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WEST LAFAYETTE – Danny Hope would only say there will be a “graphic description” to introduce Purdue’s out-of-state players to the rivalry with Indiana.
“They’ll have a full understanding,” Hope said with a laugh.
He wouldn’t elaborate.
But there will be an emphasis on priming the unfamiliar newcomers on the fierceness of the rivalry.
The older quarterbacks already make the youngsters in their group give presentations on rivalry games, and Florida native Rob Henry has that duty this week.
Some statistics that likely will stand out: Purdue has won six of the last seven in the rivalry, and there are 53 “P” links on the Old Oaken Bucket. Indiana has 26.
“This being our last game of the year – we’re not going to a bowl game – so this is our bowl game,” junior Ryan Kerrigan said. “So we’ve got to get all of our younger guys from out of state schooled up on this rivalry and really make sure they know the importance and significance of this game.”
Hope also compared the game to a bowl, and he stressed how important finishing the season on a positive note can be going forward.
“With the type of season we’ve had, it really adds to the list of some of the great things we’re able to get done,” Hope said. “We haven’t won as many games as we’d like to, but we’ve competed in every game, and we’ve had some great moments.
“A win this weekend certainly would add to that.”
Purdue didn’t have a sack or tackle for a loss last week against Michigan State, and that can’t be the case against Indiana, Kerrigan said.
But the Hoosiers have protected quarterback Ben Chappell, allowing only 10 sacks in Big Ten play, third fewest in the league. Purdue is tied for the lead with 21 sacks in conference games.
“It always is (important) but certainly this week,” Kerrigan said. “(Tandon) Doss and (DaMarlo) Belcher are two of the premier receivers in our league, so we’ve got to be able to get some pressure on Chappell because he’s a very capable quarterback and capable of spreading the ball … to those receivers.”
If Ralph Bolden gets 69 yards rushing to reach 1,000 for the season, Purdue would have back-to-back 1,000-yard rushers for the first time since 1994-95. Kory Sheets had 1,131 yards last season. … Keith Smith has six 100-yard receiving games this season. One on Saturday would tie him for the school single-season record with Steve Griffin (1984) and John Standeford (2002).
