Here's an exceprt from the blue ribbon season preview on Purdue. It looks pretty encouraging, which of course means that we're doomed.
BLUE RIBBON ANALYSIS
OFFENSE: A; SPECIAL TEAMS: B; DEFENSE: C-; INTANGIBLES: B
Purdue might have the best offense in America, but if the Boilers can't stop anybody, it won't matter.
With the front seven going through nearly a complete overhaul, the defense will depend on cornerback Rogers and strong safety Pollard to lead the transition. If the Boilers can survive the problems that typically come with an inexperienced defense early in the season, and get better every week, they have an offense that's capable of steam-rolling anyone.
Quarterback Orton, receiver Stubblefield and kicker Ben Jones are three of the top players in the country at their respective positions. And the running game trio of Void, Jones and Brooks is vastly underrated. About the only question mark on offense is how much the loss of center Nick Hardwick and tackle Kelly Butler to the NFL will affect the line.
The schedule provides a few challenges, but overall is in Purdue's favor. Non-conference foes Syracuse, Illinois and Notre Dame hardly strike fear into their opponents as they may have done several seasons ago. The Boilers also have three of the best Big Ten teams (Wisconsin, Michigan and Ohio State) at home, with the only major road challenge at Iowa.
Overall, it's hard to figure Purdue's chances considering the sheer number of personnel losses on defense. Because of that, the unit is definitely below average entering the season. However, if the defense can raise its level to at least average, the Boilers' offense could again put the team in position to gain at least a share of the Big Ten title when the Buckeyes visit Ross-Ade Stadium on Nov. 13.
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