GBI Express

volume 23, eX 5 • oct. 3, 2012 Inside | A look at Michigan 7-11 | Gary Bush feature 17-18 Recruiting 35-36 | Basketball notes 37-38 Time Is Now SClardie@GoldandBlack.com BY STACY CLARDIE None of Purdue's players have been For the first time since 2007, the in this position. Boilermakers didn't crumble in a non- conference game and lose to a team they shouldn't have. So, for the first time since '07, the team not only has a winning record (3-1) heading into Big Ten play, but also mo- mentum and confidence from the belief that this is only the beginning of some- thing special. Others are believing, too. Though THE NUMBERS 12-3 string broken by Caleb TerBush vs. Marshall. 27 29 ers a contender. "We were thinking this at the begin- ning of the season, so this isn't a surprise to us, have the right guys to beat a lot of the now, though. " Kawann Short said. "We feel like we Purdue didn't get any votes in the AP poll this week, its total rose in the coaches poll and analysts and Big Ten Network ex- perts are calling it not just a "darkhorse" contender for the Leaders Division. They're simply calling the Boilermak- The number of games since a Purdue quarterback had thrown four TD passes in a game, a Purdue's anticipated at- tendance for Saturday's game, its largest in 2012. 51K a bye week. When that was the case last season, they responded by smoking the Boilermakers by three touchdowns in Ann Arbor. Purdue players insist, though, this is a different team with a different mentality. "We've always emphasized try- Kawann Short's play has been a big reason why Purdue has started the season 3-1, its best start since 2007. The Boilermakers need continued outstanding play from Short and their defense if they want to compete for a Big Ten title. teams in our division. "We just need to live up to the hype. Coach Danny Hope said his team " needs to prove it belongs every week. The real, consistent challenges start Tom Campbell ered down from previous seasons, the league remains stacked with talented, athletic, strong players and teams. Michigan (2-2) is no exception. The Wolverines also are coming off Even though the Big Ten is consid- ing to start out fast, and that goes the same with the Big Ten season," quarter- back Caleb TerBush said. "Michigan is a tough team, but we feel like we're a tough team, too." Hope talked about tic opportunity" this game presents Purdue, though he also said it wasn't a "do-or-die situation." It may be in one sense: Getting fans the "fantas- back to Ross-Ade Stadium. The Boilermakers have yet to GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • volume 23, express 5 • 1 Boilermakers. The number of yards in total of- fense below Marshall's season average it gained against the The Boilermakers' re- cord in Big Ten openers since 1997.

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