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VOLUME 26, ISSUE 1 35 C an the defense generate pressure? It was the biggest question facing the Boilermakers during training camp, particularly with unsettled — and under-experienced — personnel at defensive and rush ends. But Purdue showed it can affect the quarterback from elsewhere; the middle of its line, especially Jake Replogle and Ra'Zahn Howard, showed more than capable of being disruptive. And Purdue was will- ing to blitz its linebackers or cornerbacks. But Purdue still does need production at ends, and at the least Evan Panfil's size should be a positive in rush defense. … Maybe the Boilermakers can be more daring in their front seven because of their comfort at cornerback. Seniors Anthony Brown and Frankie Williams are excellent, both physical and fast enough to succeed in man coverage. If they can lock down outside the hashes, then the rest of the defense has far less to worry about and can devote more resources to stopping the run. … Purdue, though, has a major concern about depth in its secondary. It has a steep drop after its top two cornerbacks, exacerbated by Da'Wan Hunte's training camp shoulder injury. David Rose showed the ability to make plays, with a couple interceptions, but he's a freshman and prone to mistakes, too. … The linebackers are a picture of the Big Ten ideal: Big, phys- ical, athletic and experienced. Unfortunately, they're also nicked up, with the biggest con- cern being over weakside 'back- er Danny Ezechukwu. He left the jersey scrimmage with a knee injury, although imme- diately after it was thought not to be his ACL. Backup Andy Garcia has some know-how, being a fourth- year junior, but he's undersized and not the playmaker of Ezechukwu. Starters Ja'Whaun Bentley (sore back) and Jimmy Herman (hamstring) missed the game, too. Purdue says its backups are ready, but the starters are starters for a reason. Purdue needs them on the field. … Purdue doesn't feel 100 percent confi- dent at free safety, where it rotated Robert Gregory and Brandon Roberts. The job was up for the tak- ing, but after two weeks of practices neither emerged. It seems the Boilermakers want the winner to be Gregory, because he gives them a big, physical safety, something they've not had recently. But is Purdue willing to let him play through mistakes? Unlikely. j Analysis "We've got a really, really good defense that plays ex- tremely aggressive. If they can count on us to be able to put points on the scoreboard, they can play more aggres- sive and they can dial up some of those exotic blitzes and force more turnovers and really be an attacking defense that doesn't have to worry about if they get beat because we'll answer right back for them." QB Austin Appleby