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Sacks, TFLs are business of Jenkins, Scourton. And business is good

On3 imageby:Tom Dienhart•11/01/23•

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Nic Scourton is one half of a dynamic OLB tandem. (Chad Krockover)

Whatever Kydran Jenkins can do, Nic Scourton can do better. At least that’s the thought in a constant competition between the standout Purdue outside linebackers.

“It’s still going, until the last second of the season,” said Scourton about the fun battle between the teammates to see who has the better stats.

So far, Jenkins leads the way with seven sacks and 11.5 TFLs, both Big Ten-leading numbers. Scourton is holding his own with five sacks (third in the Big Ten) and 10 TFLs (second).

Jenkins enhanced his resume more last week when the senior returned a fumble 55 yards for a TD at Nebraska.

“I couldn’t believe it at first,” said Jenkins. “I was like, there’s no way I’m scoring. I scored. I just put my head down in the end zone … it’s crazy.

“I was tired. I couldn’t even celebrate.”

Now, Scourton has to try to score his own TD to keep pace with his partner in mayhem.

“I wanna do something spectacular,” fessed Scourton, a sophomore.

He and Jenkins will get that opportunity on a prime-time stage this Saturday, when Purdue (2-6 overall; 1-4 Big Ten) plays at Michigan (8-0; 5-0) at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.

“I think competition (between Jenkins and Scourton) makes everybody better,” said defensive coordinator Kevin Kane. “If those guys are competing to make the most plays, then we’re gonna be all right. It trickles down to everybody else, because everybody else wants to match that intensity.”

How good has the tandem of Jenkins and Scourton been? They have combined for more sacks (12.0) than any other Big Ten duo.

“So, I think defensively, you watch our guys, they are trying to strain and make plays the way they should,” said Kane, whose unit is fourth in the Big Ten in sacks (24.0) and second in TFLs (54.0). “And it’s because of those two on the edges making plays and having fun. Everybody else feeds off that stuff. So, they got to continue to do that and they’ve got a great opportunity and a great challenge this week to do something.”

Why have Jenkins and Scourton been such forces off the edge?

“We’re two different guys,” said Scouton. “I’m a speed guy, as well, but I’m bigger (6-4, 280). KJ is a quick, twitchy guy (6-1, 260). Just matching up against tackles and just knowing how to play off each other.

“And we got a new package in this week. So, I’m excited to show you guys on Saturday.”

MORE: First and 10: Purdue at Michigan | First Look: Michigan | Heavy underdog Purdue will struggle to find answers vs. mighty Michigan | Gold and Black Radio: Thoughts on charity game, football, more | The 3-2-1: Numbers don’t lie–Kydran Jenkins has All-Big Ten look | Opponent view: Michigan | In the huddle: OT Daniel Johnson

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