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Gold and Black Radio: Purdue-Southern Illinois preview show

by: Derek Schultz09/05/25
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Gold and Black Radio


The staff of GoldandBlack.com and host Derek Schultz break down all facets of Purdue’s matchup with Southern Illinois on Saturday night (Sept. 6) in Ross-Ade Stadium: opponent analysis, keys to the game, historical view and much more.

Audio only

Purdue-Southern Illinois key matchup

(an excerpt from Jordan Jones’ Matchup Preview)

Purdue running game versus Southern Illinois against the run

Though the Boilermaker offense shined in the season opener, Purdue did most of its damage through the air. Ball State’s defensive approach dared Purdue to air it out, and it did so with success. Still, even when taking out sack losses, Purdue’s run game averaged just 3.5 yards per carry in the opener.

Devin Mockobee saw the bulk of the carries from the running back room, getting 14 carries for 59 yards. He eclipsed the 2,500 career rushing yard mark in the opener as he continues to escalate on the all-time rushing list. Antonio Harris received just three carries, and Malachi Thomas added two, showing how far Mockobee stands ahead the rest on the depth chart. Ryan Browne scampered for a touchdown, and Purdue will undoubtedly look to use his legs often this season.

Southern Illinois smothered the overmatched Thomas More run game, holding it to less than two yards per carry, though sack losses impacted that total. The Saluki defense racked up six tackles for loss, a strong start after a rough 2024 season. A year ago, opponents ran for more than 170 yards per game against Southern Illinois. The linebacker spot seems to be the strength of SIU’s defense, led by Colin Bohanek and Andrew Behm. New defensive coordinator Lee Pronschinske saw Purdue limited on the ground by a stacked box a week ago. His approach against Purdue could tell us how he feels about his group.

Pregame: First Look: Southern Illinois | First and 10: Southern Illinois | Five takeaways: Purdue coach Barry Odom’s Monday press conference | Saturday’s dance moves just the start for Purdue’s Michael Jackson III | The 3-2-1: Talking pretty passes, goose eggs, loafs, ubiquitous DB and more | Opponent View: Southern Illinois | 345 pound Chops Harkless hungry to make mark on Purdue defense |

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