Gold and Black Radio: Purdue prepares for Notre Dame
Purdue prepares for its first date with Notre Dame in Ross-Ade Stadium in 11 years. Host Derek Schultz and GoldandBlack.com’s Tom Dienhart break it all down.
More Purdue-Notre Dame discussion (excerpt from the 3-2-1)
Two questions
1 – Will Nyland Green and CJ Smith play vs. Notre Dame?
Each missed the opener, with Green nursing a foot injury and Smith a hamstring. And their status for Saturday is murky … at best.
That would be too bad. Green is expected to be the squad’s No. 1 corner, while Smith–the fastest player on the team–is thought to be one of the top two or three wideouts. Can Purdue beat the Irish without either? Looks like it’s gonna find out.
“I wouldn’t anticipate them being out there this week,” said Walters on Monday. “They’re close, really close. You watch them, I got to like not watch them work out in rehab. It’s making me more excited wanting them to be out there.
“But they’re doing a great job just attacking every day, trying to get back healthy, champing at the bit to get out there. Our training staff and strength and conditioning program have collabed very well to put them in a position to get back as early as possible.”
2 – Prove-it game for Walters?
A visit from the Fighting Irish comes wrapped in opportunity. Always has in a series that from 1946-2014 saw the schools play annually.
This is an opportunity for Ryan Walters to earn a signature victory in his young head coaching career. And a victory would go a long to pushing Purdue to the successful September start it needs if it wants to reach the postseason.
“I definitely think there is an element of proving it or earning respect,” said Walters. “You know, I would be lying to you if I didn’t say this game was circled on my calendar. You know, so we’re excited. We’re glad that we had a bye week to get some guys healthy. To get some extra prep in. … “
Aside from a 2-0 start, a win vs. Notre Dame would further bolster the program’s mojo and confidence as it heads to Oregon State the next week … and give the 38-year-old Walters that signature win.
One bold statement: Big recruiting weekend looms
How many recruits could be in West Lafayette on Saturday? At least 45 thus far–details are coming–are expected to be on hand for the Notre Dame game. A great opportunity for the program to show off and perhaps spring its biggest upset in Ross-Ade since toppling No. 3 Michigan State in 2021. Walters and Co., need to make the most of this opportunity.
