No. 45-Purdue Boilermakers, Big-Ten Conference, Odds to win a national championship 350-1.
On paper, the Purdue Boilermakers football team looks like a Big Ten team to be reckoned with in the upcoming 2007 season. A 7-5 regular season should be expected and an 8-4 or better is a possibility. Quarterback Curtis Painter , previously overshadowed in the league by Ohio State’s Troy Smith and Michigan’s Chad Henne, should step out into his own his senior year and challenge Henne as the top-quarterback in the league. In 2006 Painter was the leagues top passing and total offense leader.
Under Painter, the Boilermaker offense, which put up a 26.0 point per average per game, was 46th nationally with the sixth most potent passing attack. Painter himself threw for 3,985 yards for a 59.4% completion average and 22 touchdowns to 19 interceptions. Expect Dorien Bryant to be Painters top aerial go to guy. Bryant brought down 87 receptions last year for 1,068 yards and six touchdowns. Selwyn Lymon and Greg Orton finish out the potent three wide attack that opponents fear.
The Boilermakers running game is a work in progress but much attention is being paid to it. The starting running back position is up for grabs as Kory Sheets and Jaycen Taylor compete to be served by a veteran frontline.
The right side of the line returns both starters – all-conference guard Jordan Grimes and center Robbie Powell bolster the Boilermaker’s inside presence for what was the nation’s 76th-ranked running game, one that often has no lead blocker employed. Jon Patton and Garret Miller both had off-season shoulder surgery, keeping the two juniors out of spring drills and also keeping the development of the left side unknown until they are back. Miller should challenge Dan Zaleski for the left tackle start, while 6’7 Eric Hedstrom has to hold off Patton at left guard.
Defensively middle linebacker Dan Bick (95 tackles, 59 solo) will be the anchor. With a defense that could stop neither the run nor the pass, Purdue needs more muscle in the frontline. There's some good experience and speed here but not a lot of bulk. Everyone is looking to senior defensive end Cliff Avril to be the man upfront. The middle of the frontline and secondary are both questionable.
Possibly the key to a successful season will be the defenses’ ability to shut down opposing offenses. If that can happen, Purdue will be a major contender.
