When Jeff Brohm brings the Boilermakers out of the locker room at Lucas Oil Field, he’ll be facing off with a familiar program. The Brohm family has been entrenched in Louisville history.
The staff is definitely a family affair with Jeff being the head coach, Brian the co-offensive coordinator and Greg serving as the Executive Director of Administration and Operations. They all have ties to the Louisville program. Both Jeff and Brian played quarterback for the Cardinals and Greg was a wide receiver there.
Purdue comes into the game with questions at their most important position, quarterback. Starter David Blough will be a game time decision. He’s suffering from a strained right shoulder. After being cleared for Friday’s practice, Blough feels like he can go.
“At the end of the day, it’s up to coach (Jeff) Brohm and it’s his decision,” said Blough, who made all 12 starts last season. “Of course, I’m going to tell him I’m ready to go. They’re trying to get a feel for how I’m feeling, too. I’m trying to prove to them I can go.”
If Blough can’t go, the Boilermakers will turn to Elijah Sindelar. If Sindelar is called on, he feels like he’s ready for the challenge.
“I have always set out to be the starter and am going to prepare as if I am. And even if I wasn’t the starter — or if I am — it doesn’t matter. My role doesn’t change. I still have to perform every day.”
Whoever starts at quarterback, they will need to lead the Boilermakers to points early and often because Louisville brings in what is being built up as an “improved” Lamar Jackson. All Jackson did last season was win the Heisman trophy. Coach Petrino feels like Jackson has improved in all areas. That’s a scary thought.
“He is better at everything,” Petrino said.
“He trusts what he sees. He really understands what we want to do. He has done a good job with his sets, his transfers and his footwork. His feel for the game is better. He trusts his knowledge. He has had good scrimmages, and his decisions are quicker and better.”
Jackson is equipped with two big time receivers in Jaylen Smith and Seth Dawkins. Last season, Smith had 6 touchdowns receiving, 3 of where went for more than 50 yards. Sophomore, Dawkins, had a great spring and has emerged as one of Jackson’s main targets. As a true freshman, he caught 11 passes for 191 yards.
The Cardinals are 24.5 point favorites.
Additional Notes
- In their only previous meeting, Purdue & Louisville played to a 22-22 tie (1987) at Ross-Ade Stadium.
- Ten players will make their first start at Purdue, including 7 who would be making their first FBS start.
- Louisville opens up the season ranked 16th in the nation.
- The Cardinals return 16 starters – five on offense, nine on defense and two on special teams.
