Purdue Football: Grading the Boilermakers' Performance Against Ball State
After a tough loss against Notre Dame in South Bend, the Boilermakers began a three-game homestand with a 31-21 victory against Western Illinois. The Boilermakers gave up 406 total yards against a MAC school. Nothing against the MAC, but if the Boilermakers defense doesn't improve, we will be getting run over, like Boise State if they were to get in the National Championship.
A few bright spots did come from the game against Western Illinois. Purdue ran for 227 yards combined, which was a big improvement from the 102 yards rushed against Notre Dame. Dan Dierking rushed for 102 yards and two touchdowns, while Al Terek McBurse rushed for 81 yards and a touchdown, including a 40-yard slashing run that was worthy of an appearance in the Top 10.
Although generally a great offensive performance by the Boilermakers, they suffered a devastating blow. Wideout Keith Smith went down on a sideline tackle and tore his ACL. Purdue fans know all too well about ACL injuries after losing Robbie Hummel last year in basketball.
After the defeat of Western Illinois, Purdue moved on to face an in-state rival in Ball State, a very weak football team. They even lost to Liberty this year. Now I'm not inferring anything, but in the words of Charles Barkley, "That's just terrible."
So let's get straight to it. Here is a grading of the slim 24-13 victory by the Boilermakers.
Offense
1 of 5
Grade: B-
The Boilermakers offense looked decent against the Cardinals. They gained 200 yards passing and 203 yards rushing, which was a well balanced gameplan although more rushes were attempted than passes.
Robert Marve finished the game 12-20 passing with two touchdowns. Marve had some accuracy issues throughout the game, and had trouble finding open receivers, which has been a persistent problem throughout the year.
Marve ended up leaving the game with an apparent knee injury. He was replaced by Rob Henry, who was 3-6 passing for 89 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown pass to Cortez Smith. Henry also carried the ball 10 times for 65 yards leading the team in rushing.
With Al Terek McBurse out with an injury, and Dan Dierking not 100 percent, the Boilermakers needed Rob Henry to step up and rush for 65 yards. Sophomore running back Antavian Edison emerged as a decent back recording 55 yards against Ball State.
Cortez Smith emerged as the leading candidate to replace injured wideout Keith Smith. Smith (no relation) finished with five catches for 117 yards including two touchdown catches.
Purdue looked okay offensively, but there is still lots to improve before Toledo and the Big Ten especially if the Boilermakers have bowl aspirations.
Defense
2 of 5
Grade: B+
Purdue's defense allowed 256 total yards against Ball State, only 106 of them being passing yards, which is impressive. It seems as though the secondary is finally starting to show up, although again it was against Ball State. Purdue intercepted the ball twice in key situations that allowed them to secure the win.
Another great thing that came out of the game against Ball State was Purdue's red zone defense. The Boilermakers made key stops to force field goals and turnovers in the red zone.
Special Teams
3 of 5
Grade: A-
Purdue's special teams looked decent against the Cardinals. Carson Wiggs has still got a leg, making three extra points and one field goal. In warmups before the game, I witnessed Wiggs kick at 67-yard field goal with plenty of distance. There was no wind at that point in the morning.
Although an overall good performance by the special teams, Purdue still needs to work on punting and covering kickoffs. Purdue allowed only one return, albeit for 67 yards, due to numerous Wiggs' touchbacks.
When the kickoff is not in the end zone, Purdue needs to work on their coverage. Punting is another problem. Wiggs only averaged 39 yards a punt, and has been incredibly inconsistent in his punting throughout the season
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Coaching
4 of 5
Grade: C
The playcalling against Ball State wasn't horrible. It was a good mixture of screens, passes, and runs on offense, and a great combination of blitzes on defense. However I give the coaching a C because of the penalty yards. Purdue was hit with six penalties for 68 yards. It was like watching pee wee football. The false start penalties are inexcusable at home, and this issue needs to be addressed this week in practice.
Overall
5 of 5
Grade: B-
Purdue has a lot of growing up to do before they get to the Big Ten schedule. Toledo will be a test this coming week if a lot of these issues are not fixed, and most certainly every team in the Big Ten will be a problem.
If Purdue doesn't figure out how to get their act together, it will be a long year for Boilermaker fans and will make them look even more forward to basketball season. That starts in 47 days but who is counting?
Purdue will need to do a lot of growing up before Northwestern in a few weeks if they expect to be competitive in conference.
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