Old National Presents: 3-2-1: Talking Ryan Walters and more

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 – Ryan Walters speculation

Will the Boiler boss be back for a third year? Will the results at Michigan State and at Indiana matter? Are the minds of decision-makers sitting in big offices along Northwestern Avenue already made up?

The vibe–as of now–appears to be that Walters will be back for a third season in 2025 despite myriad blowouts along the way during a depressing 1-9 season.

The idea seems to be for Purdue to import new coordinators, who will help shape the rest of the staff. And the program also would bring in a sage advisor who has been a head coach to help the 38-year-old Walters steer the ship.

Yes, there is a chance Walters may be gone, bought out for roughly $9 million. But, again, the lean for now seems to be he’ll be back.

Now, when will AD Mike Bobinski reveal his hand?

2 – Thinking of 2025 roster

Yes, two games remain on the 2024 slate, but staffs have to think about how the 2025 roster may look from a transfer portal standpoint. Purdue is doing just that despite the uncertainty swirling around Walters.

“You got to evaluate the roster in its entirety and identify who you can’t let walk out the door,” said Walters. “I feel like we have learned from that as a program. … “

The player they likely learned from last year was Nic Scourton, who left for Texas A&M via the portal. When Purdue has a player of Scourton’s ilk on campus, it has to keep him–even if the Boilermaker staff has to over pay for him. Why? Because a player like Scourton likely won’t ever come to Purdue via the portal. So, when an uber talent like that is already on campus, Purdue has to retain him.

“We’ve already began discussions with guys on our roster about their plans for the future and where we see them in terms of their status on our team,” said Walters. “You got to navigate it carefully, strategically, and you got to have open and honest and transparent conversation.”

3 – Kicking competition continues

Walters had Ben Freehill and Spencer Porath compete for the job last week after Porath struggled at Ohio State with two missed field goals. Freehill took over vs. Penn State and went 1-of-2 last week.

“Yeah, still open,” said Walters. “Obviously was happy to see Ben make this first one. He did a great job during the week, so we’ll see kind of where it stacks up as the week goes.”

It would be a surprise if Freehill does not finish the year as the No. 1 kicker.

Two questions

1 – Is P Keelan Crimmins Purdue’s MVP?

He is on pace for the second best punting average (45.0) in school annals, behind only Travis Dorsch’s 48.1-yard average in 2001 when he won the Ray Guy Award. Crimmins ranks No. 3 in the Big Ten and No. 16th in the nation.

In a season that has been as bad as Purdue’s, having a good punter helps.

2 – How special is Devin Mockobee?

Special. He is 69 yards short of hitting the 2,500-yard career rushing mark. He’d be the eighth Boilermaker to do so. But in 2024, Mockobee often has had to split time with Reggie Love. But, Mockobee typically is the hot hand and clearly the better back. Purdue should ride No. 45, who bulked up in the offseason to carry a bigger load.

“He really is a special player, special individual, you know, which is why he’s a leader on our team,” said Walters.

One bold statement: Purdue will cover at Michigan State

The Spartans are a 13.5-point favorite, the ninth opponent who has been favored vs. Purdue in 2024. And the Boilermakers have failed to cover in all but one of those previous instances (at Illinois) as an underdog. Let’s say Purdue covers for just the second time as an underdog on Friday in East Lansing.

Opponent	Spread	Result
Indiana State	+35.5	W 49-0
Notre Dame	-7	L 66-7
at Oregon State	-2	L 38-21
Nebraska	-10	L 28-10
at Wisconsin	-12	L 52-6
at Illinois	-22.5	L 50-49 OT
Oregon	-30.5	L 35-0
Northwestern	+2.5	L 26-20 OT
at Ohio State	-37.5	L 45-0
Penn State	-30	L 49-10

MORE: Purdue looks for first win since August | First and 10 | First Look: Michigan State | Three thoughts from the weekend | Data Driven: Purdue’s loss to Penn State