So good on so many levels...and this week's game is the perfect excuse to show off this classic that simply never gets old.

Between week one and week two, our Boilers needed to show some improvement...in my mind they didn't. So, will the offense be able to find any rhythm? Will the defense figure out how to defend dump passes and stuff underneath to the TE? Will they be able to fill the sizable void left by K. Smith? These and many more questions will be answered Saturday...

Tim Says:

If there is any game that Marve and the offense are going to get in sync, it's this one. I expect Marve (even without Smith) to throw for 300 yards and 2 + TDs. The running game still will not dominate though. I look for Dierking to lead the backs with about 75 yards and a TD.

It won't take much to win and hopefully Purdue brings it all. It would be nice to see a blowout, but I suspect it will still be closer than it should be.

Purdue 31
Ball State 14

J Says:

There are questions this week.... will the team again look lackluster against another inferior opponent? Will the coaching staff open things up or will Smith's injury and the team's ho-hum performances lead to them -- *shudder* -- actually being MORE conservative? Will there be a hangover from the K Smith injury? Will anyone step up to become the clear primary WR? Will Robert Marve rain fire upon a mediocre secondary? Will you be wearing your Marve-lous shirt?

Not that we want uncertainty on our favorite football team, but there's a lot to see in this game and we'll learn a lot about these guys this weekend. Another boring, 10-point win and we're saying the same things next week that we said this week. A locomotive-like rundown and we're all giddy and excited about the possibilities, like Boilerdowd in an all-boys dormitory.

I say the truth -- as usual -- lies somewhere in between.

Purdue 38
Ball State 22

boilerdowd says:

Man oh man was I unhappy with what I saw last week. Three and outs were the norm, Purdue players were dropping like the stockmarket in '09, the defense couldn't seem to come up with gimme interceptions...all versus a FCS opponent.

So, how much better are MAC teams? I think quite a bit. For one thing, BSU has some very good running backs and depth in their line-up that WIU simply didn't have. So is there reason to be nervous? Sure. Anyone can lose to anyone else when not prepared or inspired.

Some Ball fans are confident, if not cocky, for some reason...I like that. I hope their players are as well.

Purdue lost its leader last week and that type of thing can affect a team any number of ways...I think this week, they'll be ready to play. Maybe because of a pep talk by Smith, maybe because they watched the game film from last week and were embarrassed by all of the missed opportunities, or maybe just because many players hate cardinals (that'd be a real shame because they are simply lovely). Regardless, I think the Boilers continue their dominance over BSU in the series. But, until I see evidence, I have a hard time thinking there will be a ton of points scored.

Purdue 28
Ball State 10

To Your Call Once More We Rally;

Alma Mater Hear Our Praise.

Where The Wabash Spreads Its Valley;

Filled With Joy Our Voices Raise.

From The Skies In Swelling Echoes

Come The Cheers That Tell The Tale

Of Your Vict'ries And Your Heros,

Hail Purdue! We Sing All Hail!

Hail, Hail To Old Purdue!

All Hail To Our Old Gold And Black!

Hail, Hail To Old Purdue!