[BigdaddyQH]

Under normal circumstances, this game, being played on 9/4, would not amount to much. After all, Notre Dame has dominated this series. But this year, is not normal circumstances.

Purdue shocked everyone last year by winning 5 games, and coming very close to qualifying for a bowl spot. How close? A two point loss to Pac 10 champ Oregon, a 3 point loss to the above mentioned Notre Dame, and a 3 point loss to Michigan State. That is how close Purdue was to an 8 win season. They return 6 starters on offense, and have QB Robert Marve, a transfer from Miami, eligable to play this season. Points should not be a problem for Purdue. They lose 6 starters on defense, and get hit very hard in the secondary, where all 4 starters are gone. Last year Purdue's defense was their undoing, giving up 28 or more points in 8 games. Huge improvment will be needed this year from that unit.

The Irish start with a new coach, once again. Charlie Weis is gone, replaced by Brian Kelly, who some see as a Charlie Weis clone. The Irish lose 5 starters on offense, including QB Jimmy Clausen from last year's team. Potential starting QB Cirst is recovering from shoulder surgery. HC Kelly was not happy at all with the teams overall performance on offense this spring. The defense returns 9 starters, which would be great, under normal circumstances, but this defense was abysmal last season. They gave up 30 or more points in 6 of their games last season. The defense was the forgotten unit under Weis, and improvment will be needed for the Irish this season. The defense has been killing the Irish for years now.

This game looks like a rout for the Irish. After all, the game is in South Bend. It is coach Kelly's 1st game. A new chapter in Irish football history will be written. The Golden Dome will glow again. Touchdown Jesus will smile down upon the stadium. Really? Where have we heard that before? While the whole world is watching how the Irish perform, everyone will forget about little ol' Purdue, who did stun Ohio State last year, and covered against the likes of Oregon and Notre Dame. As a matter of fact, Purdue has covered 3 out of the last 4 against the Irish. This game looks like it will be a wild offensive show. If the Irish give away too many points, jump on Purdue. 10 or more would be considered too many. Also, look closely at the total. This game could well end up in the 70's. There will be a lot of pressure on the Irish to win, and win immediately.

Next Up. Pitt at Utah on 9/2.

[Terrapin Station]

Another great write up. Well done.