Gold and Black Radio: Purdue hopes for quick start against Indiana State

The opening week of the Purdue football season is discussed in depth with GoldandBlack.com football expert Tom Dienhart and new host Derek Schultz. Dienhart talks about what challenges Purdue will face against Indiana State and what could be in store in 2024. Gold and Black Radio airs Tuesdays and Fridays (with the pregame show).

Thanks to our sponsors: Purdue Federal Credit Union, Whittaker Inn, East End Grill, Ripple and Company and Sand Valley.

Audio link

Schultz co-hosts Query and Schultz on the Indiana Sports Network, Indiana Cable outlets and on YouTube. He has been a media personality in the greater Indianapolis area for 15 years. Schultz currently serves as a senior strategic communicator and media relations specialist at Purdue, with his work centered on his home in the greater Indianapolis area.

10 points of interest to start the week as Purdue opens the 2024 season on Saturday against Indiana State (12:00 p.m., BTN) at Ross-Ade Stadium:

• Where does the program fit in the new 18-team Big Ten? The experts have the Boilermakers ranked last in the unofficial preseason poll, which gives coach Ryan Walters and his staff plenty of motivation. That seems tough for Walters’ group considering the upgrades through the transfer portal and returning experience, including quarterback and offensive line. But they’ll have to show it on the field.

• Many eyes are on the defense, as that is Walters’ background. Purdue allowed 30.4 points in nine conference games last season, and that number needs to drop in the second year of the Walters era. With linebacker Kydran Jenkins and safety Dillon Thieneman, the defense has solid building blocks but will need more to take a significant step forward. However, the schedule is loaded with dynamic offenses and playmakers throughout the Big Ten, making the task difficult.

• Remember the problems in short-yardage situations last season? The offense can’t go through another season of falling short on third-and-2 and fourth-and-1. Experience and depth on the offensive line should solve those problems.

FIRST LOOK: Indiana Statt

• Keeping Hudson Card healthy is necessary as the Boilermakers face a challenging schedule. Card showed his strengths in the run game last season, making the offense more dangerous on the ground. But Purdue needs Card in the air to shine. Its offensive line appears to have improved, there are plenty of receivers ready to contribute, and the run game should be strong to keep the offense from becoming one-dimensional. Card, who has six touchdown passes and no interceptions in his final two starts in 2023, is expected to make a leap forward.

• It was the game against Indiana State two years ago that introduced Devin Mockobee to the fans and the Big Ten. Granted, most of his 78 yards on 13 carries came after the Boilermakers had a comfortable lead, but he showed an aggressive running style that earned him more playing time the next week at Syracuse. The walk-on eventually earned a scholarship after the season and is now one of the best running backs in the Big Ten.

• Jahmal Edrine was projected to be the top receiver in last year’s training camp, but a knee injury prevented him from transferring from Florida Atlantic. Card has more upside as a receiver and Edrine will have to lead the pack.

PROJECTED DEPTH CHART: Week 1

• Part of improving the defense was moving Jenkins from end to inside linebacker. He is the leader of the defense and can make more plays in different areas. He will still pressure the quarterback, but being able to move Jenkins gives the defense a different look.

• The most exciting thing about special teams is the possibility of Thieneman returning punts. Let’s take a look.

• Sellouts on Labor Day weekend? If Saturday’s game is full, it would be a new event for the program. Coming off a 4-8 season, playing an FCS program that won one game last season doesn’t exactly scream sellout. The Sycamores will bring their share of fans, and many factors contribute to a potential sellout, but the bottom line is: just enjoy it.

• Two years ago, Purdue beat Indiana State 56-0. It should be the same on Saturday.

written by Mike Carmin