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cause I was unfortunate to be put in a situation of being interim offensive coordinator, now I get the unfortunate role of being an interim head coach," Higgins said. "We're going to do the best job possible. Our coaching staff is committed to these young men. We're going to do everything possible, so that their bowl experience is going to be very memorable. of all aspects of the Boiler- maker program through the end of the bowl game, most likely either the Dec. 28 Meineke Car Care Bowl or the New Year's Day Heart of Dallas Bowl. "I'm unfortunate be- Higgins has had a large role for the Boilermakers during the winning streak, as he's taken over as Purdue's offen- sive play-caller for the injured Gary Nord. Tom Campbell as play-caller. But since, the Boilermakers beat Iowa, Illinois and Indiana to get to .500 and give them a chance for one more game. Higgins has seemed to bond with Marve, Purdue was 3-6 when Higgins took over " with the latter playing the best football of his ca- reer during the winning streak. "When I came in, Coach Higgins came in at OC, we kind of had to feel each other out," Marve is Hope not involved in the bowl game, but Nord is limited, as well. Sunday night, athletic director Morgan Burke said Nord would be a "senior ad- visor, Purdue's staff will be short-handed. Not only " active role. " as he's unlikely to be able to take a more but we're OK," Higgins "We're men down, us, we'll give everything we have." said. "That just tests your character. Once we heard the news, we got togeth- er and were very sad- dened that Danny was let go, but we know we have a job ahead and we're professional. And we're in this business because we love the kids, we love to teach and we love the challenge and we love to compete. We accept that, and even if there's two of Higgins understands Purdue's in a transi- tion. A new coach will be hired in the coming weeks, perhaps sooner — Burke said Higgins would coach through the bowl, regardless if a new head coach was hired sooner — but in the interim Purdue has a game to prepare for. "Instead of a challenge, you look at it as an opportunity," Higgins said. "Our coaching staff said after Purdue's 56-35 win over Indiana Satur- day. "And today we were rolling. is committed to the process of taking this team and putting our best product on the field for the bowl game. Our kids deserve our best effort and that's what they're going to get. "They're going to have fun, play with pas- sion, because they really have nothing to lose. What's the worst thing that can happen to them? It probably already has happened to them. The bowl experience is a great experience, and these kids get to experience it two years in a row. Why not go have fun?" j POINTS THAT COUNT. REWARDS YOU WANT MOST. Join thousands of Purdue fans who reach for their official Purdue Visa® and get rewarded for things you pay for anyway. Shop at millions of places worldwide and watch your rewards add up fast. Redeem points for 1% cash back, merchandise or a cash contribution to the John Purdue Club. Purdue Visa today.* Make every point count. Request your 765.497.3328 // 800.627.3328 // PURDUEFED.COM *Subject to credit approval. No annual fee. Balance transfers and cash advances not eligible for rewards points. This credit union is federally insured by the National Credit Union Administration. GOLDANDBLACK EXPRESS • VOLUME 23, EXPRESS 13 • 11