TOP 5 REASONS PURDUE WILL WIN
5. The "Curse" of the Night Game
It is about as easy to generalize a reason why we lose home night games as it is to generalize why we lose bowl games. Let's just hope that NU can exorcise whatever mythical demon or gremlin lurks around Ryan Field at night and play more like they did 2004 vs Ohio State (minus the overtime) or 2000 vs Northern Illinois (or 1943 vs Indiana, what a ballgame that was).
4. Backups Can Hurt, Too
We went through this for the Vandy game. Remember Zack Mills (the 2001 and 2002 version, not the 2003 and 2004 versions we beat)? Remember how excited we were when MJD got knocked out of the Sun Bowl on a kick return-- and then how completely NOT EXCITED we were when Chris Markey and Kahlil Bell absolutely destroyed us? How about when CJ Bacher went down before the Minnesota game in 2008 and Mike Kafka obliterated the Golden Rats in Minny? Just because someone is inexperienced or is a backup, does not mean they are incapable of kicking ass. Rob Henry, by all accounts, is inexperienced, but a really good athlete. Do not forget that Purdue is a program known for churning out very good quarterbacks.
3. Karma
Okay, this is a bit of a stretch, but if there were EVER a team that deserved a break... it is the Boilers. By most accounts, the team has not mailed it in, so you can bet they will be fighting hard, ready to pounce on any 'Cat mistakes. A couple balls bounce their way, you never know.
2. Ryan Kerrigan
Purdue, regardless of how the rest of their defense is, always seems to have a really, really good defensive end every season. Remember a couple seasons ago when Anthony Spencer came to Ryan Field and murdered Andrew Brewer? Well Kerrigan is better, and he singlehandedly is running the whole Purdue defense. Fear the gender-neutral haircut.
1. THE MUSTACHE.
See right. Enough said.
TOP 5 REASONS NORTHWESTERN WILL WIN
5. The Time Is Now
Ryan Field might not be full, but it will be ROCKING. The faithful know what Purdue is going through, they can SMELL the 6-0 start. Detroit, national recognition, is within reach, and we're in a game that we're favored by a healthy (bad choice of words?) margin. Are we actually going to say "Northwestern" and "home field advantage" in the same sentence? The team talks about focusing on just the game and nothing else, but it is hard to believe that they do not have at least some sense of the context of the game... so combine that with an amped-up crowd and you have a perfect recipe for a special evening.
Yes, I mentioned that backups have given NU fits in the past, but Purdue is really, really injured. You do not lose your starting QB, RB, and multiple receivers without some sort of drop off in talent. Their backups may be talented but they are very green, and their depth is very thin. This NU team was arguably better on paper before all the injuries, and Purdue could not beat the perennial Big Ten punching bag in its opener this season.
3. The NU Defense Is Good
The yardage stats do not look good, but those stats are for losers anyway. They have kept teams out of the end zone (18.0 ppg), and that is all that matters. If they have problems with a depleted Purdue offense, then it is time to worry.
2. Dan Persa
Stop Ryan Kerrigan, stop the Purdue defense, essentially. If Al Netter and the rest of the O-Line can handle the best DE they'll face all year, Persa should rip the Boiler secondary to shreds. Purdue's defense is relatively healthy, but it was not that great to begin with. Their passing defense is not very strong, so Danny and the receivers should be poised for a big day.
1. Weed-Killer
He may not have the mustache, but there is no way in hell that Coach Fitz will let his team come out flat and undisciplined for a third game in a row. "Period. End of discussion."
Filed under: Football
Tags: football, northwestern, Purdue, Top Five
