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Purdue Needs a Victory Over Minnesota This Weekend

By Mathew Muncy

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After a close loss to No. 2 Michigan State, the Purdue Boilermakers have the confidence and momentum to beat the Minnesota Gophers.

The Purdue Boilermakers lacked the confidence to start this season. It is completely understandable since they’re a young team that’s dealt with injuries and a quarterback change within the first four games. But ever since redshirt freshman David Blough took over under center in Week 3, this team seems to have found its confidence.

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Blough has played well in his first two starts, despite both being losses.Now he’s got another tough test as the Boilermakers welcome Minnesota to Ross-Ade Stadium for their Week 5 matchup.

Minnesota started the season with a six-point loss to then No. 2 TCU, rattled off three straight wins all by three points and were shut out last week by No. 16 Northwestern. The Gophers have been helped out big time by their defense this year – ranked 41st in total defense – while their offense has struggled, especially to find the end zone.

Everything starts with the offense, and that’s no different with Purdue. Minnesota may have a tough defense, but Blough and company faced an even tougher one last week. With that said, Blough is going to need to be more consistent this week. He went 15-of-31 for 136 yards, one touchdown and an interception, which is only going to hurt the Boilermakers if he has a similar performance again.

Blough will have some major help, though, on offense thanks to freshman running back Markell Jones. Head coach Darrell Hazell hasn’t named a starting running back and expects Jones and D.J. Knox to continue to split carries, but it’s hard not to see that Jones is the better back. In 60 carries this season, Jones has yet to have a negative play.

Mandatory Credit:

Mike Carter

-USA TODAY Sports

Purdue’s offense is averaging 397.2 yards per game and 28.4 points per game. Minnesota’s defense is allowing 312.4 yards and 20.2 points per game. Someone’s got to give.

On defense, the Boilermakers may have a bit easier of a time with the Gophers than they’ve had the past couple weeks. Allowing 435 yards per game ranks Purdue 97th in the nation, but Minnesota is only averaging 336.6 yards per game on offense. On top of that, the Gophers will likely use a dual-quarterback gameplan after burning the redshirt status of freshman Demry Croft last week and that might not go over well in their first attempt at trying it.

The Boilermakers have the confidence and momentum, now they just need a win. Beating Minnesota won’t be as meaningful as beating Michigan State would have, but at this point they just need to start collecting some W’s.

Be sure to check back for more Purdue Boilermakers coverage here at Ink On Indy!

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