ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF ESPN 98.1 FM – 850 AM WRUF
The Purdue Boilermakers (0-2) are desperately looking to send their fans home happy for the first time this season.
Meanwhile, their opponents on Saturday, the Missouri Tigers (2-0), are off to an impressive start to their season.
Two teams currently headed in different directions will clash from Ross-Ade Stadium in Indiana at 7:30 p.m.
#Mizzou is on @BigTenNetwork tomorrow night. Channel guide 👇 pic.twitter.com/fqxLd0cg2W
— Mizzou Football (@MizzouFootball) September 14, 2018
Early Success for Tigers and QB Lock
Barry Odom’s team was able to open the season with two home victories of over 25 points to UT Martin and Wyoming. They’ll now go on the road, and Odom is making sure his team is up for the challenge.
The Tigers’ new offensive coordinator, Derek Dooley, is known for wanting to have a ground-and-pound offense. But Missouri’s offense has largely leaned on senior quarterback Drew Lock‘s great play.
Lock has already thrown for four touchdowns in each of his first two games without an interception. The senior has completed a whopping 74.3 percent of his passes, and he’ll look to continue that against Purdue. He’s projected to be a top-10 pick at quarterback come next April.
But many believe Odom’s offense will need to run the ball more effectively in order to manage a win on the road — especially against a desperate Purdue team.
Second year linebackers coach Vernon Hargreaves has also made this Tigers defense more stout and physical. Odom was quick to point out the qualities Hargreaves has brought to his program.
If Missouri plays as well they have been on both sides of the ball, they’ll likely come away with a 3-0 start to the season. Yet, the Boilermakers’ head coach, Jeff Brohm, will be desperate to inject life into his team on Saturday.
Improvement Needed on Offense for Purdue
A winless start to a season following three homes games would be terrible for any football program. Brohm and his team will look to avoid that Saturday, but they may have to do it without quarterback Elijah Sindelar.
The redshirt junior has played poorly in both games this season, and he walked off the field this week during practice with an undisclosed injury.
His status for Saturday is still questionable.
The Boilermakers aim for more downfield passing opportunities this weekend.
QB Elijah Sindelar describes what that means for the offense. #BoilerUp pic.twitter.com/A7Hvg77D4z
— Purdue Football (@BoilerFootball) September 12, 2018
Sindelar’s backup, fifth-year quarterback David Blough, has received action in both games this season as well. While he hasn’t been as explosive, Blough is yet to turn the ball over compared to Sindelar’s three interceptions.
Even with two great running backs in freshman Rondale Moore and fifth year man D.J. Knox, Purdue will need improved quarterback play if their defense isn’t up Saturday’s task.
It may get rather ugly in West Lafayette, Indiana if the Boilermakers begin the season 0-3.
Purdue football will honor the military by wearing branch stickers on the back of their helmets, personally selected by each player.
More: https://t.co/uzLHcL3V14 pic.twitter.com/wfctQIUduf
— Purdue Athletics (@PurdueSports) September 14, 2018
