What happens when two top-20 offenses clash with two bottom-five defenses?
“You never know,” Northwestern coach Randy Walker said. “Shoot, this game could be 3-0 on Saturday.”
More than likely, though, when NU (3-2, 1-1 Big Ten) takes on Purdue (2-3, 0-2 Big Ten) Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind., the results could be similar to NU’s 51-48 win against then-No. 14 Wisconsin last Saturday – lots and lots of points.
NU’s offense is ranked No. 6 in the nation, while Purdue’s is No. 19. The Wildcats are No. 116 out of 117 in total defense and the Boilermakers are No. 114.
If history is any indicator, though, a win will be tough to pull off for Walker, who traces his rivalry with Purdue back more than 30 years. As a fullback at Miami of Ohio from 1973-75, Walker led his team to a 2-0-1 record against the Boilermakers, with all games played at Purdue.
As a coach it hasn’t been easy for Walker. He holds a 1-4 record against the Boilermakers, with last year’s 13-10 Ryan Field “Wind Bowl” as his only win against coach Joe Tiller and Purdue. Walker’s record at Ross-Ade Stadium is 0-2.
“I haven’t had much good happen to me when I’ve gone over there,” Walker said.
Not much good has happened to the Boilermakers there this season. Purdue won its opener against Akron and returned three weeks later, only to fall 48-29 to No. 13 Notre Dame and 34-17 to Iowa.
These struggles have come despite numerous pundits predicting the Boilermakers to win the Big Ten, often thanks to the lack of Michigan and Ohio State on their schedule. Purdue also returned 19 of 22 starters, including 11 on defense.
“I don’t understand why Purdue is giving up the numbers they’re giving up,” senior quarterback Brett Basanez said. “They were phenomenal last year.”
The offense has been productive but erratic. Behind mobile senior quarterback Brandon Kirsch, the passing game ranks third in the Big Ten, but it ranks 10th in efficiency. The Boilermakers are sixth in the conference in scoring offense.
Purdue does boast a strong set of receivers. Sophomore track star Dorien Bryant is second in the Big Ten in receiving yards and first in receptions. Opposite Bryant is 6-foot-9 junior Kyle Ingraham, fourth in the conference in receiving yards.
Junior cornerback Marquice Cole said that despite the receivers’ unorthodox nature, the Cats won’t prepare for them any differently.
“You play fast regardless of who you’re going against,” Cole said.
The Cats are looking to move one game closer to their third straight six-win season, which would be the first time NU won six games in three straight years. They’re coming off an emotional win, while Purdue is coming off three tough losses, two in their own back yard.
But Walker said he’s not worried about a potentially angry Purdue squad, on that may show up Saturday hungry for a home win after those disappointments.
“I’m worried about us,” Walker said, adding a chuckle. “I have a hard enough time with our psychology. I don’t want (to worry about) anybody else’s.
“It’s going to be a big game. There’s a lot at stake for both of us. We’re both still in this thing. And I believe that.”
Reach Patrick Dorsey at [email protected]
