Big Ten Football: Power Ranking every Big Ten coach
6. Jeff Brohm, Purdue
- 2017 record: 7-6 (4-5)
- 2018 B1G recruiting class rank: 13 of 14
Arguably the most impressive job in 2017 belonged to first-year Purdue Boilermakers coach Jeff Brohm. The Boilermakers have been the laughingstock of the Big Ten West as of late and heading into 2017, there were not all that high of expectations, especially with the tough schedule they had in front of them.
Brohm and his team opened up the year in somewhat impressive fashion, falling by just seven points away from home against No. 16 Louisville and Heisman winner Lamar Jackson. Already the Boilermakers were proving they were not a pushover on defense, as this was proven especially in the team’s third game of the year, a 35-3 victory at Missouri.
Purdue did go on to fall five times in Big Ten play, but had an average margin of defeat in those five games of just under eight points, including an eight point loss at Wisconsin, a one point loss against Nebraska, and a two points loss at Rutgers.
The Boilermakers will have a huge opportunity to make some noise next season as they open up the 2018 year at home against West division rival Northwestern. The team will also see Wisconsin, Ohio State, and Iowa all at home next year- a huge opportunity for Brohm and the Boilermakers to take the next step.
Purdue will also play power five opponents Missouri and Boston College in the non-conference. Both teams made a bowl game in 2017.