Old National Presents: The 3-2-1 of Purdue football

Three things learned. Two questions. One key number. It’s the 3-2-1, a look at Purdue football.

Three things learned

1 – Making spring game matter

How does a Purdue vs. Louisville spring game sound? I’d pay to see that. Or maybe Purdue vs. Cincinnati? Where’s my wallet?

For now, the NCAA doesn’t allow such spring confabs between schools. But, that could be changing.

Colorado and Syracuse have filed paperwork with the NCAA requesting the ability to hold spring practices and a spring game in April.

This idea probably won’t be rubber-stamped unless TV honchos write a big check. Still, I hope CU and SU get the OK. It would make these glorified exhibitions more interesting.

2 – Cancelled

Purdue will play a spring game on April 12. But some schools are going a different route. On3 has confirmed that 20 of the 67 power conference teams will not conduct a traditional spring game.

This might be the trend moving forward. Seven of the 18 Big Ten schools have already taken this approach: USC, Ohio State, Minnesota, Iowa, Michigan State, Illinois and NU.

Instead of a spring game, the schools will either have a fan event, a closed scrimmage, or just another practice.

The reason to dump a spring game? Some coaches think it showcases their players to be poached. Really? I have to think rival schools already have a good idea about your personnel. And how much can a player really show in a boiled down spring “game”?

Injury? Most staffs don’t play key players in these spring games.

Just play the dang game.

3 – Showing them the money

More cash is good, right? Right. And that’s what players soon will be receiving from EA Sports for use of their likeness in the popular video game.

EA Sports doled out $600 payouts for players in the latest version of the game. When College Football 26 comes out this summer, athletes will receive checks for $1,500 for the use of their name, image, and likeness in the game.

Makes you wonder how much money EA Sports makes off the video game. Crazy. And good for the players. Get all you can whenever you can, fellas.

Two questions

1 – Has anyone on offense stood out thus far in spring ball?

TE George Burhenn has looked good. We all know that potential drips from the 6-5 sophomore, who has dealt with injury his first two seasons in West Lafayette.

The former prep hurdling standout has flashed through the first five practices. It all could come together this fall for Burhenn, the clear No. 1 option at tight end with Max Klare having transferred to Ohio State.

2 – Has anyone on defense stood out thus far in spring ball?

It has to be S Sterling Smith, who has been perhaps the biggest revelation in the early going of spring ball.

Consider: Smith arrived prior to last season as a lightly regarded walk-on transfer from FCS Holy Cross. He didn’t play a snap. This spring, Smith–who played at Cathedral in Indianapolis–has worked his way into a starting slot, earning a number change from 46 to 3.

“Stu Smith is a heck of a player,” said DC Mike Scherer. “He’s gonna be a big-time part of our defense. He was out there the first two days wearing No. 46. If you looked at him today, he was wearing No. 3 because he’s earned it. It goes along with work. If you put in the work, we’re gonna reward you. He’s earned that. He’s earned the position he’s in. He running with the top group. And he’s done a heck of a job at that position and done everything we want him to do. He’s a leader. He’ll continue to grow and learn his position. … “

One interesting number: 5

That’s how many turnovers Purdue forced in 2024 in 12 games, ranking last in the nation. For contrast, Notre Dame led the country with 33 takeaways (16 games). The Boilermakers recovered just one fumble, the fewest in the nation.

Sobering.

MORE: Spring football content portal