The Jeff Brohm era got off to a strong start at Purdue, but the program has struggled the past two seasons. The Boilers are hoping to change that.

After attending bowl games in back-to-back seasons in 2017 and 2018, Purdue has posted losing seasons in 2019 and 2020, posting a combined 6-12 record in that span. There’s a lot of pressure on Brohm to get his team back to the postseason this fall.

Will it happen?

Per ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI), there’s a real shot the Boilermakers are bowling again in 2021. Based on the network’s FPI formula, Purdue is expected to hover around the .500 mark in Brohm’s fifth season.

Here’s a look at how the FPI predicts every game on Purdue’s schedule:

  • Sept. 4: vs. Oregon State — 80.3% (W)
  • Sept. 11: at UConn — 94.5% (W)
  • Sept. 18: at Notre Dame — 14.1% (L)
  • Sept. 25: vs. Illinois — 77.9% (W)
  • Oct. 2: vs. Minnesota — 60.5% (W)
  • Oct. 16: at Iowa — 30.5% (L)
  • Oct. 23: vs. Wisconsin — 36.4% (L)
  • Oct. 30: at Nebraska — 37.5% (L)
  • Nov. 6: vs. Michigan State — 55.8% (W)
  • Nov. 13: at Ohio State — 6.9% (L)
  • Nov. 20: vs. Northwestern — 39.6% (L)
  • Nov. 27: vs. Indiana — 44.6% (L)

From a traditional perspective, Purdue is projected to finish with a 5-7 record. However, ESPN’s formula in the FPI has the Boilermakers listed with a 5.8-6.3 mark, hovering right around that 6-6 area.

It should be interesting to keep an eye on the Boilers this fall.