BLOOMINGTON – Meyers Leonard stood near Indiana's basket, dazed.BLOOMINGTON – Last year, Purdue thumped Indiana 62-10.
The game stuck with the Hoosiers.
“That was really the jump-start to the offseason,” senior defensive end Jammie Kirlew said. “Like, ‘We’re not going to play like this any more, we’re a better team.’ It was disappointing, and motivation for the offseason. We all remember that, we all remember the score and the atmosphere, and we’re going to leave everything on the field (Saturday).”
The Boilermakers led 24-0 at the end of the first quarter en route to their sixth victory in the last seven meetings with the Hoosiers. IU coach Bill Lynch said the team doesn’t need any extra motivation.
“We don’t have to talk about the game last year because anyone who was there remembers it,” Lynch said. “I think an important thing from a coaching standpoint in a game like this is that practice is the most important thing. If you bring in an emotional battle, then you are not going to have a great week of preparation.
“ … I think sometimes you get carried away with motivational tactics, and then you don’t spend enough time figuring out how you are going to stop their offense or how to move the ball against their defense.”
Backing up Ben
The Hoosiers will end up using one true freshman this year: defensive tackle Adam Replogle.
That means either sophomore Teddy Schell or red-shirt freshman Adam Follett will serve as Ben Chappell’s backup at quarterback against Purdue. True freshman Edward Wright-Baker was listed as the backup for most of this season.
“Last week (against Penn State), we would have gone with Teddy Schell first,” Lynch said.
“There is still a segment of the offense we can run with (wide receiver) Mitchell (Evans, who has played quarterback in IU’s wildcat formations). Ed won’t play and definitely will redshirt.”
Arrive early
In anticipation of heavy traffic, officials are advising fans to arrive as early as possible.
Stadium parking lots will open at 8 a.m. Stadium gates will open at 2 p.m. Parking permits can be purchased in advance from the IU Athletics Ticket Office (866-IUSPORTS). Parking is $15 per vehicle on game day and $50 for RV/Buses. RV/Buses are to enter at Gate 11.
