Opposing coach expects Purdue to have a 'defensive breakout' in 2024
Purdue heads into the second year of Ryan Walters‘ tenure hoping for better results. Going 4-8 is not what the program had in mind, especially after previous back-to-back winning seasons. Getting back over .500 is likely the goal in 2024 for the Boilermakers.
There are some people on the outside believing in Purdue, especially on the defensive end. An anonymous assistant coach in the Big Ten believes Walters has them ready to make a major jump. Getting more time in the system is key in the coach’s estimation.
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“Watch these guys for a defensive breakout,” the coach said. “They didn’t fully understand the system Ryan [Walters] installed in Year 1. They’ve brought in some really talented transfers, and a lot of their key guys are back. This is going to be the identity of the team.”
Opponents averaged over 30 points per game against Purdue last season. A surprising number for Walters after consistently putting out a great unit at Illinois as the defensive coordinator. You have to imagine he did not enjoy giving up at least 30 points in all but four games.
Players like Dillon Thieneman, who enjoyed a fantastic true freshman season, should help the progress.
On the flip side, the same coach likes Hudson Card returning for another season. Purdue is still going to run an Air Raid system under offensive coordinator Graham Harrell — something not too many teams in the Big 12 are willing to run.
Developing around the quarterback will be huge, though. Helping Card stay clean and have consistent targets to deliver to will be make or break for the Boilermakers.
“Hudson [Card] is a solid an experienced quarterback and he’s got another year under his belt in [Graham] Harrell’s system… They need to develop the o-line and receivers better but expect them to improve overall this season,” the coach said.
Purdue opens the season with Indiana State and then is thrown right into the fire. Eleven games against big-time opponents — nine Big Ten games, Notre Dame, and Oregon State, fall on the schedule. If there is going to be a record improvement, Walters will really have to earn it.
For now, at least one rival assistant coach has faith in Walters getting the job done in 2024. Mainly on the defensive end where Walters has been so good throughout his coaching career.