The Purdue Boilermakers have been one of the most surprising teams so far this season and are heading into this week’s matchup looking to prove themselves once again. Not many are giving them a chance to compete against the No. 8 ranked Michigan Wolverines, but with homefield advantage, the Boilers could be a team to keep an eye on.
New head coach Jeff Brohm has brought a new culture to West Lafayette. He has build a coaching staff that teaches toughness and hard work and the team has bought in. The team definitely has a different feel from the team that former head coach Darrell Hazell had put together.
All of that being said, could the Boilermakers actually have a chance to shock the Wolverines? What reasons can be given to support the statement that they could come up with the upset this week?
Jeff Brohm and David Blough explained to me just how fun it is to play in an offense we find just so fun to watch: https://t.co/OC6hhxkzru
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) September 21, 2017
An Impressive Quarterback Duo
David Blough and Elijah Sindelar have been impressive early on this season, to say the least. Purdue has been giving both quarterbacks reps and they have been able to keep defenses guessing. Michigan may have a good defense, but having to prepare for two quarterbacks is not an easy task.
A Much Improved Playmaking Defense
Secondly, the Boilermakers have improved on the defensive side of the football in a big way. Last week against the Missouri Tigers, Purdue showed off major playmaking ability, especially in their secondary. Michigan has had some quarterback struggles this season and that could play a major factor this week.
Underdog Mentality
Jim Harbaugh is not the kind of head coach to underestimate a team, but the Wolverines’ players could be different. If Michigan underestimates Purdue at all, this game could get interesting.
Outside of those three reasons, everything seems to point to Michigan heading on the road and taking care of Purdue. Brohm and company have improved the Boilermakers in a big way, but not to the point of taking out a potential National Championship contender.
Despite the fact that the Wolverines are favored by as much as they are, this game is going to be an entertaining one.
Expect to see Purdue stick with the Wolverines for the majority of the game. They are going to give Michigan a run for their money, but they won’t be able to keep it up all game. Michigan will pull away down the stretch, but the Boilermakers will show once again that they are on the right track.
Do you think the Purdue Boilermakers have a chance to knock off the Michigan Wolverines? What are your final score predictions? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!