What should you watch for during Purdue football’s spring game on Saturday?

WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue football’s spring game is noon Saturday at Ross-Ade Stadium.

Head coach Ryan Walters enters his second season coming off a 4-8 mark in 2023.

There was no official spring game last season, rather a simulated indoor scrimmage to close the spring season.

Now the Boilermakers have the depth to operate a game, though the format won’t include punting and kicking. Rather, the NCAA punt average will determine where the ball is spotted on would-be punts and after scoring plays, the ball will be placed at the 25 yard line to start the following series.

The first team offense will go head-to-head with the first team defense. Then second teams will follow. Rather than risk injury, plays that a short yardage to gain a first down or touchdown will be automatically ruled a first down or TD.

Here are five things to watch for during Purdue’s spring game on Saturday.

Transfer portal pickups

Purdue was heavy in the transfer portal during the offseason and was among college football’s best in terms of pickups via the portal.

More: Transfer portal additions at cornerback seek to balance Purdue football’s defense

Several have an opportunity to play right away, including a foursome of former Georgia Bulldogs: defensive back Nyland Green, defensive end CJ Madden, and receivers De’Nylon Morrissette and CJ Smith. Defensive end Shitta Sillah from Boston College was a name Walters mentioned early in spring camp and expect former Illinois running back Reggie Love III to be a complement to Devin Mockobee.

Offensive line depth

One of the reasons Purdue couldn’t put on a true spring game last year was the lack of depth, especially up front.

The Boilermakers not only made it a point to upgrade the size and talent, but also the number of players available up front after Purdue basically patched together five players on game days late…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/watch-during-purdue-footballs-spring-203025518.html

Author : Journal & Courier

Publish date : 2024-04-12 20:30:25

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