I love this photo…it’s a younger George Karlaftis and David Bell walking off of the field after a tough bucket loss (I believe), and both promised to bring the bucket back to West Lafayette. They did just that in their last game in the black and gold. These are two good dudes who have represented Purdue in exceptional fashion…and I will greatly miss cheering for them as they play for my fair Alma Mater. They are deservedly well-decorated, because they are two of Purdue’s all-time greatest players, and on a wider scope, two of the nation’s best in 2021.

Bell and Karlaftis received more hardware in the last few days, they’re both All-Americans on a ton of different teams. After yesterday’s pre-bowl practice interview with Jeff Brohm, we officially heard that our Boilers will be without Bell and Karlaftis along with Plummer and Horvath. Those are four big-impact players…and their departures will be felt (obviously)…but I’m stoked to see some of the young guys try to fill their large shoes. Here are a few of my football thoughts as Purdue prepares for their “first” Music City Bowl.