Old National Presents: 3-2-1
Three things learned. Two questions. One bold statement. It’s time for the 3-2-1, a look at Purdue football.
Three things learned
1 – Irish mood
Talk about a stunner. The Irish got dumped at home as a 28.5-point favorite to Northern Illinois, 16-14. After the opening week, experts were lauding Notre Dame as it came off a “gut check” win at Texas A&M. The general thought: ND will cruise to a playoff spot.
Not so fast.
So, what does the Irish loss mean for Purdue? Will Notre Dame come in white-hot mad, knowing much of its wiggle room to earn a College Football Playoff bid is gone? Or, will it come in with confidence shaken?
“We’re going to err on the side of thinking they’re going to be an angry football team,” said Walters. “Any time you’re Top 5 in the country and lose the home opener, that’s going to leave a bad taste in your mouth. I know Coach Freeman will have those guys fired up and ready to play.”
“We are fully anticipating getting their best shot.”
2 – Strength on strength
The Boilermaker offense vs. the Fighting Irish defense. That’s the battle that could decide Saturday’s game.
It will be strength on strength. NIU got traction running the ball vs. Notre Dame. Can Purdue and its revamped line–which welcomes back No. 1 T Corey Stewart from injury–find success for the Boiler backs? Even more intriguing: The clash between the Purdue passing game and the Irish secondary.
Only Ohio State figures to have a better set of DBs among Purdue’s 2024 foes. How will the Boilermaker wideouts do? Can they make contested catches? Get separation? Will Hudson Card be on point?
3 – New tradition
It’s kinda cool: Driving the victory spike. The staff evaluated the program after last season and wanted to build more chemistry and camaraderie, especially with so many newcomers on campus in January.
The “Hammer Down” phrase was the inspiration for the victory spike. Whoever gets the game ball gets to hammer the spike. First one came at the end of fall camp, when Mo Omonode did the honors. It was Card–who else?–after the opener.
MORE: Purdue’s Ryan Walters: ‘I would be lying to you if I didn’t say this game was circled on my calendar’ | First and 10 | First look-Notre Dame
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.
