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| Tuesday, August 13 Is Orton the next great Purdue QB? By Herb Gould Special to ESPN.com |
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Outlook: Look out. Joe Tiller has his quarterback. After a misstep with Brandon Hance, who has since transferred, Tiller elevated Kyle Orton, who figures to step up the Boilermakers attack this fall under the guidance of Tiller, who helped Drew Brees become a Heisman candidate after getting the most out of Billy Dicken.
How far Orton can take Purdue is another question. The Boilermakers suffered a setback when sophomore receiver Taylor Stubblefield, who led the team with 73 catches for 910 yards last fall, fractured his skull in a fall in July. But Stubblefield expects to be back by late September. That would enhance a set of offensive players well-suited to Tiller's creative scheme, and an energetic defense anchored by free safety Stuart Schweigert. The Boilermakers will find out what they're made of in a Sept. 7 trip to Notre Dame. The Irish also are in transition, but if Purdue looks good in South Bend, it will have momentum for the Big Ten season. Key game: At Illinois Oct. 12. This is a battle between two teams that have had some success lately. The winner here will be in position to advance its chances for a good conference run and a quality bowl trip. Keep an eye on: Wideout Anthony Chambers. The junior-college transfer brings a big, physical look to a talented but undersized receiver corps. It's a good year if. . . Purdue posts a winning record in the Big Ten. The league is filled with teams aiming for that goal, which will be a solid achievement. Herb Gould covers the Big Ten for the Chicago Sun-Times. |
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