Purdue Air Raid offense grinding things out with strong run game
Purdue is known as the “Cradle of Quarterbacks.” But the 2023 Boilermakers are developing a reputation for pounding the rock.
“It was definitely the strength on Saturday,” said Ryan Walters, whose squad ran for 189 yards in a 44-19 win vs. Illinois last week. “I do think that when we are playing with balance it allows us to play with pace, which allows us to be aggressive, which opens up every aspect of the offense.
“We were running the ball, so we were able to push it down the field. We’re throwing quick game to open up running lanes.”
Tyrone Tracy took advantage, running for 112 and a TD vs. the Illinois. He joins Devin Mockobee and Dylan Downing in forging a strong trio of running backs that arguably has become the strong point of coordinator Graham Harrell’s Air Raid-based offense.
The run game will look to keep it gridning when Purdue (2-3 overall; 1-1 Big Ten) plays at Iowa (4-1; 1-1) at 3:30 p.m. ET on Peacock on Saturday.
“We have some really good football players in the backfield that need touches,” said Harrell. “The beauty of what we can do offensively is we can run anything we need to run to get our playmakers touches and that’s kind of what we’ve tried to do. Obviously, I think the offensive line did a heck of a job the other night.”
The return of center Gus Hartwig the last two games has helped the front.
“Obviously, Gus getting inserted into the lineup and feeling comfortable helps just with his experience, his athleticism, mindset, the way he communicates,” said Walters.
“I think our running backs are starting to hit their groove, and we as an offensive staff are finding out what they’re good at and what’s their comfort level and the type of runs that we’re calling.”
Iowa’s defense will pose challenges this week. But the Hawkeyes are just 10th in the Big Ten vs. the run in 2023 (138.2 ypg).
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Tracy, who played his first four seasons at Iowa as a wideout before transferring to Purdue in 2022 and then moving to running back this past spring, should be motivated to excel in his return to Kinnick Stadium.
“He’s done a great job all season and I wouldn’t expect anything different this week,” said Harrell. “He’s seen this defense quite a bit. He has played against it. He’s been a really consistent player for us all year and I’m sure he’ll be excited to get back there and hopefully continue to play at a high level.”
Tracy has emerged as Purdue’s No. 1 back, notching a team-high 288 yards rushing (6.3 ypc) with five rushing scores (one in each game) as Mockobee (283 yards rushing, 4.2 ypc) has fallen from his starting spot as he deals with ball security issues.
“I think we got some good players with the football in their hand,” said Harrell. “And so continuing to get those guys touches will be important for us. However we can get them.
“The beauty of an Air Raid offense is we can try to get our best playmakers the ball in space and that’s our goal every week. And sometimes that’s in the running game. Sometimes it’s in the pass game, whatever the case may be. But just try to get our best guys touches.”
Purdue rushing offense since 2017
| Season | Rushing avg./Big Ten rank |
| 2023 | 151.0/No. 8 |
| 2022 | 121.0/11th |
| 2021 | 84.0/14th |
| 2020 | 81.5/14th |
| 2019 | 83.3/14th |
| 2018 | 136.4/11th |
| 2017 | 151.5/9th |
MORE: First look: Iowa | First and 10: Iowa | Gold and Black Radio: Purdue turns to Iowa after big win over Illinois | Moving coordinators from field to box proves fortuitous for Purdue, Ryan Walters | The 3-2-1: Purdue looks to rev engine entering key October
