#22 Purdue Boilermakers

Head Coach: Joe Tiller
2003 Record: 8-4

2004 Preview By JJ Pesavento
football.com

Team MVP: Senior quarterback Kyle Orton will be the key to the success of the Boilermakers in 2004. Orton has to be as good as expected if the Boilermakers want to make a run at the Big Ten title in 2004. He has had solid seasons, but hasn't amassed huge numbers. With a defense that is losing eight starters, he may have more pressure to light up the scoreboard.

Quarterback: Senior quarterback Kyle Orton is the man for Joe Tiller and the Purdue offense. He has a strong arm, and is blessed with mobility as well. While the big numbers haven't been there, Orton has gotten the job done, and has avoided running up a slew of interceptions despite throwing as much as Purdue does. Sophomore Brandon Kirsch gives the Boilermakers a solid backup for Orton. While he doesn't have a ton of experience, Kirsch has the skills to be a capable reserve nonetheless.

Running Back: Junior Jared Void returns after rushing for over 900 yards in 2003, which is impressive in a Joe Tiller offense. Void is a big back that can find the end zone, as he demonstrated with his 13 touchdowns last season. Junior Brandon Jones, who is a true power back, is the backup for Void. Jones is also a capable receiver, which fits well in the Purdue offense. Sophomore Jerome Brooks will also be a valuable member of the backfield, as well as a special teams ace.

Wide Receiver/Tight End: John Standeford is now gone, but senior Taylor Stubblefield returns at receiver. Stubblefield hauled in 86 passes for over 800 yards in 2003. Juniors Ray Williams, Kevin Neal and sophomore Kyle Ingraham give Orton and the Boilermakers a solid group at the receiver position. Williams and Neal will be the deep play threats while Ingraham should fill the bill as the possession guy. Junior tight end Charles Davis is also a returning starter.

Offensive Line: The line returns senior Tyler Moore and junior Matt Turner at the guard positions. The duo will be joined by another returning starter at left tackle in sophomore Mike Otto, who received a good share of honors as a freshman. Senior David Owen will step into a starting role at right tackle after bouncing around from the defensive line and tight end. Redshirt freshman will take over for the departed Nick Hardwick at center. Senior Danny May and junior Brian Wang provide capable backup.

Defensive Line: Junior tackle Brent Grover is the only returning starter on the defensive line. Junior Brandon Villarreal will step into a starting role at the opposite tackle. Sophomore Ray Edwards and Anthony Spencer will be pressed into starting roles in 2004. Edwards was a solid reserve, but Spencer will need to mature quickly. The inexperience will be tough to overcome early on.

Linebacker: The Boilermakers will need to replace starters Gilbert Gardner, Niko Koutouvides and Landon Johnson who have all departed. Junior Bobby Iwuchuhwu, who was a top backup in 2003, will be the most seasoned performer of the group. Sophomore George Hall, the big hitter of the group, will take over in the middle. Redshirt freshman Stanford Keglar, who may be the sleeper of the group, will take over on the weakside for Johnson. Senior Jon Goldsberry is the most experienced of the reserves. The linebacking corps has some real talent, but could suffer some growing pains in 2004.

Secondary: Senior Antwan Rogers returns at corner, while sophomore Bernard Pollard will return at strong safety. Rogers is the star of the secondary. He is a physical, cover corner and an above average tackler. Junior Brian Hickman will get a chance to start after being mainly a special teams performer. Redshirt freshman Paul Long will start at the free safety spot. Juniors Kyle Smith and Sean Petty will be key reserves in the secondary.

Special Teams: Sophomore Ben Jones was a pleasant surprise in 2003. Jones hit on 25 of 30 attempts and showed good range as well. Senior Aaron Levin will handle the punting chores as he replaces Brent Slaton. Taylor Stubblefield should be more than capable on returns.

Final Thoughts: Orton and the offense should have little problems moving the ball. The receiving corps is talented and deep enough. If experience counts for anything, look for the Boilermakers to be even more lethal through the air than they have been in past seasons on offense. The running game is not a staple of the Joe Tiller offense, but it should be solid as well. The question mark for the 2004 Boilermakers is on defense. Purdue lost eight starters, which is difficult to replace even for the top teams in the nation. The front seven will suffer the most from the departures. While there is some talent, it may take time for the unit to gel. The Boilermakers do have an edge in terms of their schedule. Purdue faces their toughest tests at home in 2004. But they do have to face Iowa on the road, and the Hawkeyes are never easy on their home field.

-- JJ Pesavento