FanNation - The Republic of Sport

            The best 1-3 team in college football? C'mon. 

            In the world of sports writing, some scrub scribe is tying to polish the accomplishments of a less-than-stellar performing team.  The true value in football remains the game's final score. 

            Purdue's three losses were decided by less than a dozen points.  In two of the games, final plays determined victor and loser.  Unfortunately, Purdue painted the big "L" on their foreheads.  But for now, those three losses are a thing of the past.  Purdue starts with a clean slate this Saturday against the Northewestern Wildcats when their Big Ten season begins.

            Yes, a trip to the Rose Bowl is a possibility! 

            Purdue comes into the Homecoming match-up ranked 32^nd in the nation in total offense.  Joey Elliot is ranked #2 in the Big Ten in passing yardage and Ralph Bolden is still the top conference rusher despite becoming bore sighted by opponents.  There's little doubt Purdue's pre-season conference games provided the necessary seasoning to what is the season's meat and potatoes. 

            There's little doubt Purdue's record would be better if mistakes weren't made along the travels so far.  Fumbles in the Oregon game cost a victory and last week's heartbreaking penalties certainly shaped the outcome against the Irish game.  But the biggest gaff of the season so far didn't occur on the field.  It happened last Sunday after the Notre Dame game when Coach Danny Hope defended his decision to use a time out in the closing minute of the game.

            Hope's call for a time out when Notre Dame was second and goal with seconds to play seemed reasonable.  You want to make sure you have the right defense out there, right?  Hind sight is a great educator.  Upon further review, the best choice would've been to let Notre Dame run the clock without the benefit of any remaining time outs.  In all likelihood, the Irish offense would've downed the ball to stop the clock and then play their last hand for the score.  In stud poker terms, it was "all in" for the Irish.  A wasted down and a stopped clock would've given Purdue the chance to check the defense for that one last play.  Additionally, they could've used a time out just in case they didn't like the offensive line up.  Instead, Hope's time out gave Notre Dame had two chances to score and they won on their second attempt. 

            Danny Hope defends his game time decision and is convinced it was the right thing to do.  According to fan blogs and even Notre Dame coach Charlie Weiss, it was a mistake.

            In his defense, Hope explained the need for time on the clock so Purdue could counter the expected Notre Dame scored.  His reasoning translates to a vote of no confidence in the Boilermaker defense's ability to stop the Irish from scoring in ONE PLAY.  The odds of stopping Notre Dame from scoring on one more play was seemingly better than being able to run back a kick off and kick a field goal or score a touchdown with a couple dozen seconds remaining.  If Pontiac wasn't cash strapped and still sponsored those "game changing" moment commercials, Hope's time out call would be one of this week's nominees.   But In the end, all the blame can't befall Coach Hope.  Purdue's entire game play must be more dominant so the outcome isn't decided on late game heroics. 

            This week at Ross Ade, Purdue's Homecoming features a familiar opponent for just such an occasion.  Homecoming games for any school typically features a team that can be overcome, leaving alumni feeling good about alma mater.  Facing off against Purdue is the Big Ten's best quarterback in passing yardage, Northwestern's Mike Kafka.   Kafka was 32 for 47 last week with two touchdown passes in a losing effort against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.  Northwestern does try to run the ball but by and large, their passing attack is what keeps them in the game.  The Wildcat scoring drives averaged 77 yards.  Furthermore, Kafka doesn't have a favorite passing target.  Six Wildcat receivers collected four or more passes each. 

            Kafka is vulnerable to a pass rush.  He's been sacked four times in the last two games.  His ability to throw and continue his record setting pace of pass attempts won't stop in West Lafayette.  The true test of the Boilermaker defense will be whether or not they can put pressure on the quarterback.  Purdue's defensive backfield has not panned out to be the experienced group hyped during the preseason by the black and gold sports information department.  Fans should be confident in the Boilermaker's ability to shut down the run as they did in the second half against Notre Dame.  For Northwestern, can their defensive unit stop a wily ball carrier in Ralph Bolden?  Elliot is not in the passing leagues of a Mike Kafka but Purdue's offense is more multidimensional than the Wildcat aerial attack. 

            Northwestern arrives at Ross Ade with a 2-2 record.  Both Wildcat losses were the result of last minute scores.  Sound familiar?  They could be riding the rails on Kafka's arm with a 4-0 record quite easily.  Given the familiar game ending histories of both Purdue and Northwestern this season, perhaps the team with the most desire to win will be the true test. 

            A new season begins for Purdue as the conference opens at Ross Ade.  The pre-season schedule wasn't exactly a University of Florida cakewalk agenda.  Purdue is well prepared for what lies ahead.  Eliminate mistakes and improved tackling will no doubt change the outcome of Saturday afternoons in Purdue's near future.