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GOLD AND BLACK ILLUSTRATED VOLUME 27, ISSUE 3 29 coverage, which would require Purdue's inexperienced receivers to break free. He certainly could try to rely on what could be the of- fense's strength — the versatility and depth of the run- ning back room — by focusing on a power run game and trying to grind. That, likely, would require athletic guards and dirty (in a good way), tough tackles, of which there doesn't seem to be an abundance on the current roster. He certainly could ID young tight ends, Herdman and Brycen Hopkins, as points of emphasis in creating mis- matches against linebackers or safeties. They've both shown versatility in being able to line up attached, de- tached in the slot or even out wide. But as soon as one is detached, that often leaves just five-man protection. He certainly could utilize Blough's athleticism and ex- cellent mobility and move the pocket, softening the need for straight-up pass protection, and have a game plan heavy with rollouts. It certainly will be interesting to see what Brohm, who called the plays at Western Kentucky as head coach, choos- es to do with the offensive personnel he's inheriting. DEFENSE Brohm has said he'd like his defense to be defined by an ability to stop the run and pressure the passer. The new coordinator will have work to do to improve both of those areas because Purdue struggled to do much of either the last four seasons. For the fourth consecutive season in 2016, Purdue ranked among the worst teams in the conference in run defense. It allowed 261.7 yards per game in conference play (sec- ond-most behind Rutgers). That's following years of allow- ing 235.1 yards, 216.8 yards and 287.1 yards. Much depends on the play of the line, certainly, but it's just as important that linebackers and safeties fill their gaps and are able to disengage blocks quickly, too. The cornerbacks factor in as well, and Purdue didn't have those players down the field shed blocks and make plays frequently enough. In terms of getting to the quarterback, the Big Ten Tom Campbell Purdue has a few good pieces in its front, like Gelen Robin- son, but not nearly enough.