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Updated: August 18, 5:54 PM ET Defense may outshine offense at Purdue By Herb Gould Special to ESPN.com |
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Purdue Boilermakers
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Coach: Joe Tiller (46-28, 7th season) 2002 overall record: 7-6 Conference record: 4-4 Returning starters Offense: 8, Defense: 9, Kicker/Punter: 2 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Joey Harris* (1,115 yds) Passing: Kyle Orton* (2,257 yds) Receiving: John Standeford* (1,307 yds) Tackles: Niko Koutouvides* (121) Sacks: Shaun Phillips* (6) Interceptions: Niko Koutouvides* (3) and Jacques Reeves* (3) Outlook: There's a lot to like about the Boilermakers, who return the bulk of a team that was better than its 2002 record indicates. Purdue's six losses came by a total of 26 points. The Boilermakers led the Big Ten in total offense and total defense, but were hamstrung by pivotal mistakes, especially a minus-10 turnover differential. Junior Kyle Orton has settled in at quarterback ahead of sophomore Brandon Kirsch, and his targets include John Standeford and Taylor Stubblefield, the Big Ten's top returning duo in receiver statistics. What's really different at Purdue, though, in terms of Tiller's offensive reputation is quality defense. Niko Koutouvides is an All-Big Ten linebacker and free safety Stuart Schweigert is nearly there. If the Boilermakers can avoid the mistakes that cost them last fall, they could contend for the conference championship. Keep an eye on: LB Niko Koutouvides. At a school known for quarterbacks, he's often overlooked. But he's likely to demand recognition as one of the Big Ten's best defenders this fall. Key game: The Boilermakers need to take care of business when Penn State comes to West Lafayette on Oct. 11. They'll go on the road to Wisconsin and Michigan in their next two games, a pivotal stretch that will determine how much they can achieve. It's a good year if. . .: Purdue can get to 5-3 or 6-2 in conference play. That would assure a quality bowl trip and make Tiller 7-for-7 in bowl trips as the Boilermakers coach. Herb Gould covers the Big Ten for the Chicago Sun-Times.
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