Big Ten Conference roundup: Purdue (with poll)
Caleb TerBush
PURDUE
Last year: 7-6, 4-4 in Big Ten
Coach: Danny Hope, 16-21 in three seasons
Key loss: Linebacker Joe Holland provided four-year consistency, accumulating career totals of 324 tackles, including 23 for loss. Last season, the senior added his third career interception to a solid resume.
Outlook: Quarterback Caleb TerBush returns to lead a team expected to be improved from last season. They’re full of confidence after winning three of the last four games, the loss coming against Iowa, and one of the wins being in overtime against Ohio State. Furthermore, the Boilermakers don’t face Michigan State or Nebraska, another reason for guarded excitement. However, there still remains a significant lack of depth at most positions.
Player to watch: They’re hoping running back Akeem Shavers picks up where he left off, especially with the status of 600-yard rusher Ralph Bolden still uncertain after undergoing ACL surgery. Shavers was the Little Caesars Pizza Bowl MVP after rushing for 149 yards against Western Michigan. All he needed as an opportunity, which could arise again in 2012.
2012 SCHEDULE
Sept. 1 Eastern Kentucky
Sept. 8 at Notre Dame*
Sept. 15 Eastern Michigan
Sept. 29 Marshall*
Oct. 6 Michigan*
Oct. 13 Wisconsin*
Oct. 20 at Ohio State*
Oct. 27 at Minnesota
Nov. 3 Penn State*
Nov. 10 at Iowa*
Nov. 17 at Illinois*
Nov. 24 Indiana
Opponent’s winning percentage: 56.2%
*2011 bowl participant
Category: Iowa Hawkeyes Football
