I've still been reading.
The NCAAT broke my Purdue fandom.
That was definitely a rough tournament. Purdue had the red carpet rolled out and . . .
That said:
You've got to bring yourself around to watching Purdue football again.
This is THE season for it. Everything is falling into place for a run at the B1G West and finally playing for a CCG.
We finally have a seasoned QB and know for sure who will be the starter in week 1. We also have a competent OL.
We are in Brohms 6th year. He finally has the right pieces and culture in place. This was the expected time frame to rebuild the Hazell disaster and the COVID year.
And honestly, probably a chance Brohm is gone after this year. A successful season means others will come calling. Ive long suspected he's waiting for an NFL job.
I do think there is a decent chance for Purdue to compete for the B1G-W this year and with the impending elimination of divisions
this year is probably the best chance Purdue will ever have at a CG appearance.
Now I need to go look some stuff up to see if that makes sense:
B1G-E opponents for B1G-W teams:
- Illinois: Michigan, Michigan State, Indiana
- Iowa: Ohio State, Michigan, Rutgers
- Minnesota: Penn State, Michigan State, Rutgers
- Nebraska: Michigan, Indiana, Rutgers
- Northwestern: Ohio State, Penn State, Maryland
- Purdue: Penn State, Maryland, Indiana
- Wisconsin: Ohio State, Michigan State, Maryland
Then there is the H/A split to consider, for Purdue, home:
- Penn State
- Nebraska
- Iowa
- Northwestern
Away:
- Minnesota
- Maryland
- Wisconsin
- Illinois
- Indiana
It isn't easy but I could see it happening. If the Boilers manage to win in Madison (10/22) I'd flat out pick them to make it. Even if not, Wisconsin's tough crossover(@tOSU) is tougher than PSU's tough crossover (vs PSU). Wisconsin also travels to East Lansing, Lincoln, Iowa City, and Evanston so it isn't ridiculous to say that Wisconsin could lose two or more league games. That doesn't leave Purdue with much margin for error if they lose in Madison but it does provide them with a shot.
It wouldn't be shocking for Wisconsin to lose three of their five league road games (basically tOSU and two out of MSU, UNL, IA, NU). That gives Purdue a shot.