The Purdue Boilermakers finished the 2021 college football regular season 9-4 and 6-3 in the Big Ten. Purdue has been given a wins total of 7.5 for this season by oddsmakers. Purdue completed its nine-win season with a 48-45 overtime victory against the Tennessee Volunteers in the Music City Bowl. Purdue upset top 5 ranked Iowa and Michigan State during the season, but this season will be without its top offensive threat, wide receiver David Bell, who was the Big Ten Wide Receiver of the year.
Quarterback Aidan O'Connell returns, after last season being selected second-team All-Big Ten. O'Connell passed for 3,712 yards with 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. King Doerue returns as the leading running back for Purdue and last season rushed for 533 yards with two touchdowns. The offensive line has talent and experience led by tackles Eric Miller and Cam Craig, guard Marcus Mbow and center Mahamane Moussa.'
With Bell no longer at Purdue, the leading receiver will be Jackson Anthrop who last season caught 53 passes for 570 yards and five touchdowns. TJ Sheffield returns and last season caught 36 passes for 325 yards and five TDs. Tyrone Tracy transferred from Iowa and will be another big threat at wide out.' Payne Durham, Garrett Miller and Paul Piferi will all see action at tight end.
Last season Purdue's defense held Big Ten opponents to an average of 22.4 points and 366.6 yards per game. The Purdue defense will be a 4-2-5 and will have a very strong secondary led by up-safety Jalen Graham, safeties Chris Jefferson and Cam Allen as well as cornerback Cory Trice. Reese Taylor and Jamari Brown will battle for the second cornerback spot. Purdue's linebackers will be led by OC Brothers along with Semisi Fakasiieiki.'
The defensive line lost a pair of talented pass-rushers but will have defensive end Kydran Jenkins back as well as transfer Scotty Humpich from Murray State. On the interior of the front four for Purdue are Lawrence Johnson and Branson Deen, who both return as the starting defensive tackles for the second consecutive season. If the Purdue defense can pressure the quarterback the Boilermakers will have a tough group, as the secondary is very talented.
Free NCAAF Pick:
Over 7.5