Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/423491
GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 25, EXPRESS 12 • 13 MATCHUP PREVIEW: Purdue vs. Indiana ADVANTAGE? PURDUE PASSING GAME VS. INDIANA PASS DEFENSE PLAYER TO WATCH ADVANTAGE? The Hoosiers' pass defense is the only one in the conference worse than Purdue, but it is really hard to give Purdue the advantage here. Since Danny Anthrop's season-ending injury at Nebraska, the Boilermakers' biggest pass play to a receiver has been 31 yards, as the unit has really labored in re- cent weeks. Austin Appleby has to find someone he can trust in the passing game. Maybe this week it will be Dolapo Macarthy, who had three catches against Northwestern. PURDUE RUNNING GAME VS. INDIANA RUSH DEFENSE The Boilermakers should have some room to run against IU, though the Hoosiers have shown some improvement against the run. Still, the Hoosiers are giving up more than 200 yards a game on the ground, and Akeem Hunt has to be itching to break another big gainer in his final college game. The winner in this category may determine the game winner. For the second straight week, keep your eye on Akeem Hunt. After fumbling problems last week, we expect Hunt to not let his college season end without making something happen. INDIANA PASSING GAME VS. PURDUE PASS DEFENSE Coach Darrell Hazell said it is critical that the Boilermakers do something, anything, to make IU freshman quarterback Zander Diamont uncomfortable. Diamont has show little ability to throw the ball downfield, and the Boilermakers have to keep it that way if they want to reclaim the Bucket. Due to the turbulence at quarterback, Shane Wynn hasn't had a big senior year in the receiving game. If Purdue keeps it that way, it could go a long ways toward getting it a victory, but remember, Wynn had three scoring receptions in last year's rout. INDIANA RUNNING GAME VS. PURDUE RUSH DEFENSE Again this one is a matter of degree. It's too much to expect Purdue's defense to stop, or even slow, Tevin Coleman too much. But if they can keep him from ripping off more than one 50-yard run, the day just might be declared a success. Who else, but Tevin Coleman? The Hoosier back has done it up big against just about everyone, and one has to think another 200-plus yard day will allow the Hoosiers to keep the Bucket. SPECIAL TEAMS Both place-kickers have big legs, though Paul Griggs has been a little more consistent, hitting 13-of- 16 field goals compared to IU's Griffin Oakes' 11-of-18. Both also have had long field goals as Oakes has hit from 58, Griggs from 53. This game may get decided on which big-time kick returner breaks one. A game between two struggling offenses can come down to field position. Punter Thomas Meadows' ability to keep the Hoosiers boxed in gives Purdue its best chance to pull what would be a mild upset. BOILERS PREDICTION HOOSIERS Purdue really needs this victory to send itself into the offseason with some momentum. And maybe being on the road will be a good thing for the Boilermakers, but playing in front of another small crowd will put a premium on effort and motivation. In the end, it just might be too much Tevin Coleman. 31 28 EVEN EVEN EVEN EVEN