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Purdue aims to turn four-game lessons into results after bye

On3 imageby: Tom Dienhart19 hours agoTomDienhart1
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(Krockover Photography)

The to-do list for Barry Odom and his staff during the bye week was lengthy. Among the issues tended to: The defense.

“Anytime that you start the game off, giving up an explosive play …,” said Odom in reference to Notre Dame scoring on a 66-yard TD pass on its first play. … As the game continued to unfold, we didn’t get off blocks. We didn’t play on their side of the line of scrimmage much.”

On and on it went during a long day in South Bend that saw the Irish win, 56-30. The loss at Notre Dame marked the second game in succession that Purdue did not force a punt. The opposition hasn’t punted in 24 possessions vs. Purdue. The last punt forced? It came in the third quarter of the victory against Southern Illinois in Week Two.

The good news from South Bend? Purdue forced its first turnover of the season, coming on a fumble following a sack.

“There were some things that we tweaked as the game was going on …,” said Odom. “There were some spots that I thought that we did some good things, but just obviously not good enough to play and win against a good team like they were on offense.

“So, we’ve got to be better. And we’ve made a lot of strides, in my opinion, to get better defensively in the last few days.”

Purdue is No. 15 of 18 schools in the Big Ten in total defense (370.3 ypg) and No. 16 in scoring defense (26.5 ppg).

The good news: Plenty of time remains for Purdue (2-2 overall; 0-1 Big Ten). And its next opportunity is Saturday in Ross-Ade Stadium when No. 22 Illinois (4-1; 1-1) visits for a noon ET kickoff on BTN.

The defense isn’t the only area that needs work. The offense has struggled to consistently run the ball. How sluggish has the going been? Purdue is No. 17 in the Big Ten in rushing (106.3 ypg). The Boilermakers’ 3.1 yards per carry is last in the Big Ten. Purdue has one run over 20 yards, and that’s by QB Ryan Browne (26 yards).

“I think it’s game planning,” said Odom.” I think it’s blocking at the point of attack. I think it’s making an extra guy miss. I think it’s running tough. … When I say blocking at the point of attack, it isn’t always offensive line. It’s receivers on the perimeter, it’s a tight end, either at the point of attack or second level. It’s quarterback on the ball fakes, it’s quarterback run game.”

The clock is ticking on the 2025 season. October shapes up as a possible make-or-break month for Purdue. And it starts vs. a stout Illini team. That’s followed by games at Minnesota and at Northwestern before concluding at home vs. Rutgers.

“We’re excited about our opportunities here coming up, starting here at home against Illinois.” said Odom

MORE: First Look: Illinois | First and 10: Illinois

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