The opponent is inconsequential, but seeing as how the Boilermakers will still be playing at Autzen, it does make sense that I give it this one post to think it through.

I’m a bit light in my Purdue knowledge. They have essentially started all over after the retirement of Joe Tiller. Things will be different under new coach Danny Hope. Want proof? How about the Boilermakers 315 yards rushing in the opener against Toledo? 234 of them belonged to Ralph Bolden, a sophomore. In total, Purdue rushed the ball 39 times against 28 passes. It’s not that they’ve never won a game by rushing the football, but 50 passing attempts in a game was not uncommon under former coach Tiller. I would imagine 315 yards rushing was pretty much unheard of.

It would seem this is a team that’s going to rely on the ground game. First year senior quarterback Joey Elliot just about equaled his career numbers in one game, which isn’t saying much. He tossed three interceptions to go along with his three touchdowns. If you’re starting a senior that’s never really played before, it’s usually a good sign that quarterback isn’t going to be your strength.

FOTB likes this combo.

On defense, if one game is any indication, Purdue looks soft. They gave up 423 yards passing against Toledo. While Oregon looked anemic attempting to transfer the ball from one player to another via the air, you have to think there are going to be some serious opportunities for the passing game. This may be just what Jeremiah Masoli needs to get his touch back.

Admittedly, I haven’t done enough homework on Purdue and making a prediction on this game is like trying to show up and pass the final without taking the class. But it doesn’t really matter. This game is completely about Oregon. They are a better team with better players and are at home. If the Ducks play like we expect, it shouldn’t be close.

Week 2 Predictions

• PreNicktion: Oregon 42, Purdue 21

• FOTB Prediction: Black helmets, green jersey, black pants, black shoes. She says they haven’t earned the carbon helmet yet. You can simulate this combination here.

Saturday, Purdue comes to town for the second of a two-game series. The Boilermakers, much like the Ducks against Boise, would love to avenge a home defeat from a year ago. For Oregon, it’s an opportunity to start anew and redefine not only the season’s promise, but the program’s newly minted reputation in the wake of their trip to Boise.

The first step was taken by Chip Kelly on Friday who swiftly punished Blount and removed him from the team for the season. It was a necessary move for the program, the university and blood-thirsty moralists everywhere.

If Oregon is to still make a run at the top of the conference, they’ll need to start with their play at the line of scrimmage. Oh, and everything else, too. Boise State was a debacle, plain and simple. I’m not convinced the problems are easily fixable, but I do know there are some talented players and dedicated coaches that are better than what they showed in the season opener.

On talent alone, Oregon should beat Purdue, but if the offense can’t establish a running game, make better decisions in the passing game and find better play-calling from its coaches, talent won’t matter. Defensively, improvement is needed, too. 3 and 7 to 3rd and 13 shouldn’t be so easy. Not being able to line up correctly is inexcusable. Tackling requires more than arms.

It’s almost like you scrap it and start all over. This is game 1. The goal doesn’t need to be changed, it just needs a shot of confidence. Regroup, work out the kinks (more like giant, complicated knots) and make that run for the roses.

Sept. 3, @ Boise St., 7:15 pm on ESPN

• The Broncos are sorting out their starting linebackers in a competition that involves six players for two spots.
• The preseason hasn’t been kind to Boise’s defensive line and it just got thinner with an injury to freshman DT Greg Grimes. They also recently lost an offensive lineman that was in the mix for a starting spot at guard for the season.
• WR Titus Young will apparently be a handful for the Oregon secondary. Hopefully, the Oregon coaching staff and players did a crash course in “Boise play action 101.” The same article says replacing Ellis Powers won’t be a problem. Two players are vying to replace the departed safety, but no mention is made about the ability of either player to deliver cheap shots to quarterbacks (yeah, I said it).
• In the Broncos lone scrimmage so far, returning quarterback Kellen Moore “looked sharp” and Boise St. managed to slip in two successful trick plays. No doubt, Oregon had better be ready for something, well, unconventional.
• From reading through the many reports, it’s hard to say which unit is faring better, but it does seem like Boise’s passing game is going to be tough to stop.

Sept. 12, Purdue, 7:15 pm on FSN (note: FSN might suck but we don’t have to listen to 4 hours of “Did you know Bob Griese played at Purdue?” this year)

• Only four coaches remain from long-time and now retired coach Joe Tiller’s staff. For a team that struggled in 2008, new blood is probably a good thing.
• New coach Danny Hope is high on his freshman class which makes sense considering it’s his first recruiting effort. Expect to see more than a few freshman on the field in Eugene.
• It’s not on-the-field news, but Purdue adding names to the backs of their jersey’s satisfies one of my biggest pet peeves. Teams that think they’re too good for names have always bugged me. USC, Notre Dame, you get the idea.
• Uh oh. The same article mentions two quarterbacks will play this season. That’s always a kiss of death for your season. The instability probably has a lot to do with the fact potential starter Justin Siller was dismissed for academic reasons in the spring.
• Not  much is expected of the Boilermakers, but from various articles, I get the impression coach Da nny Hope doesn’t care what others are saying. He seems to be bringing a new, fresh attitude and is promoting as much competition as possible. He’s been quoted saying “we can field a very good football team in 2009.”

Sept. 19, Utah, 12:30 pm on ESPN

• The most important position is still up for grabs in Salt Lake. Coming off the heels of its second scrimmage, Utah has two quarterbacks in a dead heat even though true freshman Jordan Wynn was previously named #1 on the depth chart. One thing  is certain – the starter won’t be last year’s backup Corbin Louks who has announced he will transfer to Nevada after getting demoted.
• A redshirt freshman is playing defense for the first time ever and is already listed on the two deep.
• The Utes have suffered a couple season-ending injuries in camp, one to a senior running back, the other to a freshman defensive back.
• Program turnover seems to be a major theme. Both the offensive and defensive coordinators are new, though both were hired from within the program. Three other assistants were hired to replace departed coaches. Additionally, the team has to replace the face of its offense from a season ago, quarterback Brian Johnson as well as two defensive players that were drafted by NFL teams.