Week 9 of Purdue Football 2008 | Boiler Jim's Blog

"Headaches and heartaches and all kinds of pain all the part of a railroad train.
Sweat and toil the good and the grand part of the life of a railroad man," sang Johnny Cash about railroad man Casey Jones. He might as well been singing it about this year's Purdue football fans.

Having dropped another home heartbreaker to the Minnesota Golden Gophers, Purdue now faces the prospect of tying the longest losing streak of the Tiller era this weekend. Minnesota broke their 18 year losing streak at Ross Ade with a 17-6 victory last Saturday. Purdue's offensive capability was seriously hampered by a Curtis Painter shoulder sprain that forced third string quarterback Justin Siller to pick up the reigns. Despite a good defensive effort, Siller's limited playing experience never got the Boilermakers an opportunity to move the ball effectively.

Purdue's offense is on life support. For the fifth time in eight games, there was a different offensive line variation. This isn't something you normally see this far into a season. Injuries have plagued the offensive line and it was only a matter of time before Purdue's quarterback corps felt it the hard way. Still, there was something positive to be said about the Minnesota game. The Boilermaker defense held Minnesota's offense to its second-lowest point total and the second-fewest total yards of the season. Recalling the game turning potency of Minnesota receiver Eric Decker, the secondary held him to a season-low 51 yards receiving, not to mention snagging an interception off quarterback Adam Weber which was only his third of the year. Purdue's defense has kept the score respectable but the lack of an offense kept victory illusive.

Coming into Ross Ade Stadium this week is another team facing a similar season as Purdue, the Michigan Wolverines. Despite fielding a senior-laden defense, Michigan, too, has had an ineffective offense because of a rebuilt, inexperienced freshman-filled roster. Unlike Purdue, the Michigan offense is gaining momentum each week as the playbook develops. For Purdue, the offensive playbook has shrunk. Tiller is uncertain if Painter will be able to play this Saturday. He assumes he will but prepares as if he won't. When asked about Siller, Tiller says he will play some on Saturday but Painter's health will ultimately determine how much playing time the freshman shares with the senior.

Last year, Michigan ran over the Boilermakers in "the Big House" by scoring 41 unanswered points largely due to mistakes. Mistakes will be evident on both sides of the offensive lines this week. The question remains, "which defensive unit will capitalize on them"?

Michigan has had quarterback problems of their own. According to Michigan head coach Rich Rodriguez, Steve Threet is starting because he's the best quarterback they have right now. Threet has started seven of Michigan's eight games and has completed 89-of-172 passes for 960 yards and seven touchdowns this season. Nick Sheridan has also appeared behind center. The running backs and receivers are freshman so there are no early standouts. You can count on freshman running back Sam McGuffie to do the majority of the work though Threet likes to run as well.

Defensively, Michigan Coach Rodriguez complains about his defensive secondary's accuracy like Tiller bemoans Painter's passing. Overall, Michigan is sixth in the Big Ten in rushing defense (126.6 avg.). They are ninth in the Big Ten in total defense, allowing 377.5 yards per contest. More importantly perhaps, Michigan hasn't won an away game this year.

Both Purdue and Michigan expected a different season. While Joe Tiller is wrapping up a head coach career, Rich Rodriguez is starting a new one with the Wolverines. Both coaches should be enjoying themselves but with similar seasons of unrealized possibilities, Tiller and Rodriguez are probably hoping for a quick end to the season. Tiller isn't waving a white flag just yet and Michigan is still talking like they have a bowl game shot though they'd have to win out to get one. The same goes for Purdue. A victory on Saturday is a step towards winning out and qualifying for a bowl game. That's not a likely scenario for either team but as the cliché goes, miracles do happen.

This weekend's game is likely to be a very low scoring affair unless turnovers are cashed in for more than good field position. Still, field position will be key as field goals will likely determine the outcome. Purdue has home field advantage and that in itself is a huge asset on the spread sheet this week.

It's a hard season Purdue fans. Don't doff the paper bags just yet. Boiler Up and let's ride the Wolverines out on a rail.