Purdue football: 3 takeaways from tough loss to Minnesota

By Dante Pryor | Sep 28, 2019

WEST LAFAYETTE, IN - SEPTEMBER 28: Calvin Swenson #1 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers is tackled by Navon Mosley #27 of the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 28, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

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WEST LAFAYETTE, IN – SEPTEMBER 28: Jack Plummer #13 of the Purdue Boilermakers throws the ball on the run as Carter Coughlin #45 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers pursues during the second half at Ross-Ade Stadium on September 28, 2019 in West Lafayette, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

3. Purdue needs Big Ten-caliber linemen

The Minnesota Golden Gophers were able to get whatever they wanted on offense against the Purdue Boilermakers. Rodney Smith ran for 115 yards and starting quarterback Tanner Morgan had one incomplete pass against the Boilers.

The Purdue defensive line got no push against the Gophers’ offensive line. Those four sacks were a result of Morgan looking for the home run and holding the ball too long.

Their offensive line wasn’t too impressive either. They were inconsistent. Purdue had success later in the game because Minnesota lacks depth on defense — more on that later.

Fortunately for Purdue, backup quarterback Jack Plummer is mobile like his dad Jake Plummer. They ran for 100 yards, but averaged under 4.0 yards per carry. What you don’t see upfront from the Boilermakers is push. They don’t push guys around in the run game, and they don’t pick up pressure very well in the pass game.

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