Much Better This Weekend
Purdue's Baby Boilers faced a more-respectable opponent for the first time this season in the form of Horizon League school, Loyola of Chicago. Painter had the team ready as the Boilers won by more than 30...and the shooting woes that hampered them v. Lipscomb weren't evident. E'Twaun Moore started the game on the bench and responded well. He led Purdue with 18 points in a 7 of 9 shooting night. In doing so, I think he showed why he's so highly touted and might be a great one as his career at Purdue progresses. Martin continues to impress (scored 15) and JaJuan Johnson stayed solid as did Hummel; both scoring 10. Nemanja Calasan started his Boiler career by hitting his first shot, a three pointer...he finished with only 7 points.
Something to think about...
If things were just a bit different, Purdue's starting lineup might look something like this:
F Gordon Watt (Sr.)
F Nate Minnoy (Jr.)
F Scott Martin (Fr.)
G E'Twaun Moore (Fr.)
G Chris Kramer (So.)
Watt and Minnoy's strength would be greatly appreciated, especially as the BT schedule rolled around. Instead, Purdue's lack of bulk will very soon hurt them...Possibly v. Clemson, next game. No matter, Painter's got them heading the right direction- I think it will take a season or two, but this team will be good in the near future.
Where's he now? Boiler Update
I had it brought to my attention this week that ex-Purdue offensive coordinator has gone through a bit of a change since leaving West Lafayette. You can be the judge for yourself (please note, these photos have not been doctored...seriously):
Jim Chaney following his hiring by the St. Louis Rams in 2006
Jim Chaney prior to the 2007 season
Eric Jordan Update
Kelvin Sampson's rock star freshman Eric Jordan led the Hoosiers by scoring 20 points and shot 33% in IU's loss versus Xavier Saturday night. IU was #8...they will not be anymore. This doesn't change the fact that IU is a good team and that Jordan is a great talent...but I enjoy seeing them lose.
College Football
-Mizzou surprised few by beating Kansas...Much like Hawaii, Kansas had played an extremely weak schedule and their lack of play v. tough competition showed. This just in- Chase Daniel is a bad ass.
-Nebraska fired Coach Bill Callahan and stunned no one in doing so. Nebraska was coming off of a contest in which they scored 51 points...and lost by 14! I guess the Black Skirts aren't what they used to be. Callahan was 27-22...Frank Solich was 58-14 when he was fired.
-Notre Dame manhandled yet another extremely tough opponent. Despite the Manatee's decided schematic advantage, the real student athletes on the field had a chance to tie the game as the contest drew to a close. For those keeping score at home, the Irish are 2-0 in their last few games. Looks to me like the Irish will go bowling again this season.
Lee Corso may be onto something. He suggested that UND should anchor a new football conference that they would dominate...It would be comprised of academically-strong, private schools. Duke, Stanford, maybe Northwestern and others will be invited...Wake Forest, Boston College, you are not invited.
-Auburn Beat 'Bama and overpaid jackass, Nick Saban's team officially became bowl ineligible. But, more importantly, one of Auburn's own police force attacked Tiger DB, Jerraud Powers.