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Big Ten Football: Every team’s most important newcomer in 2021

By Dante Pryor

Dec 19, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day lifts the Big 10 Conference championship trophy as running back Trey Sermon (right) reacts after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 19, 2020; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes head coach Ryan Day lifts the Big 10 Conference championship trophy as running back Trey Sermon (right) reacts after defeating the Northwestern Wildcats at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Syndication: Journal-Courier
Syndication: Journal-Courier /

14. Purdue Boilermakers 2-4

The Boilermakers are coming off of a season where both COVID-19 and injuries hit them. Though they were better offensively and defensively, the Boilers still have some building to do. There are some places where Purdue must improve if they want to make a bowl game this season.

Purdue had perhaps the worst offensive line in the Big Ten and the Power Five last season. The Boilermakers ran for 82.2 yards at 3.4 yards per rush last season, which ranked 124th in the country. The offensive line allowed 12 sacks in six games, good for 57th in the country.

The pass defense could also use some work, finishing 94th in the country last season, allowing over 12 yards per completion and 254 yards per game. The pass rush had just five sacks in six games. These areas need to be addressed, and here are three players who could help.

  • Yanni Karlaftis, OLB: If the name sounds familiar, Yanni is the younger brother of defensive end George Karlaftis. The younger Karlaftis still needs to fill out his frame and is not the explosive athlete his older brother is. However, Yanni has a great motor and can play either downhill or sideline to sideline. There might be a chance his future is at the defensive end if he gets bigger, but right now, Yanni adds depth to a thin linebacker group and can contribute as an outside linebacker/nickel backer early.
  • CJ McWilliams (Transfer), CB: Don’t be fooled by McWilliams’ slight build (5-foot-11 and 164 pounds); the Miami native is an aggressive, physical player.  McWilliams is a nosy, willing tackler around the box. McWilliams does not get bullied by a larger receiver in coverages, and there is room for growth on his frame. McWilliams does possess good ball skills as he also played receiver in high school. McWilliams will fit Purdue’s zone-heavy scheme and gives the Boilermakers depth and experience in the defensive backfield.
  • Tyler Witt (Transfer) OG: Witt, a Joliet, Illinois native, comes about three hours from home to play his last collegiate season. Witt chose Purdue over Virginia Tech and gives the Boilermakers depth in their interior, and given how poor the offensive line play was last season could push for a starting job this season.
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