Saturday, August 30, 2014

RossAde Stadium in West Lafayette

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After winning just one game apiece last season, the Western Michigan Broncos and the Purdue Boilermakers will both look to match that win total in their opening game on Saturday afternoon.

Western Michigan ended up being the bottom team in the Mid-American Western Division after finishing with a 1-7 conference record and a 1-11 record overall. They finished with one of the worst offenses in the country after scoring just 17.2 points per game, while their defense 106th in the nation after giving up 35.4 points per game.

The Broncos' only hope in 2014 will be that their 12 returning starters can use their poor performances from last season to motivate them this year. Western Michigan's best player should once again be wide receiver Corey Davis, who had 67 catches for 941 yards last season.

Purdue finished last season with the worst record (0-8) in the Big Ten and a 1-11 overall record. Purdue's only win in 2013 came against Indiana State, but they barely even won that game. They rushed for just 67.1 yards per game, which was 125th in the country. They also gave up 38 points per game while only scoring 14.9 points per game themselves.

Sophomore quarterback Danny Etling, who passed for 1,690 yards and 10 touchdowns last year, will be the Boilermakers' starter this season and should lead an improved offense. Defensive end Ryan Russell has the potential to be a star, but the team hopes that he will be a bit more consistent in 2014.

Injuries to Watch

Western Michigan Broncos

08/14/14 OL Jordan Van Dort Personal out indefinitely

Purdue Boilermakers

08/02/14 DB Landon Feichter Suspension expected to miss 1st Half Saturday vs. Western Michigan
08/02/14 DB Taylor Richards Suspension expected to miss 2 games

Tony's Pick: Take Purdue

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