Seven Adjustments the Purdue Boilermakers Must Make After Notre Dame

After a tough 23-12 defeat at the hands of the Fighting Irish in South Bend, one might think reality has set in on the Boilermakers—the reality that they are no longer facing the practice squad, but instead are facing quality teams, players, athleticism, and coaching.

Although Purdue struggled most of the game, they showed resiliency and tried to mount a second half comeback. Despite a tremendous effort in the second half, the Boilermakers have more to improve on than rescue operations after the Titanic sinking.

Below are seven adjustments that must be made in the wake of Notre Dame.

1. Establish a Running Game

Purdue had 102 rushing yards against Notre Dame. With the absence of star running back Ralph Bolden, who was lost for the season with a torn ACL, Purdue will be looking for someone to step up to the role of lead back.

Senior fullback Dan Dierking got the start at tailback against Notre Dame. He finished the game with nine carries amounting to 56 yards. He seems to be the front runner for the main role in the backfield but could face some stiff competition from young guns coming up the ranks. Sophomore Al-Terek McBurse will need to step up his game if he expects to see a considerable amount of playing time this season.

Establishing a running threat early in the game will allow the offense to go deep and play the more aggressive type of offense that Purdue fans are accustomed to.

2. Air Out the Passing Attack

Let's face it: It is Purdue; Purdue passes. Whether it was Mark Herman, Bob Griese, or Drew Brees, the quarterback and passing offense was the key to success. This "Cradle of Quarterbacks" is hoping to induct a new member come next year in the young Miami transfer Robert Marve. In order to be successful this year, Marve is going to have to take shots. This all starts in the play calling, but it needs to be executed.

Marve has proved he has the arm, but getting the receivers to catch the ball has been another issue. Both Cortez Smith and Justin Siller dropped deep passes against Notre Dame. Establishing Purdue's ability to go deep early in the game will be a major key to the success of the team this year.

3. Win the Turnover Margin

It is a well-known prophecy in the game of football that he who wins the turnover margin wins the game. This is no different for the Boilermakers. The Boilers were one down on the turnover margin this week. Both turnovers came from quarterback Robert Marve.

Interceptions are a part of the game, but hopefully for Purdue, Marve doesn't make this a habit. To Marve's credit, he was facing a veteran defense, with a not so veteran offensive line protecting him.

4. Prevent the Run

Purdue needs to work on stopping the run if it wants to make a bowl this season. Facing a mediocre Notre Dame rushing corps, they gave up 153 yards on the ground. In particular, Armando Allen ran over Purdue, racking up over 100 yards on the ground.

Purdue's defensive line is great at rushing the passer, but it's just as important that they stop the run for Purdue to be successful this season in the Big Ten.

5. Convert Short-Yardage Plays

Purdue was 5-for-17 against the Irish on Saturday in converting third downs. Not all of these situations were short yardage, but a large number were.

For Purdue to win games this season, they will need to convert these short plays. Whether it be to keep a long drive moving or scoring a touchdown, it is important that we get this situation figured out. Establishing the run will further address this problem, but execution is crucial.

6. Offensive Line Execution

No, not literally execute them, but have them execute more blocks successfully. Part of Purdue's problem with converting short-yardage plays is the fact that the offensive line is so young. If the offensive line can grow up quickly, it would be a major advantage when the Big Ten season starts.

Notre Dame is the only major team the Boilermakers are facing outside of conference this season, yet the offensive line will need these out of conference games to prepare for what they will face in the coming weeks.

7. Growing Up

Purdue has a young team this year full of players that have started few games, if any. It is important that the maturity of this team grows as the season moves on. Yes, I'm talking to you, Robert Marve, for doing a rather unnecessary flip into the end zone. You are no longer at the "U"—you are at Purdue. Act like it!

These costly penalties will add up as the season goes on if they are not dealt with, although Danny Hope surely took care of this latest case of stupidity.

If Purdue can successfully implement these changes in the game plan, one would be led to believe that they will be in a bowl game. As for this weekend, the Boilermakers will be facing a decent Western Illinois team that is coming off a 45-0 thumping of Valparaiso (they probably miss Robbie Hummel).

Purdue wins this one easily, 45-10, in a lively Ross-Ade Stadium.