Unfortunate news hit Purdue this weekend, when the school announced that head football coach Jeff Brohm tested positive for COVID-19 over the weekend. Because of the B1G’s policy for coaches regarding positive results, the fourth-year leader of the Boilermakers will not be in attendance for the opener against Iowa.

That’s not only significant because Brohm is the head coach, but because he’s the offensive play caller. In his absence, co-offensive coordinator Brian Brohm will be running the show as the Boilers welcome the Hawkeyes to Ross-Ade Stadium.

How does Brohm’s absence impact Purdue this weekend? Big Ten Network asked former head coach Urban Meyer for his analysis on the situation. In short, Meyer thinks it’s a pretty big deal.

“Brohm’s a play caller. Very good play caller. So, that, to me, is ‘watch out.’ If he is not there, red flags are flying all over the place,” Meyer said.

“I don’t know the setup at Purdue. Obviously when your head coach is your coordinator, I’m sure he has someone. I’ll tell you right now, that’s a major problem if they don’t have a guy that’s ready to go to start calling plays.”

Purdue did file an appeal to the NCAA, hoping that Brohm will at least be able to communicate via phone with the coaches box for the season opener on Saturday. If not, though, it will be his brother running the operation.

The Boilers are 0-3 in season openers under Brohm but are 2-1 against Iowa. Kickoff is at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.

Below is the complete analysis from Meyer on the situation: