Kevin Kane got here again to Purdue to repair one of many nation’s worst defenses.
Via three video games, the reunion has been tough.
Followers already are upset the Boilermakers have allowed probably the most factors per recreation and third most yards per recreation of any Energy 4 staff. They won’t be any happier with in-state rival No. 3 Notre Dame visiting Ross-Ade Stadium.
Even coach Barry Odom is warning that if issues don’t get mounted, the issues solely will worsen.
“I don’t suppose anyone on that aspect of the ball proper now would say ‘Yeah, we’re the place we wish to be or the place we anticipate to be,’” Odom mentioned. “We’ve received loads of work to do, and that’s from me all the best way right down to anybody related to the protection. The gamers have that accountability, too. They perceive how we’ve performed shouldn’t be anyplace near the place we have to be.”
It’s a good evaluation given the place the Boilermakers (1-2, 0-1 Huge Ten) are for the time being.
They couldn’t defend an extra time lead in opposition to Wake Forest and gave up 52 factors and 645 yards in a loss at UCLA. Purdue’s solely win in its final 27 matchups in opposition to FBS groups got here in opposition to Ball State in 2025 season opener. That stretch consists of 19 consecutive convention video games and 25 straight in opposition to Energy 4 faculties and independents.
On paper, the sport appears to be like like a mismatch.
Notre Dame (3-0) is making an attempt to complete September with an ideal document for the primary time since 2021, and CJ Carr has the Irish offense firing on all cylinders, scoring 40.0 factors per recreation — much more than Purdue has surrendered (36.3).
Kane additionally was calling the protection the final time these groups met in West Lafayette two years in the past when Notre Dame handed Purdue what was then the worst loss in class historical past, 66-7. Two months later, the Boilermakers misplaced 66-0 to Indiana within the season finale.
Irish coach Marcus Freeman, in fact, views this recreation by means of a distinct prism than most of the people.
“I believe they’re an ascending staff,” he mentioned. “I believe they’re a lot improved from final yr. Their offense is admittedly good. It presents some challenges that we haven’t seen this yr, particularly with the quarterback and the best way he’s defending the soccer, making good selections.”
But when the Purdue protection can’t discover some solutions, it received’t matter.
“I’m simply going to maintain swinging and ultimately this wall goes to come back down,” Odom mentioned. “I owe it to this staff, to those gamers to provide each ounce I’ve received in my soul to get that completed and it doesn’t matter how shut we’re. We’ve simply received to maintain combating.”
Browne’s surge
The sport incorporates a uncommon battle between quarterbacks who’re beginning for the second straight yr on the similar college — Carr and Ryan Browne, whose enchancment has largely fallen beneath the radar. He’s finishing 73.3% of his throws, ranks fifth nationally with 1,024 yards passing and has seven TDs and only one interception.
“I believe the quarterback play has been excellent for 3 weeks,” Odom mentioned. “Ryan’s delivered the ball. He’s had time to try this largely.”
The rivalry
Notre Dame is enjoying a rivalry recreation for the second straight week.
And whereas its obligations to the ACC have made it harder to maintain conventional rivalries on Notre Dame’s schedule, Freeman has been an enormous proponent for holding them. Odom would really like this one to remain on the schedule, too.
“I do know each fan bases stay up for this recreation,” Odom mentioned. “I all the time have a look at what’s finest for Purdue, and we’ve received to make these selections administratively on what we predict is finest for constructing this system. If Notre Dame falls into that, that’s what the schedule must be.”
James’ emergence
Notre Dame working again Nolan James entered this season with simply 14 carries for 37 yards. Now he’s the staff’s high rusher.
James carried 26 occasions for 121 yards and one TD in a victory over Michigan State. Via three video games, he leads the Irish in carries (39), yards (169) and is tied for the staff lead in TD runs (three).
“He’s working onerous,” Freeman mentioned. “He’s breaking tackles. He’s enjoying with a velocity, man, like he’s seeing it and dedicated to it.”