Boilers face third bye week

By Paul Trembacki
Sports Editor

Purdue tight end Tim Stratton isn't a big proponent of bye weeks.

"I hate 'em; they suck," Stratton said. "I mean we've had like three of them."

Nevertheless, the 24th ranked Boilers (4-1, 2-1 Big Ten) will have their third and final bye week of the season this week.

Although he'd rather play a game this week, Stratton said he realizes that the Boilers will be able to benefit from not having to play one. Not only will players be able take more time to recover from the small injuries they've been enduring over the last few games, but they can learn a lot from its 24-10 loss to Michigan Saturday, Stratton said.

"I think we need a little reality check, saying we're a good team, but we've got some vulnerable points," Stratton said. "It's going to humble us, and in the same respect we're going to have two weeks to prepare for Northwestern. I think we'll have two good weeks of preparation."

The Boilers and Wildcats (4-1, 2-1), who are tied for second place in the conference with Illinois, Ohio State and Wisconsin; play at 11:10 a.m., Oct. 27 in Purdue's Homecoming.

One of the major concerns for Purdue heading into that game will be the play of the offensive line, which gave up seven sacks Saturday and played a role in Purdue's season-worst 57-yard rushing effort.

Purdue coach Joe Tiller said substitution is not a solution.

"We don't have many options anyway, so we've just got to play harder," Tiller said. "I think our offensive line has been making progress.

"I think our offensive line is still growing and learning how to play the game."

Tiller was particularly disappointed in the way the line played late in the game. On Purdue's final possession, quarterback Brandon Hance was sacked three consecutive times.

Tiller said the loss was not Hance's fault.

"I liked the way Brandon played," Tiller said. "He took another step in his development as a quarterback, and I'm pretty optimistic."

Michigan defenders were blitzing and chasing Hance frequently Saturday, but the redshirt freshman never got flustered enough to make a horrible throw for an interception.

Hance, who ran the ball 16 times and got sacked seven times, didn't give up all game. Tiller was pleased with Hance's demeanor, especially in front of a crowd of 110,450.

"I hope he continues to play that way because I felt looking in his eyes and talking to him, he was one guy (Saturday) that enjoyed the environment and enjoyed the competition and was having some fun out there playing the game," Tiller said.

Hance said having this week off will help him and the young offense get better at executing the plays. But Hance also hopes the Boilers realize what it takes to win big games.

"I think it's really important that each person, not only on offense, but on all sides of the ball, understands that it's up to them to win their individual battle," Hance said. "It's 11 individuals competing against another 11 individuals and I think we've just all got to do our share."

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Sports editor:
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