Is Purdue football a serious contender in the Big Ten West?

Purdue Football won nine games and defeated Tennessee in its bowl game. Are the Boilermakers contenders in the Big Ten West?

Jeff Brohm told reporters that the job “wasn’t done” was why he decided not to take the Louisville job several years ago.

That was a good thing for Purdue football since it had one of its finest seasons since the Joe Tiller/Drew Brees era last season. The Boilermakers won nine games and defeated an SEC team (Tennessee) in its bowl game. Head coach Jeff Brohm found his quarterback in Aidan O’Connell, a six-year former walk-on. Last season, Purdue needed two things to have the success they had.

The Boilermakers needed its stars to play like stars and to stay healthy; both things happened. David Bell and Milton Wright were a fantastic 1-2 punch at wide receiver, while Payne Durham was a key contributor at tight end. O’Connell and the passing game had to click because Purdue could not run the football.

That said, last season was as unique as it was successful. The Boilermakers would put together masterful performances against Iowa, winning 24-7 (Iowa was ranked #2 in the country then) and fifth-ranked Michigan State. Then there were the clunkers against Minnesota (who lost to Bowling Green) and Illinois, a game they won.

What will this season bring for Purdue? Can they contend in the Big Ten West? Here is a look at the offense, defense, and some predictions.