Views on Illinois and Purdue for 2023

[ghostOfHomer777]

RE: Illinois -

Obviously Brett knows how to win in the B1G. He's already gotten Illinois above where Lovie had built them ... AND he's known to be a much better recruiter too.

Also, the Illini return quite a good group of WRs, they have a decent TE, and their back-up RBs were pretty good too. On top of that, they didn't lose a ton on the OL. The "biggest" hole that the Illini had on the roster was at QB ... but they also brought in 2 transfers in order to help fill that void.

The only REAL question for the Illini on O is how much will the loss of all-everything RB, Chase Brown, be felt?

On defense, things maybe get a little murkier. First off, they lost their DC ... so how much of a mark will that make? Furthermore, they lost quite a bit from the secondary (and a few guys from the front-7 too). Will we be looking at a transition for the Illini on the defensive end? ... or, will we see something more akin to what we saw at Wisconsin ... where they burned through 3 different DC's, and the defense remained elite the entire time?

RE: Purdue -

First off ... out goes offensive mastermind, Jeff Brohm ... now enters defensive mastermind, Ryan Walters.

Of course, on O, Purdue lost their top QB, their top WR, and their top TE ... so there were some personnel losses to accompany the loss of Brohm's offensive mind. What the Purdue O does possess however, is a promising former walk-on RB in Mockobee. Otherwise, I'm pretty clueless about what to expect from the Purdue O. I will say that I expect there to be some growing pains there.

The stranger issue might just prove to be the Purdue defense. They lost 3 of their top defensive linemen to the transfer portal. Furthermore, since Walters is a defensive-minded coach ... there will invariably be the installation of a new D for the Boilermakers. In the long run, I'd expect the Purdue defense to take steps forward ... however, in the short-run, I could definitely see there being a bit of a transition on D in year one. Part of this transition occurring both due to personnel fluctuations AND schematic changes.

Conclusions:

Given the changes at Illinois, they'll probably remain pretty level. The implication being that they will likely be competing at the top of the B1G west. I don't see them taking steps forward ... nor do I necessarily see them taking steps backward. The game against them should be a tough out. It is POSSIBLE that if one of the new QBs proves to be a wunderkind ... they have the personnel on O to potentially take steps forward.

Given the changes at Purdue, I cannot help but to think that they take a few steps backward. Will it be a de-evolution to the period prior to Brohm? That I doubt ... Walters seems too sharp to let that happen. However, we'll have to see how good of a delegator Walters is as the head-honcho.

If the inferences drawn above are correct ... then what are the implications for the Hawks? Certainly, if Iowa can actually field a competent O ... we'll remain toward the top of the B1G west. Heck, even without an O over the past 2 years ... we won the West once and almost won it a 2nd time.

With Purdue likely dropping some (at least in the short-term) ... does this create a power vacuum? Even despite the change in staff ... does Wisconsin take advantage? Can they? How about Minnesota? As much as we all like to hate on PJ Fleck, all he continues to prove is that he can coach the game of football ... and do so at a pretty high level. Of course, fortunately, he also regularly seems to prove the ability to shart his pants when playing against Kirk and Phil ... to the Hawks great benefit. Will '23 be the year when the might boat-rowers finally get the best of the fighting Ferentz's?

 

[pistachio1999]

Both home games in 2023. I like that. I now people poo poo the home sched this year, but for my money those are a couple of good home games to have. Bert has not been in Kinnick yet as Illinois coach. He missed 2021 with covid.

 

[iahawkeyes17]

I think loss of brown will hurt more than people realize. Transfer qb altmyer was higher recruit but never did much at Ole Miss and got recruited over. Bert will issue Iowa formula and try and win Iowa like games with his D. Losing his Dc to Purdue doesn’t help either. Think ILL takes a step. They did sputter down the stretch and finish with 6-6/7-5 team. Do get favorable cross over with psu, IU and Maryland but the terps won’t be a pushover next season.

Purdue I wouldn’t be surprised if they finish below .500. Like you mentioned losing top talent on O. Similar to ILL qb transfer not sold on card the Texas transfer who will be working with far leas talent he had in Austin. To be successful Purdue would be smart to switch things up and rely on running game but doesn’t sound like case with new Coach. As mentioned amazing how hard Purdue D got hit by portal especially on DL. Their schedule isn’t favorable either with early season visit to VT and osu and Michigan on it.

 

[cmhawks99]

I think loss of brown will hurt more than people realize. Transfer qb altmyer was higher recruit but never did much at Ole Miss and got recruited over. Bert will issue Iowa formula and try and win Iowa like games with his D. Losing his Dc to Purdue doesn’t help either. Think ILL takes a step. They did sputter down the stretch and finish with 6-6/7-5 team. Do get favorable cross over with psu, IU and Maryland but the terps won’t be a pushover next season.

Purdue I wouldn’t be surprised if they finish below .500. Like you mentioned losing top talent on O. Similar to ILL qb transfer not sold on card the Texas transfer who will be working with far leas talent he had in Austin. To be successful Purdue would be smart to switch things up and rely on running game but doesn’t sound like case with new Coach. As mentioned amazing how hard Purdue D got hit by portal especially on DL. Their schedule isn’t favorable either with early season visit to VT and osu and Michigan on it.

Interestingly enough, PU under Brohm was a tough out, for us in particular. With that said, he couldn’t get it all put together and this time when The Ville came calling he bolted…

Which leads to some really interesting story lines…

First, I really don’t like Brohm, but he was a good coach and yet it just goes to show you.

It’s tough to put three consistently good units on the field at the same time. I/e: defense, offense & special teams.

Second, it appears to me that he originally thought his “offense” would eventually take over the Big Ten West & it became clear that wasn’t going to happen…

3rd… it will be interesting to see how quickly he upscales Louisville in the ACC and how the fans we have on this site who continually lampoon the Big Ten west react to him, having a high end team in the “oh, so powerful” ACC lol

 

[destewart]

Purdue will have a young and aggressive staff, but while they will be young chronologically they will have considerable experience. Not only did Card transfer in ( he will be the highest ranked QB recruit since Kyle Orton) but they retained redshirt freshman Brady Allen who is a lanky 4 star that was Brohm’s highest ranked QB recruit. This will be the most talented and experienced OL in many years in West Lafayette. It is interesting to note that Brohm’s OL coach for six seasons was not selected to join him in Louisville. Graham Harrell , the new OC, is a Mike Leach protege with strong ties to Texas. Purdue is already seen a dramatic change in their recruiting philosopy from Brohm. There are more outstanding 4 and 5 star recruits visiting West Lafayette than at any time in recent memory. They have filled some holes from the portal and have several JC transfers coming in and more portal additions may come after completion of spring practice. One interesting change is Brohm always had an early spring practice that ended by the first week in April. Coach Walters has restored the more traditional SP with a late April spring game. Brohm went through four DC’s in six years. There was not a lot of emphasis on defense abd defensive recruiting during his tenure. Those days are over as Coach Walters will be implementing the defensive philosophies which made Illinois a formidable program during the first two years of the Beilema era. Purdue’s assistant coaching pool was significantly increased. Brohm made more than $5M and his two brothers about another $1M. Coach Walters will make less as the HC ( about $4M base) but the assistant‘s pool and budget for analyst’s and recruiting staff will be in the $6M range. A new era in Boilermaker football is off to a good start.

 

[pistachio1999]

Interestingly enough, PU under Brohm was a tough out, for us in particular. With that said, he couldn’t get it all put together and this time when The Ville came calling he bolted…

Which leads to some really interesting story lines…

First, I really don’t like Brohm, but he was a good coach and yet it just goes to show you.

It’s tough to put three consistently good units on the field at the same time. I/e: defense, offense & special teams.

Second, it appears to me that he originally thought his “offense” would eventually take over the Big Ten West & it became clear that wasn’t going to happen…

3rd… it will be interesting to see how quickly he upscales Louisville in the ACC and how the fans we have on this site who continually lampoon the Big Ten west react to him, having a high end team in the “oh, so powerful” ACC lol

But it was fun offensive football!

 

[iahawkeyes17]

Purdue will have a young and aggressive staff, but while they will be young chronologically they will have considerable experience. Not only did Card transfer in ( he will be the highest ranked QB recruit since Kyle Orton) but they retained redshirt freshman Brady Allen who is a lanky 4 star that was Brohm’s highest ranked QB recruit. This will be the most talented and experienced OL in many years in West Lafayette. It is interesting to note that Brohm’s OL coach for six seasons was not selected to join him in Louisville. Graham Harrell , the new OC, is a Mike Leach protege with strong ties to Texas. Purdue is already seen a dramatic change in their recruiting philosopy from Brohm. There are more outstanding 4 and 5 star recruits visiting West Lafayette than at any time in recent memory. They have filled some holes from the portal and have several JC transfers coming in and more portal additions may come after completion of spring practice. One interesting change is Brohm always had an early spring practice that ended by the first week in April. Coach Walters has restored the more traditional SP with a late April spring game. Brohm went through four DC’s in six years. There was not a lot of emphasis on defense abd defensive recruiting during his tenure. Those days are over as Coach Walters will be implementing the defensive philosophies which made Illinois a formidable program during the first two years of the Beilema era. Purdue’s assistant coaching pool was significantly increased. Brohm made more than $5M and his two brothers about another $1M. Coach Walters will make less as the HC ( about $4M base) but the assistant‘s pool and budget for analyst’s and recruiting staff will be in the $6M range. A new era in Boilermaker football is off to a good start.

Their most current class of HS players was less then impressive. With Brohm it hurt them with guys decommitting including a 4* qb from LA and several others including even one skilled position player going to Iowa. Another really good recruit who they lost was DT Gilbert to UK who originally picked PU over Iowa & Kentucky.

 

[Bishop1971]

I think Illinois lost more than people see. Brown was so good he overcame serious deficits. I see a 7-5 as being a good record. Purdue is hard to guess for me but i just have a hard time seeing them with anything besides about a 500 record at best.

 

[cmhawks99]

Purdue will have a young and aggressive staff, but while they will be young chronologically they will have considerable experience. Not only did Card transfer in ( he will be the highest ranked QB recruit since Kyle Orton) but they retained redshirt freshman Brady Allen who is a lanky 4 star that was Brohm’s highest ranked QB recruit. This will be the most talented and experienced OL in many years in West Lafayette. It is interesting to note that Brohm’s OL coach for six seasons was not selected to join him in Louisville. Graham Harrell , the new OC, is a Mike Leach protege with strong ties to Texas. Purdue is already seen a dramatic change in their recruiting philosopy from Brohm. There are more outstanding 4 and 5 star recruits visiting West Lafayette than at any time in recent memory. They have filled some holes from the portal and have several JC transfers coming in and more portal additions may come after completion of spring practice. One interesting change is Brohm always had an early spring practice that ended by the first week in April. Coach Walters has restored the more traditional SP with a late April spring game. Brohm went through four DC’s in six years. There was not a lot of emphasis on defense abd defensive recruiting during his tenure. Those days are over as Coach Walters will be implementing the defensive philosophies which made Illinois a formidable program during the first two years of the Beilema era. Purdue’s assistant coaching pool was significantly increased. Brohm made more than $5M and his two brothers about another $1M. Coach Walters will make less as the HC ( about $4M base) but the assistant‘s pool and budget for analyst’s and recruiting staff will be in the $6M range. A new era in Boilermaker football is off to a good start.

Let me guess, you’re a PU fan….without reading the thread I recognized the long pandering of a “fan” lifting up the attributes of an unproven new staff!

 

[Bishop1971]

Let me guess, you’re a PU fan….without reading the thread I recognized the long pandering if a “fan” lifting up the attributes of an unproven new staff!

I say yes and Purdue has some pieces but have some gaping holes especially on defense. Skill players are also in short supply. Not knocking Purdue as i like them ok. Especially now that prohm is gone. Always didn't like him.

 

[cmhawks99]

I say yes and Purdue has some pieces but have some gaping holes especially on defense. Skill players are also in short supply. Not knocking Purdue as i like them ok. Especially now that prohm is gone. Always didn't like him.

PU is actually one of the few teams in the Big Ten. I categorically dislike in all sports, Northwestern, being the other one!!


With that said Purdue with Brohm as their coach matched up and competed better with Iowa than most any other teams in the Big Ten except for obviously, Ohio State and Penn State and Michigan are debatable, but we’ve beat them a lot and they have similar talent to us. Purdue has not!

So any Purdue team without Brohm at the helm is a good thing for us… Matt painter, on the other hand is one hell of a coach and although I don’t care for the basketball program, he’s a stud and interestingly enough many of their fans have bitched about him over the years as well!

 

[Bishop1971]

PU is actually one of the few teams in the Big Ten. I categorically dislike in all sports, Northwestern, being the other one!!


With that said Purdue with BOHN as their coach matched up and competed better with Iowa in most any other team in the Big Ten except for obviously, Ohio State and Penn State and Michigan are debatable, but we’ve beat them a lot and they have similar talent to us. Purdue has not!

So any Purdue team without Brohm at the helm is a good thing for us… Matt painter, on the other hand is one hell of a coach and although I don’t care for the basketball program, he’s a stud and interestingly enough many of their fans have bitched about him over the years as well!

Brohm is a scumbag and abandoning his team before the bowl game shows what kind of person he is. Painter is the exact opposite. I agree with your post as usual. Our only difference is level of dislike for Purdue. Kinda feel sorry for their football fans cause i don't think they realize how bad the most likely will be.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Purdue will have a young and aggressive staff, but while they will be young chronologically they will have considerable experience. Not only did Card transfer in ( he will be the highest ranked QB recruit since Kyle Orton) but they retained redshirt freshman Brady Allen who is a lanky 4 star that was Brohm’s highest ranked QB recruit. This will be the most talented and experienced OL in many years in West Lafayette. It is interesting to note that Brohm’s OL coach for six seasons was not selected to join him in Louisville. Graham Harrell , the new OC, is a Mike Leach protege with strong ties to Texas. Purdue is already seen a dramatic change in their recruiting philosopy from Brohm. There are more outstanding 4 and 5 star recruits visiting West Lafayette than at any time in recent memory. They have filled some holes from the portal and have several JC transfers coming in and more portal additions may come after completion of spring practice. One interesting change is Brohm always had an early spring practice that ended by the first week in April. Coach Walters has restored the more traditional SP with a late April spring game. Brohm went through four DC’s in six years. There was not a lot of emphasis on defense abd defensive recruiting during his tenure. Those days are over as Coach Walters will be implementing the defensive philosophies which made Illinois a formidable program during the first two years of the Beilema era. Purdue’s assistant coaching pool was significantly increased. Brohm made more than $5M and his two brothers about another $1M. Coach Walters will make less as the HC ( about $4M base) but the assistant‘s pool and budget for analyst’s and recruiting staff will be in the $6M range. A new era in Boilermaker football is off to a good start.

Let me guess, you’re a PU fan….without reading the thread I recognized the long pandering of a “fan” lifting up the attributes of an unproven new staff!

cm ... nothin' wrong with a Purdue fan erring on the side of homerism.

That's the beauty of having a new staff ... everything is new and exciting.

It's true the rival fans will almost invariably err on the side of skepticism ... with the feedback from the Purdue fan, we're more assured that the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Purdue will have a young and aggressive staff, but while they will be young chronologically they will have considerable experience. Not only did Card transfer in ( he will be the highest ranked QB recruit since Kyle Orton) but they retained redshirt freshman Brady Allen who is a lanky 4 star that was Brohm’s highest ranked QB recruit. This will be the most talented and experienced OL in many years in West Lafayette. It is interesting to note that Brohm’s OL coach for six seasons was not selected to join him in Louisville. Graham Harrell , the new OC, is a Mike Leach protege with strong ties to Texas. Purdue is already seen a dramatic change in their recruiting philosopy from Brohm. There are more outstanding 4 and 5 star recruits visiting West Lafayette than at any time in recent memory. They have filled some holes from the portal and have several JC transfers coming in and more portal additions may come after completion of spring practice. One interesting change is Brohm always had an early spring practice that ended by the first week in April. Coach Walters has restored the more traditional SP with a late April spring game. Brohm went through four DC’s in six years. There was not a lot of emphasis on defense abd defensive recruiting during his tenure. Those days are over as Coach Walters will be implementing the defensive philosophies which made Illinois a formidable program during the first two years of the Beilema era. Purdue’s assistant coaching pool was significantly increased. Brohm made more than $5M and his two brothers about another $1M. Coach Walters will make less as the HC ( about $4M base) but the assistant‘s pool and budget for analyst’s and recruiting staff will be in the $6M range. A new era in Boilermaker football is off to a good start.

Harrell was the OC for North Texas some while back. Iowa played against his O back in 2017. To be honest, I was pretty impressed with his O there. I would agree that Coach Walters got himself a pretty good OC.

 

[cmhawks99]

cm ... nothin' wrong with a Purdue fan erring on the side of homerism.

That's the beauty of having a new staff ... everything is new and exciting.

It's true the rival fans will almost invariably err on the side of skepticism ... with the feedback from the Purdue fan, we're more assured that the truth lies somewhere in the middle.

Touché….as in life! 😉

 

[chaneccooms]

Let me guess, you’re a PU fan….without reading the thread I recognized the long pandering of a “fan” lifting up the attributes of an unproven new staff!

BUT THEY HAVE FOUR AND FIVE STARS VISITING!!1!!1!1!!

 

[cmhawks99]

BUT THEY HAVE FOUR AND FIVE STARS VISITING!!1!!1!1!!

LOL…. We’ll listen @ghostOfHomer777 & @destewart are both correct and everyone deserves hope and in all honesty, I predict Purdue will still be pretty solid. I know it didn’t come off that way. It came off as prickish and I do apologize……

I really truly only meant it as a representation of fans, and what we tell ourselves honestly…us too!!

We have plenty of needs and hope’s ourselves!!

 

[destewart]

Next year will be my 76th season of in stadium watching of Purdue football. I have seen a lot.

 

[cmhawks99]

Next year will be my 76th season of in stadium watching of Purdue football. I have seen a lot.

Yowza….kudos!!!

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

The caveat for Illinois and Purdue is that Iowa's D shouldn't be much worse than last year ... and, ideally, the O could/should be a good bit better.

As others say ... the Penn State game is likely the only game we're not favored in (or, at least, have a 50-50 shot in) ... hopefully the pressure of having a schedule that is so well set-up doesn't backfire on the Hawks. The pressure of expectation can be overwhelming sometimes.

 

[hawkeyebob62]

Interestingly enough, PU under Brohm was a tough out, for us in particular. With that said, he couldn’t get it all put together and this time when The Ville came calling he bolted…

Which leads to some really interesting story lines…

First, I really don’t like Brohm, but he was a good coach and yet it just goes to show you.

It’s tough to put three consistently good units on the field at the same time. I/e: defense, offense & special teams.

Second, it appears to me that he originally thought his “offense” would eventually take over the Big Ten West & it became clear that wasn’t going to happen…

3rd… it will be interesting to see how quickly he upscales Louisville in the ACC and how the fans we have on this site who continually lampoon the Big Ten west react to him, having a high end team in the “oh, so powerful” ACC lol

Minutes after announcing the move to Louisville, Brohm and staff were texting various Purdue players urging them to go there with him. None had announced for the portal, but we all know Brohm never tampers. By God, he told us so! 🙄

 

[cmhawks99]

Minutes after announcing the move to Louisville, Brohm and staff were texting various Purdue players urging them to go there with him. None had announced for the portal, but we all know Brohm never tampers. By God, he told us so! 🙄

I don’t care for him at all, but he had our number!

 

[pistachio1999]

Next year will be my 76th season of in stadium watching of Purdue football. I have seen a lot.

How were those Bob Griese years?

 

[destewart]

How were those Bob Griese years?

From 1961 through 1969 Purdue only had three starting QB’s. Ron DiGravio from 1961-63, Bob Griese from 1964-66, and Mike Phipps 1967-69. Two of the three were runnersup for the Heisman Trophy. It was a great period of Purdue football.

 

[BoilerN]

Minutes after announcing the move to Louisville, Brohm and staff were texting various Purdue players urging them to go there with him. None had announced for the portal, but we all know Brohm never tampers. By God, he told us so! 🙄

There wad a culture issue developing at Purdue. Walters seems to be fixing that and at least getting the attention of high high level recruits to the point of visits. I've got Purdue at 6 or 7 wins next year. I don't think they are completely void of talent. Dline lost the most, but it played 3 deep last year.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

There wad a culture issue developing at Purdue. Walters seems to be fixing that and at least getting the attention of high high level recruits to the point of visits. I've got Purdue at 6 or 7 wins next year. I don't think they are completely void of talent. Dline lost the most, but it played 3 deep last year.

Probably too early to know how quickly the installations are going? (installing new D and new O?)

I know the tradition is that changeovers with coaching staffs isn't always seamless ... and sometimes it can take a little bit to install new systems and/or cultures.

 

[iahawkeyes17]

Minutes after announcing the move to Louisville, Brohm and staff were texting various Purdue players urging them to go there with him. None had announced for the portal, but we all know Brohm never tampers. By God, he told us so! 🙄

Be interesting to see if any enter when the next portal window opens. See if he can pull another charlie Jones out of his hat. Be it a Purdue player or from another school.

But bring up decent point on Brohm highly doubtful guy wasn’t or would tamper. He was the sleaziest of the bunch in big 10 west. I know rumors floating on here how other coaches like bielema saying how much negative recruiting against schools he was doing especially Iowa.

 

[BoilerN]

Probably too early to know how quickly the installations are going? (installing new D and new O?)

I know the tradition is that changeovers with coaching staffs isn't always seamless ... and sometimes it can take a little bit to install new systems and/or cultures.

They haven't started spring ball yet, so it is hard to say. Walters said card is better than he anticipated fwiw. The offense and defense is supposed to be easy, allowing guys to play quick. Brohms offense was crazy extensive. The new culture seems to be going great as Walters convinced most of the roster to stay and has been showing he's probably going to recruit at a hither level than Brohm.

There are two top 100 WR's in Fort Wayne. Brohm couldn't get them on campus. Walters has had them on twice and the ones high school coach implied Purdue could be the leader. Osu and ND were thought to be locks. Also got a 5 star corner in campus. Flipped a 4 star Texas QB from TCU.

I have no idea if it will work, but so far, everything has been a step up from Brohm in quality. I say that knowing he hasn't coaches a game. Haha I'm excited. Glad they aren't going ground and pound though.

 

[pistachio1999]

Be interesting to see if any enter when the next portal window opens. See if he can pull another charlie Jones out of his hat. Be it a Purdue player or from another school.

But bring up decent point on Brohm highly doubtful guy wasn’t or would tamper. He was the sleaziest of the bunch in big 10 west. I know rumors floating on here how other coaches like bielema saying how much negative recruiting against schools he was doing especially Iowa.

I don't know if Beliema would do that to Kirk. I thought they were pretty friendly. Maybe he could use his age of something. Just the you know Kirk is getting up there in age and look at their terrible offense. I'd say that's fair game and Bert may say stuff like that.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

They haven't started spring ball yet, so it is hard to say. Walters said card is better than he anticipated fwiw. The offense and defense is supposed to be easy, allowing guys to play quick. Brohms offense was crazy extensive. The new culture seems to be going great as Walters convinced most of the roster to stay and has been showing he's probably going to recruit at a hither level than Brohm.

There are two top 100 WR's in Fort Wayne. Brohm couldn't get them on campus. Walters has had them on twice and the ones high school coach implied Purdue could be the leader. Osu and ND were thought to be locks. Also got a 5 star corner in campus. Flipped a 4 star Texas QB from TCU.

I have no idea if it will work, but so far, everything has been a step up from Brohm in quality. I say that knowing he hasn't coaches a game. Haha I'm excited. Glad they aren't going ground and pound though.

I understand the unbridled enthusiasm. Good luck to y'all ... except against my Hawks.

 

[BoilerN]

I understand the unbridled enthusiasm. Good luck to y'all ... except against my Hawks.

Hope we go 15-0, but would be happy with 12-2 with a loss to Iowa.

 

[stanzithemanzi12]

RE: Illinois -

Obviously Brett knows how to win in the B1G. He's already gotten Illinois above where Lovie had built them ... AND he's known to be a much better recruiter too.

Also, the Illini return quite a good group of WRs, they have a decent TE, and their back-up RBs were pretty good too. On top of that, they didn't lose a ton on the OL. The "biggest" hole that the Illini had on the roster was at QB ... but they also brought in 2 transfers in order to help fill that void.

The only REAL question for the Illini on O is how much will the loss of all-everything RB, Chase Brown, be felt?

On defense, things maybe get a little murkier. First off, they lost their DC ... so how much of a mark will that make? Furthermore, they lost quite a bit from the secondary (and a few guys from the front-7 too). Will we be looking at a transition for the Illini on the defensive end? ... or, will we see something more akin to what we saw at Wisconsin ... where they burned through 3 different DC's, and the defense remained elite the entire time?

RE: Purdue -

First off ... out goes offensive mastermind, Jeff Brohm ... now enters defensive mastermind, Ryan Walters.

Of course, on O, Purdue lost their top QB, their top WR, and their top TE ... so there were some personnel losses to accompany the loss of Brohm's offensive mind. What the Purdue O does possess however, is a promising former walk-on RB in Mockobee. Otherwise, I'm pretty clueless about what to expect from the Purdue O. I will say that I expect there to be some growing pains there.

The stranger issue might just prove to be the Purdue defense. They lost 3 of their top defensive linemen to the transfer portal. Furthermore, since Walters is a defensive-minded coach ... there will invariably be the installation of a new D for the Boilermakers. In the long run, I'd expect the Purdue defense to take steps forward ... however, in the short-run, I could definitely see there being a bit of a transition on D in year one. Part of this transition occurring both due to personnel fluctuations AND schematic changes.

Conclusions:

Given the changes at Illinois, they'll probably remain pretty level. The implication being that they will likely be competing at the top of the B1G west. I don't see them taking steps forward ... nor do I necessarily see them taking steps backward. The game against them should be a tough out. It is POSSIBLE that if one of the new QBs proves to be a wunderkind ... they have the personnel on O to potentially take steps forward.

Given the changes at Purdue, I cannot help but to think that they take a few steps backward. Will it be a de-evolution to the period prior to Brohm? That I doubt ... Walters seems too sharp to let that happen. However, we'll have to see how good of a delegator Walters is as the head-honcho.

If the inferences drawn above are correct ... then what are the implications for the Hawks? Certainly, if Iowa can actually field a competent O ... we'll remain toward the top of the B1G west. Heck, even without an O over the past 2 years ... we won the West once and almost won it a 2nd time.

With Purdue likely dropping some (at least in the short-term) ... does this create a power vacuum? Even despite the change in staff ... does Wisconsin take advantage? Can they? How about Minnesota? As much as we all like to hate on PJ Fleck, all he continues to prove is that he can coach the game of football ... and do so at a pretty high level. Of course, fortunately, he also regularly seems to prove the ability to shart his pants when playing against Kirk and Phil ... to the Hawks great benefit. Will '23 be the year when the might boat-rowers finally get the best of the fighting Ferentz's?

Brett is fat and will peter out fairly quickly. Doesn't have the discipline and work ethic to maintain long term success. Purdue is going defense which I think will bode well for them.

 

[ghostOfHomer777]

Brett is fat and will peter out fairly quickly. Doesn't have the discipline and work ethic to maintain long term success. Purdue is going defense which I think will bode well for them.

That's an interesting take ... at least concerning Purdue. The last defensive-oriented coach they had predates Tiller. Furthermore, I think Walters made a smart hire concerning the OC. Purdue could be an interesting story. The only caveat is that we don't know what sort of manager Walters will be. The "scale" of the picture is definitely different as a head coach than it is as a coordinator.

As for Brett ... who knows? He's still a pretty smart and wily coach. Barry had such a heavy hand over the Wisconsin program ... that all subsequent coaches up until his retirement from the AD spot still had to toe the line ... it was still Barry's ship. I've always been curious as to how much of Brett's prior success was on merit ... or based upon the foundations that Barry built and maintained? Similarly, were the failings at Arkansas wholly his (Brett's) own ... or where they also reflective of the dysfunctional nature of the Arkansas program and his inability to mesh with the power-brokers there?

 

[uihawk82]

RE: Illinois -

Obviously Brett knows how to win in the B1G. He's already gotten Illinois above where Lovie had built them ... AND he's known to be a much better recruiter too.

Conclusions:

Given the changes at Illinois, they'll probably remain pretty level. The implication being that they will likely be competing at the top of the B1G

Good info, thanks. As we know, Chase Brown could go for over 200/250 so that is a big loss especially against Iowa which is usually really stingy against the run.

And one of the first parts of your premise is that the hawk offense might be better. Well they cant be worse, really, and just being 10 pts better will be great.

So with both Purdue, who is losing a lot on both offense and defense and brohm, and Illinois playing at Kinnick I give Iowa a decent edge against PU and a slight TD edge against Illinois. I think the hawks can win 2 if not 3 of the crossover games. PSU will be tough with them wanting revenge. So the hawks could be 5-0 or 4-1 against those 5 teams.

Again, Iowa will need to beat Wisky, will be favored I think against Minny, then I hope and think they can handle jNW but who knows about the weather there and what Fitzy will have in store for the hawks.

Nebraska I am not sure of with a new staff coming in as they could catch fire and have better basics, etc. But as bad as Iowa's offense was this year and the injury to Cooper D causing a big problem I think the hawks will be in it or win at Lincoln. Hawks should be in the West race again.

 

[BoilerN]

Good info, thanks. As we know, Chase Brown could go for over 200/250 so that is a big loss especially against Iowa which is usually really stingy against the run.

And one of the first parts of your premise is that the hawk offense might be better. Well they cant be worse, really, and just being 10 pts better will be great.

So with both Purdue, who is losing a lot on both offense and defense and brohm, and Illinois playing at Kinnick I give Iowa a decent edge against PU and a slight TD edge against Illinois. I think the hawks can win 2 if not 3 of the crossover games. PSU will be tough with them wanting revenge. So the hawks could be 5-0 or 4-1 against those 5 teams.

Again, Iowa will need to beat Wisky, will be favored I think against Minny, then I hope and think they can handle jNW but who knows about the weather there and what Fitzy will have in store for the hawks.

Nebraska I am not sure of with a new staff coming in as they could catch fire and have better basics, etc. But as bad as Iowa's offense was this year and the injury to Cooper D causing a big problem I think the hawks will be in it or win at Lincoln. Hawks should be in the West race again.

Purdue loses a few key players, but I'm not sure they will be a push over. Dline should be better than last year. WR's have an actual coach, so we will see. WR is the one position that might take a step back, unless some guys step up.

 

[jonesy5960]

Purdue loses a few key players, but I'm not sure they will be a push over. Dline should be better than last year. WR's have an actual coach, so we will see. WR is the one position that might take a step back, unless some guys step up.

Iowa doesn't appear to have any All B1G talent at the WR position this year so you won't get any help from them this year.

 

[iahawkeyes17]

Purdue loses a few key players, but I'm not sure they will be a push over. Dline should be better than last year. WR's have an actual coach, so we will see. WR is the one position that might take a step back, unless some guys step up.

How is DL better when you lost several players to the portal? Players who played who left for usc, auburn and Miami.

 

[BoilerN]

How is DL better when you lost several players to the portal? Players who played who left for usc, auburn and Miami.

They played 3 deep in each spot and the ceiling of those under them are higher. They return 53% of their sacks last year. Sydnor will be better than Sullivan last year. Caraway will take a step after his true freshman year.

Would he shocked if any of those 3 that left start at their schools.

 

[The Deplorable Sleeping Dog]

Illinois is a question mark. They do not look greatly different than last season. Weaker on offensive, better on defense but probably not overall much different.

Purdue will suck. Maybe last place in the Division. New coaches are always a gamble. Probably another example of the risks inherent in changing coaches. Probably a major regression on offense and hard to say about defense. They weren't great but they weren't bad either.

 

[BoilerN]

Illinois is a question mark. They do not look greatly different than last season. Weaker on offensive, better on defense but probably not overall much different.

Purdue will suck. Maybe last place in the Division. New coaches are always a gamble. Probably another example of the risks inherent in changing coaches. Probably a major regression on offense and hard to say about defense. They weren't great but they weren't bad either.

Why do you suspect a major regression on offense? They have a really good OC that fits their team. One of the best RB's in the big ten. WR might have a couple surprises of good players being available yet. OL is looking up.