Curtis Painter is expected to start his 36th straight game for Purdue this weekend in South Bend. Last year in West Lafayette, Painter threw 37 times and called the run 42 times against the Irish en route to a 33 - 19 win. After a strong start this year, Purdue expects to win and if not for Oregon's win in overtime, this would have had Purdue going for their 4th win in a row in the 2008 season. Painter, however, will see a different team from a year ago.
The faster defensive line under Corwin Brown and John Tenuta should keep things interesting early and the Irish will have their hands full with the Kory Sheets and Curtis Painter combination. Unable to stop the run in the first three games, the Irish will have to slow down Sheets who has an average of 117 yards per game with 6 TD's since the beginning of the season. I personally believe that Sheets is better than Javon Ringer from Michigan State who racked up 100 yards in the first 3 quarters last week. What I believe makes Sheets a bigger threat is the leadership that Painter has on the field where you have a guy that can call his own plays. No doubt, the pass defence will be better than last year, the rush defence is what will determine the outcome of the game.
The Notre Dame offense is just picking up steam, players under Clausen are getting more comfortable and should be able to score at least 3 TD's. I want to give one TD to the defense or special team which would put the Irish around 30 points for the game.
IF the Irish can hold Sheets to his average production, which has been difficult all year long, I don't see how the Boilermakers can steal this one in South Bend.
Melanie Fitzpatrick
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That's the intent. They'll be there and if the A game shows up, Purdue will lose.
michelchiasson on…
Moncton, NB
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I thought this was an interesting statement: "The Notre Dame offense is just picking up steam....". As of the MSU game the ND offense dropped from #85 in the nation to #108. That is #108 against teams that include a disabled Michigan and the #126 team in the nation, San Diego State.
Right now I can't really figure out of if ND's failure is due to lack of talent, poor coaching or just a lackadaisical mental approach. Because they were so bad last year and their is no improvement, I will have to vote for "lack of talent".
While I would love a big ND win over Purdue, I would rather bet my money on Bear Stearns or Washington Mutual than the Irish.
Email me at: dcoff9@hotmail.com
Noahawk
Tucson , AZ
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