Barclay,

Thanks for the letter. I am feeling a ton better but still not 100% and I
really don't think I will be at all this season. I can't wait to play Michigan!!
I need another pick and I feel it is time this weekend. Thanks again for your
concern and I will see you Saturday, GO BOILERS!!! Stuart

I am off to the airport soon and will be in God's Country this evening. Tailgating (for those interested in meeting up) will be in Lot D and hosted by Brian and Charity Knoy and their friends. I'll be arriving around 8-8:30am...look for the White Wonder Bread Truck painted up in Boiler Colors and a tall flagpole with a golden football affixed to the top. Some of us will have our Stu's Crew II shirts on and you can always try my cell # if you need further assistance...512.797.7565. As mentioned before verbal ATH Jake Cunningham and his family will be stopping by the tailgate around 8:30am en route to Mollenkopf to visit with the coaches at 9:15am. They have received permission from Purdue to meet some fans on their own volition. The rules are fairly clear - don't offer them anything such as hats, other Purdue stuff, and of course cash. This should pretty obvious, but I'm saying it just in case. One of the big reasons Jake and family have chosen Purdue is that they really like our fan base (enjoy our message boards in particular!) and our family atmosphere. Therefore, I'm sure they would appreciate a nice group of us to chat with before they head over to Mollenkopf. Please make an effort to be there and give Jake a warm welcome to the family! BTW, this is Jake's 3rd visit to Ross-Ade this season and he was at the ILL game last week...anyone think that he has caught Boiler Fever?

After we beat Michigan, there will be a number of Knuckleheads congregating outside Gate D at Mackey Arena, and we will try to get seats together for Mackey Magic. I've heard some folks making excuses about the event and frankly I'm not going to skip the event simply because it's harder for me to appreciate the women's game than the men's game. First of all, I care about both programs and this is a great opportunity for me to show a sign of support. Second, I've been anxious to get a glimpse of some our improved players and some of the newbies, so it's well worth the FREE admission. Finally, we have some significant recruits coming in for the event and I think we diehards ought to pack the place and show these impressionable kids that Purdue Basketball is alive and well.

Enjoy all the coverage below and I hope to see many of you all decked out in Gold with you're game face on at tomorrow's game. Let's get to the game early and make it a very hostile environment for our visitors up Nort. I plan to be exhausted and nearly hoarse by the end of this game. I'm asking anyone who has issues with our record, our coaches, ticket prices next year, and the list goes on...PLEASE put those feelings aside or better yet...channel that anger into LOUD supportive noise for our Defense from the opening snap for Michigan. John Navarre can be rattled and it is our duty to throw him and his lineman off their snap count and concentration. To quote Flavor Flav and Chuck D. from my favorite rap group of all time (Public Enemy)...."TURN IT UP....BRING THE NOISE!"

p.s. regardless of who plays at QB, let's be the leaders in our sections tomorrow and do our part to inhibit any morons who feel they need to boo our own kids. Kyle and Brandon are awesome kids and deserve our unconditional support!

GOOOOOOOOOOOOO..............BOOOOOI-LERRRRRSS!!

-Barclay

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All the great Boilermaker video clips you can handle including controversial calls at ILL last week linked below

http://www.spoilermaker.com/clips/

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Purdue Boilermakers

http://www.indystar.com/article.php?inhuddle16.html

"The opponent: The Boilermakers (3-4, 1-2 Big Ten) play host to No. 11 Michigan (5-1, 2-0) Saturday at 11:05 a.m. (ESPN). "I think you could go all the way across the board, and to a man, their guys are 10 to 15 pounds heavier than our guys," Tiller said. "I suspect that's 10-15 pounds of muscle."

Fun with QBs: Tiller had a little fun with the Boilers' quarterback situation Tuesday, saying at one point that incumbent Kyle Orton probably will start against Michigan. "Didn't I say Orton was the starter?" Tiller said with a wink when asked to clarify. "Now, I might change my mind." Tiller said he likely won't announce whether Orton or freshman Brandon Kirsch will start until game time, but added, "I doubt Michigan gives a damn who's the quarterback."

Official discontent: Tiller said watching videotape of Saturday's 38-31 overtime loss at Illinois did not change his opinion that the officials blew two crucial calls. The Purdue staff thought Illinois' Antoineo Harris was down before crossing the goal line on the game-tying touchdown, and Purdue's John Standeford caught a Hail Mary pass in the end zone on the final play of regulation. Penn State released a statement on Monday calling for the Big Ten to re-evaluate its officiating. "What Penn State is probably doing is expressing the frustration that many other people are feeling," Tiller said.

Other concerns: Purdue's quarterback controversy is garnering headlines, but Tiller said poor special teams play is more critical. "(The QB situation is) not as big an issue as securing the football and making some plays and doing some things we've put a lot of emphasis on in the last month," he said.

Unwanted history: With a loss Saturday, Purdue would fall two games below .500 for the first time in Tiller's six seasons. It also would extend Purdue's losing streak to ranked opponents to seven.

-- Michael Pointer"

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Tiller letting quarterback mystery linger

Decision on starter may be made Saturday

By Tom Kubat, Journal and Courier

http://www.boilerstation.com/football/stories/200210150purdue_football1034744241.shtml

"Purdue coach Joe Tiller is having a little fun with his quarterback "controversy."

He announced after the Boilermakers' overtime loss Saturday at Illinois that if pressed to name a starter for this week's game against No. 11 Michigan, it would be true freshman backup Brandon Kirsch, instead of sophomore starter Kyle Orton.

But Tuesday, after spending several minutes discussing the quarterback situation, Tiller suddenly said, "I think Orton's starting."

He spoke those words with a straight face.

But when pressed for more information, he admitted, "I might change my mind."

In a nutshell, it's going to be a game-time decision."What the hell, if you can't have a little mystery involved, what's the sense of pretending there is any mystery at all," Tiller joked."

for the full story click on the link above

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Posted by: boilerz on October 17, 2002 at 16:53:07 - IP 209.130.194.18

http://www.gridironcampus.com/bb/bigten/PUR/messages/34742.shtml

A couple of people below asked about drive efficiency of the team with each QB at the helm. I compiled this data using drive summaries and believe it is accurate. While I acknowledge that the relatively small sample for Kirsch and the game circumstance is not sufficient for a true comparison, the magnitude of some of the disparity is substantial.

Note 1 - As with all my statistical analysis, I've excluded Illinois State, as they were obviously inferior to every other opponent we've played.

Note 2 -Kyle has been under center for 76 drives this year, while Brandon for only 12.

Note 3 - Each player had average starting field position of about the 28 yard line.

Average yards per drive:
Orton – 29.4
Kirsch – 46.0

Average plays per drive:
Orton – 5.1
Kirsch – 7.5

Touchdowns:
Orton – 13 (17.1% of the 76 drives he led)
Kirsch – 5 (41.7% of the 12 drives he led)

Field Goals:
Orton – 1 (1.3%)
Kirsch – 1 (8.3%)

Offense scored:
Orton - 14 (18.4%)
Kirsch - 6 (50.0%)

Field Goals Missed/Blocked:
Orton – 5 (6.6%)
Kirsch – 0 (0.0%)

Punts:
Orton – 37 (48.7%)
Kirsch – 4 (33.3%)

Turned over on downs:
Orton – 2 (2.6%)
Kirsch – 1 (8.3%)

End of a half:
Orton – 2 (2.6%)
Kirsch – 0 (0.0%)

Interceptions:
Orton – 5 (6.6%)
Kirsch – 1 (8.3%)

Fumbles lost:
Orton – 11 (14.5%)
Kirsch – 0 (0.0%)

Drives with 3 or less plays:
Orton – 29 (38.2%)
Kirsch – 2 (16.7%

Drives with 6 or more plays:
Orton – 22 (28.9%)
Kirsch – 10 (83.3%)

Thus far, the team has converted 33 of 96 3rd downs (34.4%)

With Kyle at the helm, the team has converted 24 of 80 (30.0%)
With Brandon at the helm, the team has converted 9 of 16 (56.3%)

The breakdown on good conversions is as follows:

Kyle
18 Passes for first down (75%)
1 QB Run (4.2%)
4 Running back Run (16.7%)
1 via Penalty (4.2%)

Brandon
5 Passes for first down (55.6%)
4 QB Run (44.4%)

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Boilers again deal with QB questions

Kirsch's performances in relief of Orton have led to uncertainty over who should be Purdue's starter.

By Michael Pointer

michael.pointer@indystar.com

October 17, 2002

http://www.indystar.com/article.php?pufb17.html

"WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Two weeks ago, Purdue freshman quarterback Brandon Kirsch seemed destined to spend the 2002 season on the bench.

A couple of blows to the head of sophomore Kyle Orton changed that.

Orton, Purdue's starting quarterback, suffered a concussion in the third quarter against Iowa on Oct. 5. Kirsch relieved and turned in a brilliant performance, though the Boilermakers lost 31-28.

Last Saturday against Illinois, Kirsch entered in the second quarter with the Boilers trailing 24-0. Purdue eventually took a 31-24 lead before losing 38-31 in overtime.

This time, however, Orton was healthy when pulled -- and the Boilers now have a quarterback controversy for the second consecutive season as they head into Saturday's game against No. 11 Michigan. Coach Joe Tiller might not announce his decision on who will start until game time."

for the full story click on the link above

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Michael Pointer: Purdue Q&A

THE INDIANAPOLIS STAR

October 15, 2002

http://www.indystar.com/article.php?purdueanswers_p.html

"Question: It seems to me that Purdue took a HUGE step backwards after the Illinois game. Not only did Purdue lose against a weaker team, but now I think there is an all-out QB controversy. Who do you think will be the starter against Michigan? Does Purdue even have a chance against Michigan? Most importantly, are the bowl hopes gone now? (Michael from West Lafayette)

Answer: Purdue definitely has a shot against Michigan. The game is at home, and Michigan has a good team, but isn't overwhelming. Besides, everyone that has seen Purdue the last three weeks knows it has talent. To beat Michigan -- and forgive me if this sounds like a broken record -- it needs to improve its special teams play drastically and learn how to stop a team at a crucial time.

A bowl game is not out of the question. You only have to win six games to be bowl eligible, and at least two of the remaining games -- Northwestern and Indiana -- are very winnable. If you beat those two teams, you have to find a way to beat either Michigan, Michigan State or Ohio State. Not an easy task, but not impossible (By the way, if Purdue loses at Northwestern in two weeks, it doesn't deserve to go to a bowl.) As for the quarterback situation, I have done a 180. I would start Kirsch. The offense plays with more energy when he's in the game. "

for the full story click on the link above

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C. Jemal Horton

No genius needed for this call: Kirsch should start

http://www.indystar.com/article.php?jcol17.html,sports

October 17, 2002

"This offensive genius stuff has gotten Purdue football coach Joe Tiller only so far.

The Rose Bowl is a nice destination. But it's no longer the pinnacle, particularly during years when it's not the Bowl Championship Series title game.

Besides, former Boilermakers quarterback Drew Brees' performance with the previously horrible San Diego Chargers suddenly has him, not Tiller, looking like the real offensive genius of Purdue's 2000 Rose Bowl team.

The next big coaching decision Tiller faces doesn't require a Mensa membership, just common sense.

Tiller should bench Kyle Orton and make freshman Brandon Kirsch the starting quarterback.

No brilliant scheming needed. Just play the most effective quarterback and take what is your best chance at winning Saturday against Michigan."

for the full story click on the link above

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Weekly Football Teleconference

Coach and player quotes from Tuesday, October 15

Oct. 15, 2002

http://purduesports.ocsn.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101502aab.html

Junior free safety Stuart Schweigert

On the team meeting held Monday evening...
"I think it was a good mind check to see where everyone is at right now. We still have a lot to play for and we are going to play a good team this week in Michigan. We are perfectly capable of beating that team and perfectly capable of winning the next five games of our season. We just have to make sure that everyone is still on the same page-not to step backwards and say pack it up, our season is done with, we are going to go home in December. We still have a lot to play for. That is what the team meeting was, to reiterate that and make sure everyone knows that is still our goal."

On team leadership...
"We don't have too many guys that are rah-rah and out for the one line quotes and that stuff. I would probably say that one of our most vocal leaders on defense is Shaun Phillips. He kind of talks and gets things going. Actually, really Gilbert Gardner too, he does a good job getting everyone pumped up and going. We have leaders on our team and that is what you need. It is just hard to take these losses. We play good and have people making plays, it just doesn't work out for us in the end."

On Michigan as a motivating factor...
"I always want to play big against Michigan because of the past and recruiting and all the family and friends and stuff like that. This is a big game for me. I definitely want to go out there and give it my best."

Head Coach Joe Tiller

On junior running back Joey Harris and the running back situation ...
"I wish Joey were 100 percent because he made a run Saturday that no other running back could make for us. It was nearly an insignificant run. It was in the third quarter in the line of scrimmage and he bounced outside and got flushed outside and he had to end up giving ground and literally outran the defensive backs who had angles on him. I think he came up a yard short of the first down. My point is, he took a minus yardage play and turned it into about a three-yard gain with his foot speed. But he is not healthy, so we have to rotate him. That is probably good and bad because I think running backs are similar. I often think the more reps they get, the better they get during a game. You would like to give him a few more reps, but it is hard to argue with the productivity of Brandon (Jones) too. So, maybe we can alternate those guys effectively and I still think that Jerod Void is a talent and is going to be a heck of a player here too.

"I was watching the Michigan defensive tape, and in the secondary, they roll guys in and out of there and you don't know who the heck the starters are and who the other guys are, because they are all the same size and everything else. I made a comment to our coaches that on Michigan's defensive team, the competition there must be similar to our running back competition. In other words, we can go with Jones, we can go with Harris or we can go with Voit and we feel pretty good about all three of those guys being able to put us in position to win a game."

On what makes Michigan's offense so successful ...
"I think their skill players (are what makes they successful). Their offensive line doesn't look much different to me than any other Michigan offensive line. By that I mean that they are great drive blockers and they really execute the fundamentals of the game extremely well. I think one of the things that has been a little bit of a surprise to me is that I thought Ron Bellamy was just a really super talent a year ago and he doesn't seem to be featured as much. But, after watching the tape, I can see why, because (Braylon) Edwards at 6-foot 3, 206 and looks like another David Terrell. He is a special talent. And I think they have the best tight end in the league. So, I think their skill people are exceptional and maybe that is helping their quarterback out a little too."

for the full story click on the above link

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Tight end catching on to offense

Rhinehart overcomes early injury; Schweigert struggles with ailments

By Tom Kubat, Journal and Courier

http://www.boilerstation.com/football/stories/200210172purdue_football1034833135.shtml

"For Mike Rhinehart and Stuart Schweigert, their seasons seem to be going in opposite directions.

Rhinehart, Purdue's sophomore tight end, was held out of action early in the year because of a mild concussion. But now that he's back in the lineup, he's becoming a real threat on offense.

"I'm getting more into the flow with each game that goes by," Rhinehart said. "Each ball that comes your way and you catch it, you feel like you can do anything."

For Schweigert, a junior free safety, it's been a frustrating season of trying to overcome one injury after another.

First there was a sprained knee. Then an abdominal injury. And now a painful calf injury.

"It's been frustrating," Schweigert said. "I've never had a season like this in my career. Seems like each week I have to go to the training room for something new."

for the full story click on the link above

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Tight end tandem solidifies offense
By Joshua Grise
Staff Writer

http://www.purdueexponent.org/interface/bebop/showstory.php?date=2002/10/17§ion=sports&storyid=tightends

"In the grand scheme of the Purdue football team, the tight end has one of the toughest jobs on the field. The tight end is the one who has to run block, pass block, run routes and, most of all, catch passes.

Their numbers are not staggering at this point, but sophomore Mike Rhinehart and redshirt freshman Charles Davis have some time to show that they are good outlets for the quarterback to throw to.

But stats do not show how hard a player blocks, how fluidly he runs his routes or how often he snags the key catch for a first down in the fourth quarter while his team is down by seven. Statistics would show that Rhinehart is third on the team in receiving with 11 catches for 128 yards and Davis is not far behind with seven catches for 58 yards. But statistics don't show what happens in practice between these two guys. Davis and Rhinehart are known to punish each other every day in practice to form a respectable rivalry for the talent in front or behind them.

"Anytime you have competition from both spots, you are going to have to play better and rise to that level of competition. We both come and bring a lot to the table. So as long as I am pushing him he's going to play better and as long is he's pushing me I am going to play better," said Davis.

for the full story click on the link above

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Purdue-Northwestern Football Game To Be Televised By ESPN Regional

Boilermakers and Wildcats will kick off at 11:05 a.m. on Oct. 26

Oct. 15, 2002

http://purduesports.ocsn.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/101502aaa.html

"WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Big Ten Conference has announced that the Purdue-Northwestern football game on Oct. 26 in Evanston will be televised by ESPN Regional.

Kickoff is set for 11:05 a.m. CDT/EST.

In the state of Indiana, the game will be shown on WLFI in Greater Lafayette, WTTV in Indianapolis, WHME in South Bend-Elkhart, WAZE in Evansville and WBAK in Terre Haute.

Wayne Larrivee, Randy Wright and Jim Barbar will be the announcers."

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Tiller in favor of instant replay

By Tom Kubat, Journal and Courier

http://www.boilerstation.com/football/stories/200210151purdue_football1034744241.shtml

Penn State athletic officials have an ally in Purdue coach Joe Tiller in their call to upgrade football officiating within the Big Ten Conference.

The Nittany Lions on Monday called for a comprehensive review of Big Ten officiating, after controversial calls in two Penn State overtime losses.

"Absolutely. Unequivocally, yes," Tiller said Tuesday when asked if he agreed that changes needed to be made.

Penn State athletic director Tim Curley has asked Big Ten commissioner Jim Delany to review policies on crew assignments, performance evaluation, technology, accountability and recruitment and training of officials.

"I am of the opinion that Big Ten officiating has not met the usual high standards associated with the Big Ten in all areas," Curley said in a statement. "We realize officials will make mistakes, but we have seen too many instances in not only our games, but other conference games, that Penn State is no longer comfortable with this trend."

for the full story click on the link above

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Road woes for Purdue football, men's basketball teams may be mental

By Jeff Washburn, Journal and Courier

http://www.boilerstation.com/football/columns/200210171purdue_football1034833135.shtml

"Snake-bitten? Fear of failing? Not enough talent? Or, all of the aforementioned?

Whatever the reason(s), Purdue fans are hungry for any football or men's basketball victory away from Ross-Ade Stadium or Mackey Arena.

Would you believe a Joe Tiller- or Gene Keady-coached team hasn't won outside West Lafayette since Willie Deane's buzzer-beater in overtime on Dec. 20, 2001 lifted the Boilermakers to an 84-83 victory against Southwest Missouri State in Las Vegas?

The next night, Texas A&M beat Keady's team 71-64 in Vegas, beginning a current combined 15-game roard losing streak for men's basketball and football.

The football team's road losing streak has reached seven. Keady's team enters the 2002-03 season having lost 11 in a row away from Mackey.

Since Tiller's team's miraculous 35-28, come-from-behind overtime victory on Sept. 29, 2001 at Minnesota, football and men's basketball are a combined 2-21 outside Tippecanoe County."

for the full story click on the link above

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Mackey Magic recruits:

Posted by: JoeZap on October 16, 2002 at 19:01:41 - IP 24.209.5.225

Josh McRoberts, Dominic James, and Luke Zeller in the sophomore class

juniors James Hardy and A.J. Ratliff along with current verbals Robert Vaden and Desmond Gadis

Marcus Johnson?

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Mackey Madness Details Announced

Fans can see the basketball teams in action after the Purdue-Michigan football game on October 19

Oct. 15, 2002

http://purduesports.ocsn.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/101502aaa.html

"WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue basketball fans will have a chance to see their teams showcased at Mackey Madness, an event that will take place a half hour after the conclusion of the Purdue-Michigan football game on Saturday, Oct. 19. The football game is slated to kick off at 11:05 a.m. in Ross-Ade Stadium.

Doors to Mackey Arena will be unlocked as soon as the football game ends. Immediately thereafter, members of the Purdue Athletics Promotions staff will begin scouring the audience for game contestants. Promotional games and contests will begin on the Mackey floor 10 minutes after the doors open.

Approximately 20 minutes later, the Boilermaker players and coaches will be introduced.

Once all players are on the floor, four members of the women's team will compete in a three-point shooting contest. After a fan free throw shooting contest, members of the men's team will challenge one another in a slam dunk contest. Two audience members then will compete in a game of around-the-world.

Next, both teams will scrimmage - the women for 10 minutes and the men for 15 minutes.

At the end of the men's scrimmage, the band will play "Hail Purdue", signaling the end of the event.

Mackey Madness is free and open to the public."

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Boilermakers out to erase memories of Keady's worst season

By Jeff Washburn, Journal and Courier

http://www.boilerstation.com/hoops/stories/200210121purdue_hoops1034402542.shtml

"As it struggled through the worst of Gene Keady's 22 seasons at Purdue, the men's basketball team grasped for an emotional spark that never materialized.

Several times during the dark days of January, February and March, players mentioned how much they missed the energy and enthusiasm generated by guards Kenneth Lowe and Brandon McKnight.

Lowe, now a junior, missed the 2001-02 season after undergoing shoulder surgery and was redshirted. McKnight, now a sophomore, was ruled academically ineligible for the second semester.

Each has returned to active duty and will be in Mackey Arena this morning for the first official practice for the 2002-03 season.

Eight of this team's 15-player roster were not in uniform in March when Iowa ended the Boilermakers' season (13-18) in the Big Ten Conference tournament.

That means there are lots of attitudes to be shaped, and the enthusiastic Lowe and McKnight are eager to lead the way."

for the full story click on the link above

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Purdue's Lowe injured

October 15, 2002

WEST LAFAYETTE

http://www.indystar.com/article.php?pubb15.html

"Purdue basketball guard Kenneth Lowe is expected to miss three to four weeks of preseason practice because of a broken thumb.

Lowe, a junior from Gary, Ind., missed last season after undergoing shoulder surgery. Purdue coach Gene Keady said Lowe will be able to participate in conditioning and some defensive drills.

The Purdue men's and women's teams will host "Mackey Madness" Saturday at Mackey Arena. Admission is free and the event will begin 30 minutes after the conclusion of the Michigan-Purdue football game, which kicks off at 11:05 a.m."

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Big Ten rule change should raise recruiting numbers

Schools may sign up to 28 per class to reach limit of 85

By Tom Kubat, Journal and Courier

http://www.boilerstation.com/football/stories/200210170purdue_football1034833135.shtml

"The playing field just became a little more level for Big Ten Conference football teams.

Last week, the conference faculty representatives passed a rule allowing football coaching staffs to oversign recruits by three a year, something the other major conferences already are doing.

The old Big Ten rule allowed the league coaches to sign as many recruits as they had departing seniors, plus however many they were short of the overall 85 scholarship limit -- up to as many as 25 per year. Now, the Big Ten coaches can sign as many as three recruits over that number.

"The other conferences have oversignings, so they're functioning at 83, 84, 85 guys and we're functioning at 76,77, 78 guys," Purdue coach Joe Tiller said. "So we're handicapping ourselves. And that's why they voted for it."

First-year Indiana coach Gerry DiNardo first suggested the new rule at the Big Ten coaches meeting last spring."

for the full story click on the link above

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