Observations on the win over Purdue, 31-3!

1-We have had a weird season so far. We have played two virtually perfect games with Purdue and Notre Dame and three "blowouts" with Illinois, Houston and Central Michigan. We look like we could get in the Sugar Bowl at times like today. On the other hand, we have looked very mediocre with two losses with two blocked punts, and poor special teams play. We allowed the most rushing yards in our school history, but rallied to record the greatest comeback in school history.

2-The defense was simply outstanding! Herrmann deserves a lot of credit for an excellent game plan, and the players with magnificent execution. They had two red zone opportunities for 3 points. They came up with 242 yards in 64 plays, and were 4 of 16 on 3rd down conversions. We forced them into 10 punts, and gave up 13 first downs. Orton was only 18 of 37 for 184 yards, no TDs and 2 picks. We sacked Orton seven times, and forced 4 fumbles; one fumble went for a TD when Diggs forced it and Curry recovered. The Boilermakers only gained 58 yards in 29 rushes. Reid led our defense with 12 tackles, 2 were for losses including one sack. Leon Hall had two interceptions and one pass break up in the end zone. Our defensive backs combined for 7 pass break ups and 2 interceptions; they also had 28 tackles of our total of 64 tackles. Shazor had some "monster" hits, and finished with 5 tackles including 3 for loss and 2 sacks. On the dark side, Bowman left the game with a leg injury and neither Jackson nor Stewart played with their knee injuries. Barringer had 6 tackles as did LeSueur, and Shaw came off the bench for 7 tackles.

3-The offense had 3 red zone opportunities for 17 points. We had 19 first downs and 6 of 16 in 3rd down conversions. We finished with 345 yards in 71 plays and held a 4:34 time advantage over the Boilermakers. Navarre was 17 of 30 for 225 yards and two TD's to Braylon Edwards. Perry had 95 yards on 28 carries, but was also hurt from a hit by Schweigert early in the game. Breaston had a 21 yard reverse for a TD, 2 catches for 15 yards and 6 punt returns for 67 yards. Gutierrez came in late and was one of three for 15 yards. Purdue forced our offense into 7 punts, 3 fumbles and 3 sacks; fortunately, we only had one turnover that didn't result in any points.

4-Special teams were excellent. Finley punted 7 times for a 43.7 yard average; Shazor and Tabb are the flyers and have done a good job except for the one 14 yard return by Chambers. Neinberg did an excellent job on kickoffs, and our coverage was good. Rivas was one of one on field goals and four of four on extra points.

5-Mingery started his 3rd game in a row over Massaquoi. Van Alstyne did make it in for the first time in 3 games although Biggs played ahead of him. Mundy didn't see action at safety or on special teams; it looks like Shaw is backing up both positions. Tim Bracken is now our backup at tailback, and kickoff returner. Burgess is backing up Reid at WILL; Kaufman is 3rd string at MIKE behind Diggs and McClintock.

6-Michigan State will be a real "dogfight." The Spartans have a much better pass rush, and will really create problems for our offense. Their offense is playing with a lot of confidence so our defense will need to continue its improvement. The Spartans have the best special teams statistically in the Big Ten so we'll definitely have our work cut out as they've had a week off the rest and heal up as well as prepare for us. John L. Smith is a good coach, and a great motivator. It will be an interesting week.
Observations on the first half with Purdue, 14-0!

1-We couldn't have asked for a better first half except for that scare at the end! We get two red zones and convert both for 14 points; Purdue creates one red zone on the turnover when Phillips knocks the ball out of Navarre's hands with less than 2 minutes to go in the half, but they come away with zero points due to the pick by Hall (and the stupid decision by Orton).

2-The defense was simply outstanding! Herrmann deserves a lot of credit for an excellent game plan, and the players with magnificent execution. We foil their one red zone opportunity, hold them to 3 first downs, force them into 7 punts and 72 total yards in 29 plays including 5 "three and outs." Orton is only 7 of 16 for 43 yards, and the Boilermakers only gain 29 yards in 13 rushes. Reid led our defense with 5 tackles. Bowman and Shazor each had one sack, and Diggs and Curry each had pass deflections. Jackson isn't playing due to his knee, and Barringer got the start.

3-The offense has 11 first downs and is 3 of 8 in 3rd down conversions with 152 yards in 38 plays. Navarre is 9 of 19 for 99 yards and one TD. Perry has 44 yards on 13 rushes. The star of the game offensively is Breaston with a 21 yard reverse for a TD, one catch for 11 yards and 4 punt returns for 53 yards.

4-Special teams have been excellent. Finley has 4 punts for a 44 yard average; Shazor and Tabb are the flyers and have done a good job except for the one 14 yard return by Chambers.

5-We must not let them in the game with turnovers. Phillips has been forcing turnovers all year as has Landon Johnson. Hopefully, we will continue to play smart offensively and sound defensively. What makes me uneasy is that we have the same advantage, 14-0 as Minnesota had two weeks ago at half.