2011 Purdue Boilermakers Gambling Odds | Predictions

2011-2012 Football Previews – Big 10 Conference – Purdue Boilermakers

The 2010 season didn’t go at all the way Danny Hope had envisioned it. Purdue dealt with more key injuries than any other team in the Big Ten.

Big Ten Conference 2011-2012 Football Previews: Purdue Boilermakers
Head Coach: Danny Hope
2010 Record: 4-8
Purdue Gambling Odds from JustBet to win BCS: +15,000 (Part of Field)
Purdue Odds from JustBet to win Big Ten Leaders Division: +1,400
Purdue Odds from JustBet to win Big Ten Conference Championship: +5,000
Purdue Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2011 Schedule –>

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In fact, the team’s starting quarterback, running back, and best wide receiver all missed the majority of the season.

The Boilermakers finished 2009 with quite a bit of promise, but they simply sputtered to a 2-6 record in the Big Ten in 2010. There is still some talent here, but there are quite a few holes as well.

The defense returns nine starters, but they lost Ryan Kerrigan, who was the star of the defense. Can this team stay healthy and surprise some people in 2011?

Team Strengths:

Purdue’s offensive line returns four out of five starters from last year. This is a group that has a great deal of experience, and I believe they’ll prove to be an area of strength for this team. Despite the injuries suffered last season, this unit only allowed 18 sacks.

They should be good in 2011.

The Boilermakers are very deep at the linebacker spot. Purdue is extremely high on youngster Will Lucas. Dwayne Beckford and Joe Holland should get the starting nod once again, and Chris Carlino is a solid player who should get some significant playing time.

The running back position was a real problem last year, but Purdue should be in much better shape this season in the backfield. Ralph Bolden is healthy again, and he is a very talented runner.

In addition to Bolden, the Boilermakers also have another potential star in Akeem Shavers, who is a junior college transfer.

Team Weaknesses:

Purdue is lacking in depth when it comes to the wide receiver position. The Boilermakers lost a couple very talented wideouts when Keith Smith and Cortez Smith graduated after last year. Antavian Edison is the team’s leading pass receiver, and he hauled in 32 catches a year ago. [soliloquy id=”82219″]

Purdue is hoping for a breakout year from Justin Siller, but there a ton of question marks with this group.

Can the defensive line replace a guy like Ryan Kerrigan? Purdue has quite a bit of depth on the defensive line, but Kerrigan was the reason why they were able to pressure the quarterback so well. The secondary was average last year, but they benefited from a terrific pass rush.

If there isn’t much of a pass rush in 2011, it could make life pretty difficult on the secondary.

Who will the starting quarterback be? Robert Marve was the starter at the beginning of last year, but he is in a battle with Rob Henry for the job right now. Marve is the better passer, but Henry is a very good runner.

There will likely be quite a few questions surrounding the quarterback position this year, and controversy doesn’t typically lead to success.

2011-2012 Purdue Football Prediction: 6-7

The Boilermakers got a break when it comes to the schedule in 2011. Purdue won’t have to play Nebraska or Michigan State. The Boilermakers non-conference schedule is easy outside of a date at home with Notre Dame.

There are quite a few unanswered questions regarding this team, but with a soft schedule I think they have a decent shot to reach a bowl game. The defense will need to step up and win some games for the Boilermakers.

I’ll predict that they get to a bowl game and then lose and finish 6-7.

2011 Purdue Boilermakers Schedule

9/3/11 12:00 PM ET MTENN
9/10/11 12:00 PM ET @RICE
9/17/11 12:00 PM ET SEMST
10/1/11 8:00 PM ET NOTRE
10/8/11 12:00 PM ET MINN
10/15/11 12:00 PM ET @PENST
10/22/11 12:00 PM ET ILL
10/29/11 12:00 PM ET @MICH
11/5/11 12:00 PM ET @WISC
11/12/11 12:00 PM ET OHIST
11/19/11 12:00 PM ET IOWA
11/26/11 12:00 PM ET @IND