2009-10 Purdue Boilermakers Football Predictions: 2-10 (0-8 in Big Ten)

Longtime Coach Joe Tiller has retired and Purdue's era of explosive offense and strong quarterbacks has ended as well. Danny Hope takes over and the cupboard is bare. There's NO question Coach Tiller changed the landscape of the Big Ten and made it much more enjoyable conference to watch, but his recruiting lately was questionable and it appears he got out at the right moment.

Purdue has seven games this season at Ross-Ade Stadium and that could help ease the transition. However, the Boilers' four non-conference games are not easy. The offense lost heavy through graduation, including QB Curtis Painter and WRs Desmond Tardy and Greg Orton.

The defense returns seven starters and I expect them to be better than 2008, a year in which they allowed 175 yards per game rushing. They do not play Penn State or Iowa and that is a plus, as that would easily have been two losses.

Strengths: As I mentioned, the defense could be much better in 2009. Eight of the 11 projected starters are seniors and the defense was fourth best in the conference one year ago. With the offense being a real question mark, this unit must step up.

Weakness: The lack of experience at the skill positions on offense has to be a concern. QB Joey Elliott will probably start and he does not have any experience. It always takes time to gel under the tutelage of a new coach and I expect this year to be a work in progress. They will stay in most of their games but they just don't have the weapons to win them in 2009.

Favorable line to play: Ohio State at Purdue (Oct. 17). The number should be large and the Boilers have played the Buckeyes tough the last two years. By this date, we should have a good indication of how the Purdue offense is performing.

Favorable line to play against:  Purdue at Michigan (Nov. 7). This will be revenge time for the Wolverines after losing, 48-42, in 2008. Purdue will be coming off a road game vs. Wisconsin the week before and late in the season I look for Michigan to be more advanced then Purdue. The Boilermakers will likely be on a long losing streak by the time this game approaches.