Purdue ready for its big moment in Big Ten title game
Purdue is ready. At least as ready as it can be to face the undefeated, No. 2 ranked team in the nation on Saturday night in the Big Ten championship game.
This is a David vs. Goliath matchup pitting Purdue (8-4 overall; 6-3 Big Ten) vs. Michigan (12-0; 9-0) in Lucas Oil Stadium with the league title at stake.
For the Wolverines, a bid to the College Football Playoff is on the line. But, most pundits feel even if Michigan gets stunned, it still will go to the four-team playoff. For Purdue, a win would likely mean a trip to the Rose Bowl as Big Ten champ.
“Had a really good week of practice,” said Jeff Brohm on Thursday. “You know, our guys have worked hard all year long. They’ve earned the right to go compete in this type of environment and in this championship level game and I think they’re gonna be ready to play. And I just look forward to watching them compete and go out there and play as hard as they can for 60 minutes.”
• Next chapter in Purdue RB Devin Mockobee’s storybook season: Big Ten title game
• Matchup preview: Purdue-Michigan
• Pressure? Purdue’s feeling none as it preps for one of biggest games in school annals
Aidan O’Connell is back with the team after spending time home in Illinois mourning the death of an older brother last week.
“Aidan was able to get back on Wednesday and has been with us ever since,” said Brohm. “So, I think he understands what we’re trying to do. And he puts in the time and I think while it’s rough, it’s therapeutic for him to be around his buddies and his teammates that care about him and we all do. So, I think he’ll be ready to go.”
O’Connell will need to be on his game vs. a Michigan team that’s formidable on both sides of the ball. Is this the best team Purdue will have faced in 2022?
“Without question, to this point,” said Brohm. “They are extremely talented, both sides of the ball. Can’t really find any weaknesses. They’re very well-coached. They’re battle-tested. Anytime you go into Ohio State and win like they did (45-23), that proves how good of a football team they are. So, yes, this’ll be the best team that we’ve faced.”
Michigan will be without its No. 1 running back Blake Corum, who is third in the Big Ten in rushing (1,463 yards rushing). He was doubtful when the week began but now if out after having gone through knee surgery.
“They still have really good running backs and that’s kind of their M.O.,” said Brohm. “They want to be physical at the point of attack, they want to use their tight ends and linemen and wear the defense down and then hit a couple play-actions off it. So, I’m sure that the game plan for them will stay the same.”
• Grieving Purdue QB Aidan O’Connell plans to play in B1G title game
• Purdue is B1G West champs. Now comes difficult part: Beating Michigan in title game
With Corum limited last week vs. Ohio State, Donovan Edwards stepped up with 216 yards rushing. And quarterback J.J. McCarthy threw for 263 yards and three TDs. Bottom line: Purdue will have its work cut out for it. But, it’s a great opportunity for the program to win its first Big Ten title since 2000 playing just 60 miles from West Lafayette. But know this: Brohm is 3-0 vs. top three teams as Purdue coach, knocking off No. 2 Ohio State in 2018, No. 2 Iowa in 2021 and No. 3 Michigan State in 2021.
“We’re thrilled to death to get to this football game, to represent the West and the Big Ten, to play a high-caliber team like Michigan that’s undefeated and second-ranked in the country with a chance for them to do something special.
“But our guys have put in the work. They’re hungry, they got a chip on their shoulder. They’re out to prove to people what they can do. And that’s what you want. You want to coach a bunch of hungry guys that want to do something special. I know they want to play as well as they can for our fans and for the people that support us and go out there and play a complete football game.”
