Nebraska-Purdue Preview with Russ Johnson, Host of the Boiler Express Podcast

Author

TJ Birkel
September 25, 2024

After the disappointing loss to Illinois, the Huskers will look to get back on track in their first road game of the season against Purdue. The Boilermakers come into the contest at 1-2, having defeated Indiana State 49-0 to start the year, followed by back-to-back losses vs. Notre Dame (66-7) and at Oregon State (38-21). Most betting lines currently have Nebraska favored by around 10 points. 

I talked to Russ Johnson, host of the Boiler Express Podcast, to get the Purdue perspective on the upcoming game. 

Interview with Russ Johnson, Host of the Boiler Express Podcast

After going 4-8 in 2023, Purdue sits at 1-2 to start the 2024 season. What’s the view of 2nd year head coach Ryan Walters among the fan base? 

It’s very split. Some are already calling for his head, but others are disappointed, though still supportive. I think it’s important to remember that Walters started with an extremely depleted roster, and was hired much later in the coaching cycle than most new coaches. I still see this as somewhat of a first year for Coach Walters. To continue on the rebuilding path, it’s more important what the roster looks like at the end of this season than the team’s record.

Despite the loss to Oregon State, the Boilermakers rushed for 263 yards at an impressive clip of 8.8 yards per carry. That’s the second time this season they’ve rushed for over 200 yards. Is being a downhill rushing team at the core of this offense’s identity? 

OC Graham Harrell is a part of the Mike Leach coaching tree, and as such this offense has been labeled as an air raid offense. However, the Boilermakers actually led the Big Ten in rushing yards per game last season, and have seen continued success on the ground this year. As much as we’d like to get quarterback Hudson Card going and unleash the passing offense, I think it’s critical for Purdue to embrace and lean on the run game or there may be no shot at turning things around this season.

Purdue had a rough draw in the non-conference schedule, having to play both Notre Dame and Oregon State. Is there a belief that the defense will get back on track going into conference play? 

If there are fans that believe the defense will get back on track this week…