Boiler Up!

The fans graced the field of Ross Ade Stadium for the first time since late November in the year 2000. It was also the first victory over a ranked opponent since Wake Forest of all teams in 2003. To say that Purdue needed that victory on Saturday would be a massive understatement, the entire campus needed something to go right on their football field for the first time in years. Ohio State is an especially ripe victim after some absolute heartbreakers over the past decade including the 4th down pass that propelled them to the national championship.

Danny Hope proved that he could be the man to bring this team back to the top of the Big Ten. He's got enough fire and guts to make the tough calls and live with the consequences. He's envigorated the recruiting and hired some capable assistants. I certainly respect and admire all of the guys that compete for my alma mater, but a good deal of the gentlemen currently on scholarship simply don't have the talent to contend at this level. Hope will find men who will, whether it is scanning the Midwest or offering every senior across the state of Florida. I certainly believe that he made some headway with any high school seniors in attendance this past weekend.

Joey Elliott has now earned the right to finish as the starter in every game for his senior year. He is the right man for the job and should lead the Boilers to at least two more victories if not a .500 record in Big Ten play. Ryan Kerrigan proved that he is one of the ten best defensive linemen in the country and was honored as such. Mike Neal, Brandon King, and Aaron Valentin all showed that they deserve a look at the next level when the combine rolls around. Keith Smith has admirably filled the void left behind after Dustin Keller graduated. He's fearless and takes the game to all of the defensive backs that get in his way. He'll be all conference by the end of the year and could put himself in great position to play on Sundays after next season. Hopefully some of the younger guys and the redshirt QB have learned some things from these older guys who have to fight and scrap for any success. It looks like the train is back on the tracks.

Dear Mr. Fantasy

Hopefully I've helped some of my readers with their issues this year because I certainly can't solve my own problems. I'm writing this column to avoid watching the inevitable on Monday night, which involves my team falling to 2-4. Bye week fillers are incredibly important. Do not take bye week maneuvers lightly because whenever you think you can't compete, there are guys out there who can bring you home a victory. You never know what your opponent's players will do or when he'll make a bad play.

Some guys to keep in mind this week are Sammie Stroughter of the Bucs. They love this kid in Tampa and I tried telling that to a friend before he went for 65 yards and a punt return TD this past weekend. Stick with guys that continue to perform at the tight end position. Shiancoe, Heath Miller, and even Greg Olson have proved to be far better plays than high talent guys like Finley or Keller. Stay away from quarterbacks on bad teams even if they throw a lot. What did it get Kerry Collins' owners this past weekend? The time has come for you to focus on younger backups at running back and wide receiver. The longer the season goes, the higher risk for injury. Always be aware of the upcoming schedule along with the playoff schedule. Pattern your trades to maximize these factors and always try to be a week ahead on roster moves if your bench can afford you that. Don't get married to bad bench players either. It will cost you an opportunity to get a valuable player.