2011 Review:  The Purdue Boilermakers had an up and down season in 2011, which was capped off with a victory in the Little Caesar’s Pizza Bowl, defeating the Western Michigan Broncos.
Purdue 2012 Offense:
The Purdue Boilermakers return eight starters on offense from 2011, including both quarterbacks from last season. Caleb TerBush is slated as the starter this season. TerBush was solid last season as TerBush threw for 1900 yards while rushing for just over 300 yards. Robert Marve is also on the roster still as a transfer from Miami. Marve threw for just over 600 yards last season.
The Boilermakers return nearly their entire backfield from 2011 including their leading rusher from last season Ralph Bolden who rushed for 674 yards and six scores. Akeem Shavers also returns for the Boilermakers, and Shavers proved to be a solid number two last season rushing for over 500 yards and six scores.
The wide outs for the Boilermakers are an experienced group, and are led by Antavian Edison. Edison led the Boilermakers in receptions last season with 44 catches for 584 yards and three scores. I am expecting this group to be improved over last year, helping the quarterback(s) with their numbers as well and taking some pressure off the ground game, which has been the primary focus the past few seasons for the Boilermakers.
The offensive line for the Boilermakers is experienced this season, with two starters who will more than likely be playing in the NFL soon. The line will need to adjust to what is more than likely going to be a more intense passing game.
Purdue 2012 Defense: Â
The defensive line for the Boilermakers is one of the stronger units on the team. The line is full of experience and led by tackle Kawann Short and tackle Bruce Gaston. Kawann Short led the Boilermakers in sacks last season with 6.5, and with an added year under his belt Short should be even more effective this season.
The linebacking corps for the Boilermakers are also solid. Dwayne Beckford is the leading tackler retrurning for this unit from a year ago, and right behind Beckford is Will Lucas. Both Beckford and Lucas are among the top linebackers in the Big Ten.
Ricardo Allen anchors a veteran secondary in 2012. Allen is one of the top corners in the conference this season as Allen finished last season for the Boilermakers with 81 tackles, and three interceptions. Along with Allen are Josh Johnson and Max Charlot, each of which bring senior leadership to the secondary.
2012 Purdue Boilermakers Outlook:
The Boilermakers have some solid talent, especially on the defensive side of the ball, which should help the Boilermakers stay in games late. The Boilermakers do have to travel to South Bend to face their rival the Fighting Irish, as well as heading to Columbus to face the Buckeyes. Purdue does get somewhat of a break catching the Badgers and the Wolverines at home, but Purdue has a brutal stretch of Michigan, Wisconsin and Ohio State in consecutive weeks mid season which would be a tough run for anyone.
I am predicting a 7-5 season for the Boilermakers in 2012.
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