FanNation - The Republic of Sport

            When I was a kid, I used to put pennies on the railroad track for passing trains to crush.  My dad warned me that I shouldn't do it because I could cause a train to derail.  Even a dumb kid like me couldn't believe a penny on the track could derail a train. 

            Childhood memories were stirred again this past Saturday when the unlikely almost happened.  The Boilermaker football season was almost derailed by an Indian-headed penny, the Central Michigan Chippewas.  

            Purdue managed to flatten Central Michigan 32-25 with 1:17 left in the game.  The victory was important for the team and a couple individuals.  For "team Purdue," this was a come-from-behind victory captured in the least amount of time remaining on the clock.  Purdue has struggled to win close games under Tiller so this was a much needed confidence jolt for both players and coaches.  Individually, Coach Joe Tiller became the winningest coach in Purdue history surpassing Jack Mollenkopf.  For Korey Sheets, his winning touchdown sprint of 46 yards usurped former Tampa Bay running back and alum Mike Alstott on the total touchdown record in Purdue football history.  Sheets is only one touchdown away of matching Alstott's all time Purdue rushing touchdown record.  With Sheets averaging two touchdowns a game this season, Alstott's record is definitely on life support.  Given his intensity and spirit to this team, Sheets will definitely pull the plug on that record this weekend in South Bend. 

            The Chippewas gave Purdue just about more than they could handle.  After the game, it was rumored more noise was coming from Central Michigan's locker room rather the victors.  Despite the last minute loss, Central was celebrating a very near victory against a Big Ten team.  Purdue should've been just happy enough to walk away with a win and a couple individual records.  Despite a third consecutive week of great defensive play where Central Michigan quarterback Dan LeFevour was sacked four times, quarterback Curtis Painter turned out a less-than-stellar performance.  Tiller denied reports he warned the fifth year senior he'd be benched and back up quarterback Joey Elliot would play if Painter didn't improve on his next offensive series.  For this win, thank the defense, especially former-walk-on-now-starter Frank Duong who intercepted a LeFevour pass and ran it back for a touchdown breaking a 10-10 tie.  Laurels also go to Kory Sheets who had another enthusiastic day despite not breaking the 100 yard mark for rushing against a surprisingly good and surprising defensive effort by Central Michigan.   I'm curious if there's another Boiler fan wondering why Curtis Painter has his own website linked to the main Purdue Football website (http://www.curtispainter12.com/) or when it's going to disappear from the site?

            Boiler fans probably already know Purdue travels to South Bend to meet with their northern rival Notre Dame this weekend.  This is a well anticipated game each year since 1946 and the 80^th time since these two teams first met in 1896.  But be warned Purdue faithful, this annual game is likely to fall off the schedule due to changes last year in the way Notre Dame schedules games and Big Ten rumors of another team joining the conference to round it to an even dozen. Enjoy it while you can. 

            Up until the past few years, this game was typically won by less than seven points and always in the final minutes.  Many a Boilermaker and Irish fan have a favorite memory from this annual battle.  Last year's dismal Irish team is history and in 2008 Notre Dame is showing some propensity to play.  They narrowly squeezed by San Diego State and trounced an essentially rebuilt and barely tested Michigan team.  Last week, the Michigan State Spartans dominated them 23-7 at home and Spartan running back Javon Ringer ripped 200 yards from the Irish defense.  So what kind of Irish team will greet the Boilermakers on Saturday?  Various press reports say Notre Dame isn't much improved over last year.  The Spartans sacked quarterback Jimmy Clausen three times and limited the Irish to 16 yards rushing.  Still, Clausen found six different receivers for 242 yards.  With that, Clausen has his best performance of his Notre Dame career.  Despite naysayers who fondly recall golden years of winning records and bowl games, the Irish can score, that is, if the offensive line can protect the quarterback. 

            Defensively, Notre Dame does a pretty good job.  Against Michigan State, Notre Dame blitzed quite a bit but even Charlie Weis said afterwards they'd have to try something different with Curtis Painter and the Boilermakers.  The Irish defense is built around a cadre of returning players and like Purdue, the defense is credited for keeping them in the game. 

            If Purdue wins on Saturday, Tiller will round out his record against the Irish at an even .500.  Thought the Irish are favored by a slim margin, Purdue's success will largely rest on Painter's ability to develop a consistent throwing game and the defense's ability to stop the pass.  Notre Dame has a notoriously bad running game and has managed to rush for only 234 yards in three games.  By pressuring the Notre Dame passing game, Purdue appears capable of shutting down the Irish offense.  The Boilermaker offense should be able to move down the tracks steadily but it would be greatly aided by more reliable and confident quarterback play.  Tiller believes in only a one quarterback position that is competitively decided each week in practice.  For now, in Tiller's professional thinking, Painter is still the best for Purdue. 

            This week's game promises a little more tailgate time.  Kick off in South Bend is at 3:30.  With a little luck and a lot of Boiler pride, let's put the Irish on the rail like a penny and mash them down with a fast express back to West Lafayette.  Boiler Up!