSU Preview: Purdue

Game 6

@ (YITBOS Joe Tiller)

Saturday, Oct. 4. 12 noon est. Ross-Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, Indiana

Your sixth ranked Penn State Nittany Lions (5-0, 1-0) travel to Purdue this Saturday for their first Big Ten road game. PSU is coming off of an exhilirating win against Illinois last Saturday night, and will be looking to continue its dominance on offense while improving on an already good defense. Purdue (2-2, 0-0), on the other hand, is coming off a drubbing by the hands of Notre Dame and will be trying to knock the Lions down from their mountain.



What to watch for...

When PSU is on offense: Purdue's defense is not good. Our offense is. More specifically, the Boilermakers are giving up a whopping 439 yards a game, and are 107th in the nation in total defense (99th in rushing defense). PSU, meanwhile, is 9th in the country in total offense (8th rushing) and should have no problem moving the ball on Saturday, especially on the ground. If we limit turnovers, this could be a banner day for the Nittany Lion offense.

When PSU is on defense: Purdue's offense doesn't pose the same challenges that Illinois did, but they can still get it done on. The Boilers are ranked 41st in total offense, and although QB Curtis Painter isn't mobile like Illinois QB Juice Williams, he can sure throw the ball. Purdue will spread us out and make quick passes to negate our defensive speeed, but their offensive line isn't very good, while our D line is. PSU's defense is ranked 14th nationally, and will be more aggressive this week against Painter and Purdue--because Painter isn't a threat to run, they can just collapse things around him. Purdue will need Painter to play much better than he has so far this year (he was a pre-season Heisman candidate), but they may be without their starting running back Kory Sheets, who is a running and receiving threat. That injury won't make it easier on the Boilermakers, and their offense could be in for a long day.

When you toss the entire salt shaker over your shoulder for good luck, and accidentally hit Sea Bass in the booth behind you: buy him and his buddies a couple of Boilermakers to make up for it.

Bottom line: with the early start (11 a.m. Indiana time) and the possible side-effects from last Saturday night, this game has all the makings of a "trap game". Don't count on it, however. Penn State is confident, focused, and hungry. Purdue may keep it close for a little bit, but after adjustments are made, this one shouldn't be a problem.

KNITS Pick...

PSU: 49

Purdue: 13


Game notes...

1. Evan Royster and Navarro Bowman were held out of practice on Monday to rest. Both had minor "bumps" and the coaches wanted them to have a rest day after a high-energy game against Illinois. Both were back practicing on Tuesday, and are fine.

2. Jordan Norwood didn't practice on Monday, and went through light drills on Tuesday. Norwood is still nursing a sore hamstring.

3. Lydell Sargeant didn't practice on Monday. Not sure why.

4. No lime green vest Saturdee, but plenty of white. Look for the ol' 3 quarter-length white sock as well.



LET'S GO STATE!