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Gold & Black Express: Vol 24, EX 4

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volume 24, EX 4 • sept. 19, 2013 Inside | Wisconsin preview 9-13 | Sinz feature 17–18 Flipbook review of ND 22 | Edwards commits; recruiting 33-34 Next Step: Consistency BY STACY CLARDIE SClardie@GoldandBlack.com Hope Era. But it's not that time anymore. aybe it didn't seem like much, "That was the old the way Purdue's sideline tradition. We're in a stayed positive when it easily could new era right now," have lost its grip in a battle with rival Ricardo Allen said. Notre Dame last week. "When things went Even Darrell Hazell's offer to give bad in the game some "juice" to his defense after it alagainst Notre Dame, lowed a touchdown to tie the game we handled our adverat 17 in the second half was rejectsity. We kept fighting." ed, players telling him they were That's what is givmore than fine, they were ready to ing Allen hope that fire back. things will be different It was a total opposite reaction Tom Campbell in the consistency area than what the same group of players The Boilermakers played well in front of the home crowd and the electric atmosphere. But the as well. had in the season's opening week, story of the 2013 season may be whether Purdue can put together back-to-back-to-back solid That and the fact when they fell behind at halftime to performances, something the program has struggled with in the past few years. that the players say Cincinnati and offered up only what Last season, Purdue's worst moment they're sick of being Hazell called "blank stares" on the sideline came after it nearly shocked Ohio State in known as a team that can't sustain mofrom there on out. Columbus, getting dominated by Minneso- mentum. And that seemingly small progression ta on the road. There was a similar letdown Even if they know that characterization from Week 1 to Week 3 is enough to make in 2011, the week after beating ranked and is justified. some Boilermakers believe that this team also previously unbeaten Illinois, the BoilermakTo change it, Hazell and players said it's won't fall victim to another of their former ers were flat in a blowout loss at Michigan. key to rely on preparation, not emotion. traits: An inability to sustain momentum built. Inconsistent play defined the Danny After the Notre Dame game and since, M THE Numbers 41.0 The average point spread in the Badgers' last two wins over Purdue in Camp Randall Stadium. In the last four games between the schools, the margin dips to 31.8. Purdue's winning streak on the road in Big Ten play dating back to victories last year at Iowa and Illinois. Unfortunately, the Boilermakers won just five league road contests in the preceding 22 games. The Boilermakers' record, dating back to 1996, when they throw a pick-six. Notre Dame's Bennett Jackson had the second this year against Purdue. The times Purdue has opened Big Ten play against Wisconsin, third most behind Minnesota (18) and Northwestern (10). 2 4-20 7 Allen has made it a point to say Purdue played the game twice before even stepping onto the field, being so well prepared that they knew what was coming every step. They just beat themselves, namely with Allen allowing an 82-yard touchdown catch and Rob Henry throwing a pick six in the fourth quarter, Allen said. So, though being close isn't enough, it has helped players gain confidence and coaches see that this team has the ability to compete on a consistent basis. GoldanDBlack express • volume 24, express 4  •  1

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