Ad Disclosure
Purdue started off the 2018 season with a tough conference loss to Northwestern, falling 31-27 to the Wildcats. But it was a performance head coach Jeff Brohm believes his team can build from.
This is the second-straight season the Boilermakers have started the year 0-1, but there’s a belief that the program is still in strong shape and could be a tough opponent for several B1G teams. Rondale Moore, who was named co-Freshman of the Week, also provided a spark.
The focus shifts to Week 2 as the Boilermakers prepare for Easter Michigan on Saturday. Here’s what Brohm said at his weekly press conference:
On the loss to Northwestern:
Brohm: "This weekend was a loss that stung us and it should. … Our guys are a little bit angry, which they should be."
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) September 3, 2018
Jeff Brohm on defense: "Going back and watching the film, it was even more evident that we didn't play hard in the first half."
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) September 3, 2018
On the head injury to Simeon Smiley:
Jeff Brohm said Simeon Smiley had a couple lacerations under his eye and under his eye. "May have been slightly concussed as well."
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) September 3, 2018
Antonio Blackmon played nickel when Smiley left the game. Brohm said Kenneth Major could be another option at nickel. LB Tobias Larry can also fill that position, in a way.
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) September 3, 2018
Jeff Brohm said the defensive line needs to play "a lot better." Repeated it for emphasis "I mean, A LOT better."
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) September 3, 2018
On the quarterback situation:
Jeff Brohm: "Both quarterbacks are going to play and play meaningful minutes."
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) September 3, 2018
Brohm: Both quarterbacks will play vs. Eastern Michigan
— mike carmin (@mike_carmin) September 3, 2018
Brohm on Elijah Sindelar's performance: "Two of the interceptions I'm extremely disappointed in."
— Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) September 3, 2018
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB