Posted by: Pete Quinn, Partner – Summit Realty Group and Radio Color Analyst for Purdue Football
Photo courtesy of John Underwood Photographer / Purdue
I know I have the reputation of being a bit optimistic when it comes to Purdue Athletics. One of our listeners refers to me as “Proton Pete” because I am always positive. That doesn’t bother me in the least. I have a lot of confidence and admiration for Coach Darrell Hazell and I like what he is doing with the team.
I saw a lot of things that we need to do much better to have a winning season this year. Our run defense really struggled and our passing game struggled at times. But there was a lot that I liked Saturday. My personal highlights:
- The offensive line had a great day. The five starters played the entire game and did not allow a sack and helped the offense score 43 points and rack up 226 rushing yards. As their confidence grows and they learn to play together, this line could be very good.
- The combination of Raheem Mostert and Akeem Hunt will be fun to watch. Both backs have the ability to make a big play whenever they get their hands on the ball.
- QB Danny Etling is going to continue to get better as he gains more experience and learns to trust his line. No turnovers in the season opener is something to build on.
- Seven different receivers had receptions led by tight end Justin Sinz, who had 7 receptions and a TD. When you get Danny Anthrop, BJ Knauf, Hunt and Mostert in the open field, good things can happen. Purdue has a lot of weapons.
- Safety Frankie Williams looked like an All American and was named to the Paul Hornung Weekly Honor Roll (1 of 4 players nationally). An interception, two passes broken up and two great punt returns put him in the running for MVP of the game.
- When the game got tight, the team responded.
- Paul Griggs was three for three in field goalsand two of them were over 50 yards. Ian MacDougall had 7 touchbacks on kick offs. We only had 6 touchbacks the entire season last year. I know the wind played a role but I will take it.
- The South End Zone was a huge success and I think the fans very much enjoyed the experience. After a brutal winter, the field looked fantastic.
- Volleyball Coach Dave Shondell gave one of the all-time best shout out talks at the end of the third quarter that I have ever heard. He was awesome and got the crowd into the game.
- The Ross-Ade Brigade got to the game early and stayed until the end. They can be difference makers for the Boilers.
The crowd was small, but loud and proud. I am hoping that a few more Boilers will find a way to get to the game Saturday and show this team that we are behind them. Success breeds success. When a team begins to realize that they can win they start to expect to win. I hope to see you at the game Saturday and let’s back our Boilers.