Penn State Sports Magazine
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/210507
P R E G A M E R E P O R T P U R D U E N O O N , N O V. @ 1 6 P E N N S T AT E B T N HOT PURSUIT PURDUE FACTS C.J. Olaniyan puts pressure on Purdue's QB during Penn State's 34-9 win in 2012. COACH Darell Hazell (Muskingum, '86) COACH'S RECORD 17-18, which includes a 16-10 record at Kent State. 2013 RECORD 1-8 (0-5 Big Ten) RECORD VS. PENN STATE The Nittany Lions lead the series, 12-3-1, winning by an average score of 23.6-17.1 PREVIOUS MEETING Penn State waxed Purdue, scoring all 34 points in the first three quarters before calling off the dogs in the fourth. Other than a late TD, the Boilermakers' only points in their 34-9 home loss came by way of a field goal. THE GOOD THREE MUSKATEERS Purdue has had three quarterbacks throw a touchdown pass this season: Danny Etling (4), Rob Henry (4) and Austin Appleby (1). THE BAD OFFENSE OF ONE Purdue's schedule currently ranks as No. 1 toughest in the nation based on opponents' winning percentage, not counting games against FCS or Purdue. Purdue's past opponents are 45-14, and it has also played two of the only five remaining undefeated teams (Ohio State and Northern Illinois) in the country. Steve Manuel Running down a dream Young Boilermakers chase their first conference victory of 2013 THE UGLY SCORING GAP Since Sept. 29, Purdue has scored only three times – a total of 21 points. That span includes two bye weeks, as well as two shutout losses to Ohio State and Michigan State. DID YOU KNOW? This will be the final time that Penn State and Purdue clash as division foes. Both teams currently are in the Leaders Division. Starting in 2014, Purdue will join the West Division and Penn State will be in the East. TIM OWEN | OW E N. T I M . B W I @ G M A I L . C O M There's a youth movement under way in West Lafayette, Ind. Forty-nine-year-old head coach Darrell Hazell is in his first season at Purdue after leading Kent State to its first bowl game in 40 years, and he's relying on a stockpile of firstyear players. While they aren't seeing immediate returns, the Boilermakers are confident their patience will eventually pay off. Nineteen freshmen played against Iowa last week, and the Boilers have started underclassN O V E M B E R 1 3 , 2 0 1 3 1 men at all six offensive skill positions, which is the most in the country. Go through Purdue's stat sheet and you'll see that the 12 leading players in all-purpose yards have at least one more year of eligibility remaining. But Hazell's team is not trying to wait until next year to get back on track – despite being winless against all Football Bowl Subdivision opponents in 2013. While the Boilers are hoping for payoffs down the road, that doesn't mean they're tanking on this season. (It's not like they get a better draft pick.) Hazell BL UEW HI T EON L I N E. COM