Purdue Boilermakers Football: How the Boilermakers Can Dismantle the Rice Owls

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EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 12: Ralph Bolden #23 of the Purdue Boilermakers runs the ball against the Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium on September 12, 2009 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images

Purdue Football opened their season with a tight victory over Middle Tennessee State at home on Saturday. Now that the first, but close, victory is out of the way, they head on to face the Rice Owls.

With Rice on their heels following a close victory, they definitely have some improving to do if they plan on winning this game without the grace of a home environment.

Here are some keys to victory for Purdue as they travel to Texas for this battle.

Establish Ralph Bolden Early

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With the passing game up in the air right now, it is very important to get out and run early. The way Ralph Bolden looked a week ago, he will be a key in this outing for the Boilermakers to come out victorious.

Bolden rushed 17 times for 120 yards, but did not get in the end zone—which seemed to be a big problem for the Boilermakers all together.

Limit Penalties

AUBURN, AL - NOVEMBER 06: NCAA referee Ken Williamson signals the start of play as the Auburn Tigers play against the Chattanooga Mocs November 6, 2010 at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Alabama. (Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)

Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images

The Boilermakers had 11 penalties for 95 yards against Middle Tennessee, which really hampered their success throughout the day and killed their momentum.

If Purdue wants to show up and win this game, they will need to show more poise and limit penalties.

Prepare for a Balanced Offense

HOUSTON - SEPTEMBER 04: Head coach David Bailiff of the Rice Owls during game action against the Texas Longhorns at Reliant Stadium on September 4, 2010 in Houston, Texas. Texas won 34-17. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images)

Bob Levey/Getty Images

Rice is one of those teams that does not favor either running or passing. They ran 60 plays against Texas: 30 running and 30 passing.

Purdue will need to really prepare for a balanced attack against the Boilermakers and surely some deep attacks through the air.

Win the Turnover Margin

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 23: Terrelle Pryor #2 of the Ohio State Buckeyes looks for running room as Ricardo Allen #21 of the Purdue Boilermakers defends at Ohio Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

Purdue had two turnovers against MTS and will need to limit those against Rice. Rice took away the ball from Texas once, but will be looking to strip the Boilermakers.

It's essential for Purdue to win this margin.

Tighten Up the Pass Defense

COLUMBUS, OH - OCTOBER 23: Robert Maci #58 of the Purdue Boilermakers returns an interception against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium on October 23, 2010 in Columbus, Ohio. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images)

Jamie Sabau/Getty Images

The Boilermakers gave up way too many passing yards in their opener. Middle Tennessee threw for 330 yards on the Boilermakers, which showed an obvious sign of weakness on Purdue's end.

Purdue needs to get more pressure on the quarterback and tighten up the corners.

Stick with Terbush

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Robert Marve is rumored to be almost ready to go out and play, but it would be a bad decision to go with Marve for the Boilers.

Marve hasn't played a game for an entire year. Going into a road environment, it would not be a great decision to start him.

The Boilers need to stick with what is working and Terbush is that for now.

James Evens serves as a National Featured Columnist for college football and basketball, as well as the FC for the Purdue Boilermakers. Follow him on Twitter or like him on Facebook.

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