I contemplated pushing this post through before the Crossroads Classic. But, it just so happened that this past Saturday was the official start of Winter and the Crossroads Classic. I’m pretty sure any Purdue fan knew what was probably going to happen to the Boilers inside Bankers Life on any given December.
2-7
Purdue MCBB record at Crossroads Classic
That being said, the biggest story line going into the winter for Purdue is the Football team. For the first time in Jeff Brohm’s tenure they did not get to six wins. Therefore, they are not bowling this year. Despite their record, and because of the injuries most closely attributed to missing a bowl, the future is bright for the Boilermaker Football Program.
I’m sure my positive sentiments are not what Head Coach Jeff Brohm wants to hear. It’s one of the reasons why I like him as the leader of this program. This Brohm lead football squad, despite missing a bowl game for the first time in his tenure, made some pretty significant strides on both sides of the ball. I’m not a big fan of the firing of Nick Holt because of those injuries, but so is life as a coordinator in B1G time college football. Irregardless, it should be an interesting Winter and Spring in and around the Purdue Football Complex.
at Purdue University
The basketball team, much like the football team, is young and should be fun to watch. As scripted it was another Crossroads Classic flop. The Texas and Marquette loses hopefully are good learning experiences. A late autumnal road win against against a ranked VCU squad albeit on the Emerald Coast. Then, a Mackey beat down of Virginia. Honestly, it wasn’t close at any point. That win doesn’t take the sting away from the end of last season. But, it helps.
Over then #5 Virginia
As I look ahead to full on winter and full scale B1G Basketball I foresee Matt Painter doing what he always has and getting this latest squad ready for each and every game with an eye on the Madness associated with the Spring. Once the trees begin to bud, the grass begins to grow, as always, there will be tons of activity in and around the Mackey Sports Complex especially with these two programs.
Boiler Up.
Ken
aguyfromindiana.com 