Minnesota @ Purdue football preview

24th-ranked Golden Gophers visit Purdue on Saturday

Two months ago, Minnesota fans likely would have thought it impossible to see the Golden Gophers already bowl eligible, nationally ranked and right in the middle of the Big Ten race – at the same time.

Well, that’s a fact. Minnesota is ranked 25 th in both national polls, sitting at 2-1 in the Big Ten standings and has achieved bowl eligibility with a 6-1 record.

“We’re obviously pleased about that,’’ coach Tim Brewster said. “Our motto has been one game, one play at a time since day one. It serves us extremely well, and we’re going to continue in that same vein.’’

Two weeks have passed since the Gophers pulled off the landmark win of the season when they won at Illinois, 27-20. Coming off their bye, the Gophers have to show they are worthy of the accolades.

They play in West Lafayette, Ind. Saturday against the scuffling Purdue Boilermakers. Once again, they are the homecoming opponent. But it makes sense. The Gophers haven’t won at Ross-Ade Stadium since 1990.

The theme in the last two games against Indiana and Illinois has been the Gopher defense. Slowly but surely, this attacking style has shown its mettle. It neutralized Indiana’s spread and made the stands against the Illini when it needed to. Although Illinois rolled up 550 yards, the Gophers forced three turnovers, returned one of them for a touchdown and made a remarkable goal line stand.

Purdue will represent the fourth consecutive spread formation. Quarterback Curtis Painter has thrown for more than 10,000 yards but has a star-crossed 2008 season. Retiring coach Joe Tiller has criticized his play. Painter has struggled with interceptions (9), but he has thrown for 1,726 yards.

The Gophers are pretty good there with interceptions with 10 so developing a pass rush against Painter would be a difference maker.

There’s no question the defense has carried the team so far. But the offense has had its share of problems as it ranks eighth in the conference in total offense. Quarterback Adam Webber showed his leadership when he had knee surgery the Sunday before the Illinois game and started that game. Webber said he will be dealing with some swelling but said he can get through the season.

Again, the question is going to be finding another wide receiver threat to go with all-american candidate Eric Decker.

Perhaps there has been a coming out for freshman running back DeLeon Eskridge. The youngster from California rushed for a career-high 124 yards against Illinois including a 46-yard touchdown run in which he ran away from the Illinois secondary.

Eskridge has the job until he proves ineffective. That doesn’t appear to be happening any time soon.

But also look for Troy Stoudermire to play role. Stoudermire has been dangerous on kick returns and in the secondary, but the Gophers have used him at wide receiver, running back and even lined him up at quarterback. Brewster loves his versatility.

If the Gophers are going to win their third consecutive game, they must get the same production from their defense to harass Painter. But the passing game needs to become more of a factor. Historically, these games have been offensive shows. That should likely happen again.

There are a lot of good things that could happen this season, but the praise can quickly face if Minnesota doesn’t win at Purdue.

Prediction: Minnesota 34, Purdue 28

Notable:

• Defensive back Marcus Sherels who did not play against Illinois is expected to play Saturday.
• Purdue has won 9 of the last 10 meetings.
• Defensive end Willie VanDeSteeg is second in the Big Ten in sacks (6½) and fourth in tackles for loss (11.0). Meanwhile, linebacker Simoni Lawrence’s two defensive touchdowns are the most for a Gopher defensive player since Jeff Rosga did it in 1993.

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