Purdue has not one, but two, high-quality quarterbacks. And each is equal parts talent and inspiration. Fifth-year senior David Blough is coming off a gruesome broken ankle that ended his 2017 season. Junior Elijah Sindelar is coming off a knee injury that could have ended his season but didn't, as he spirited through the malady to guide the Boilermakers to three wins in succession to close the season. These are stories fit for Hollywood.
2. Tricks are TreatsPunters passing, kickers running, halfback pitches to quarterbacks ... Jeff Brohm brings a backyard element to games with his array of gimmick plays. It makes Saturdays fun! He relishes keeping opponents on their heels, always wondering: Is a trick play coming? How many can we expect this season? Brohm has put the over-under at 50. We can't wait—unless he's tricking us with that answer.
3. Stout SecondaryYes, the front seven on defense is littered with questions—Who is gonna be the pass rusher?—but the defensive backs look good. It starts with the safety triumvirate of Jacob Thieneman, Navon Mosley and Simeon Smiley. And the corner spots drip with intrigue. Will seniors Tim Cason and Antonio Blackmon end their careers with a bang, or will precocious redshirt freshmen Dedrick Mackey and Kenneth Major take over?
4. Runneth over with RBsThere is not one, not two, not three but four capable running backs. And they come in all shapes, sizes and skill sets. The best? Markell Jones, who is trying to lead the team in rushing for a fourth season in a row. Diminutive D.J. Knox packs a big punch, while Tario Fuller is a jack-of-all-trades back. Richie Worship is a bulldozing wildcard who is still recovering from a 2017 injury.
5. Home CookingThere's no place like home, which is where Purdue will be for the first four games of the season. None is bigger than the opener vs. Northwestern on a Thursday night. You hate to overstate the importance of the first game, but the visit from division rival NU is HUGE. That's followed by home tilts vs. Eastern Michigan, Missouri and Boston College. All of this early home cooking could help Purdue get fat—at least that's the hope.
6. Brohm's HatJust the sight of that gold cap with the motion P pulled tight around his noggin inspires confidence in fans. A blue-collar look for a blue-collar coach. Could you imagine Brohm in a visor? Never.
7. Four Words"I am an American." Soon, we'll be hearing those glorious words shouted every row of Ross-Ade Stadium. It's football season, people!
8. Freshman ThrillerRondale Moore, No. 4. Learn the name. Remember the number. Yes, he's only listed at 5-7, 165. Yes, he's just a true freshman. But he already is the most explosive player on the team. And if there is one thing this offense needs, it's explosiveness. (Did you see his 600-pound squat this summee?!) Moore will have just-add-water impact. Sit back and be prepared to have your breath taken away.
9. Push It Real GoodThis year's offensive line is big, ugly and good. Senior Kirk Barron is a sawed-off center who inspires with effort and smarts. Keep an eye on sophomore left tackle Grant Hermanns. He may be the best of the bunch. Western Kentucky grad transfer Dennis Edwards is a plug-and-play guy at guard. We could go on, but you get the idea. This is an underrated front.
10. HardwareCheck out the trophy case in the new Football Performance Complex. Press your face against the glass. See that? It's the Old Oaken Bucket and Cannon trophies. Gotta keep those.
11. Terrific Tight EndsCole Herdman and Brycen Hopkins form the most underrated tight end tandem in the league. Toss in Darius Pittman, and you can bet the staff will find ways to make good use of this talented trio.
12. Big Bass DrumThe sight and sound of the Purdue All-American Marching Band high-stepping into Ross-Ade Stadium is enough to bring even the oldest alum from their seat. Go ahead, shake that pom-pon and sing "Hail, Purdue!"
13. Getting OffensiveNo better way to describe the potential of an offense that is littered with veteran talent. The lone nagging question: Finding a consistent deep threat in the receiving corps. Is it Rondale Moore? Jared Sparks? Terry Wright? Stay tuned. Jeff Brohm could have fun pushing the buttons on this attack.
BONUS!Fans attending Purdue football home games this season will enjoy an enhanced experience at a spruced-up Ross-Ade Stadium.
ATMOSPHERE New Sound System: Listen for a much fuller and balanced sound throughout Ross-Ade.Music: DJ Bandcamp will orchestrate music before and during the game. He is well known in the industry and performs the same role for the Indiana Pacers while also touring with some headline acts.
Train Horn: The train whistle has been replaced with a train horn to increase the excitement of big plays.
Fireworks: The team entrance will be significantly enhanced with a new pyrotechnics display. CONCESSIONS Boilermaker Crossing: Food and drinks, including alcohol, will be sold through the J. Nine Club during the Boilermaker Crossing pregame fan fest. Alcohol cannot leave the Crossing area but is allowed within the footprint.
Pregame Specials: Look for special pricing on select items during the first 30 minutes after the gates open.
Season Ticket Holder Discount Cards: Season-ticket holders can purchase concession cards in advance of gameday – $25 worth of concessions for $20.
Alcohol Points of Sale: There will be 33 locations that will sell alcohol, an increase of over 20 percent from last season, to help with lines and wait times. Additionally, mobile sellers will be in the concourse to help mitigate lines at stands.
Old Oaken Bucket Popcorn Tub: The refillable popcorn tubs have been redesigned to replicate the Old Oaken Bucket.
South End Zone Patio Souvenir Beer Mug: Enjoy responsibly a larger serving size in a mug that fans can keep. AESTHETICS Lighting: Upgraded and additional lighting has been installed throughout the concourse.
Brick Facade: A brick facade has been erected at field level.
Updated Signage/Painting: Nearly all of the header signage at concessions stands has been updated to provide a clearer explanation of what is available. The lower half of the stands has been repainted, rotating among black, gold and gray.
Pavilion Upgrades: Lobby graphics above the elevators and photo displays have been added in the Shively Club.
Recycling: Larger and better-marked trash and recycling containers will be placed throughout. TAILGATE GUYS Purdue Athletics and Learfield's Purdue Sports Properties have entered into a partnership with Tailgate Guys to manage football gameday hospitality and premium tailgating. For more information, click here. PURDUE TEAM STORE MainGate is the new team store partner with Purdue Athletics. The Purdue Team Store at the north end of Ross-Ade has been renovated with a Nike Concept Shop.
Additionally, there are four gameday locations inside the stadium – Section 107, Section 115, Sections 124/125 and Gates G/F (opens outside the stadium facing the R Lot) – and two gameday kiosks – South End Zone Patio and the elevator lobby on the third floor club level – as well as a gameday tent west of the Rankin Track & Field Complex on Stadium Drive.
Fans can shop anytime online at PurdueTeamStore.com.