--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

"In the first year of Christmas, the Boilers gave to us, one blocked punt, one broken off pass route, one 4th down incompletion from punt formation, one conservative game plan, 17 gift points, and a 2-point victory" "In the second year of Christmas, the Boilers gave to us, one kickoff to the opposite side of the coverage, one pick for a touchdown, one bonehead personal foul at our one yard line, one conservative game plan, 14 gift points, and a 6-point victory" "In the third year of Christmas, the Boilers gave to us, one phantom fumble, one kickoff return collision, one juggled pass reception, one conservative game plan, 21 gift points, and a seven-point victory" Well, now CHRISTMAS IS OVER!!!!! NO MORE GIFTS!!!! GO BOILERS!!!

Therefore, while on paper this game might look like the prime opportunity for Purdue to FINALLY take a downtrodden ND behind the Ross-Ade Shed, the majority of Knuckleheads seem to think that just pulling out a W to end the 3 game losing streak is good enough. If you ask me, I'd tell you that you're darn right that getting the victory is what matters most, but I'd also have to be frank and say that I want much more than just a close game squeaker of a victory this Saturday. You see I've got years of pent up hostility towards ND and just once, JUST ONCE IN MY LIFETIME, I'd like to get out to a quick lead and beat the Irish handily by oh, say 21 pts or more. I'm craving the sight of Domers tearing up and crying to Touchdown Jesus with the "why has thou forsaken us chosen ones?" look in their eyes. Wouldn't it be nice to hear Domers talking about how Purdue just kicked their butts and how embarrassed they are to have witnessed the drubbing?

So how do I see the game playing out? I see a final score of...Boilers 34, ND 13. Just remember, if you are going tomorrow, to be the vocal leaders in your seating, er standing (FOR ALL DEFENSIVE DOWNS) area and be the 12th man for our team tomorrow! Do I need to remind you of what one ND fan said about us a couple years ago:

http://www.nd.edu/~observer/09131999/Inside/0.html

"Still, the trip to West Lafayette was a valuable learning experience. It made me thoroughly appreciate being a Domer.
Our 12 cheerleaders are able to make the entire stadium resonate with the sounds of "We are Notre Dame." The Purdue stadium resonated with ... random noise every once in awhile when Purdue had a good play.

After an entire game in Ross-Ade Stadium, with the Purdue fans just two rows behind me, I have no idea what their fight song sounds like. They never sang it. I think the band played it every so often, but I'm not even sure about that, since we couldn't really hear the band.

Maybe we're spoiled, since when our band plays the sound resonates through campus. Even in the broadcast of the Michigan game, the Irish band could be heard loud and clear in the Big House. But I don't think it's too much to ask for a band to at least play loud enough that those sitting in the stadium can hear it. It's not like the sounds of the crowd were drowning it out.

Even the individual fans were a disappointment. The ubiquitous presence of "The Shirt" confused and befuddled them. One fan sneered, "What, did they give those shirts out for free or something?" I guess the concept of Irish unity is too much for them to grasp. Understandable I guess, since Boilermaker unity is nonexistent."

It's time for us to unite, Boilermaniacs, and do our part (INSPIRE OUR DEFENSE) to bring home a resolute, thorough, no doubt about it whatsoever, victory over Notre Shame!

-Barclay

P.S. Article coverage to follow including some important basketball notes. 4-star JUCO PF, Gary Landry, is visiting this weekend and is down to us and Oklahoma. Stop by Mackey Arena at 11:30 am and check out the men's scrimmage. Let's let Mr. Landry know that we'd love to see him donning the Gold and Black! Also, there is a Knucklehead Tailgate in Lot D...look for the white Knucklehead flag and the OGFP sign.

_________________________

Football Game Notes
Purdue-Notre Dame: Sept. 27, 2003

Sept. 22, 2003

http://purduesports.ocsn.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092203aab.html

"Game Notes in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader

No. 22/NR Purdue Boilermakers (2-1, 0-0 Big Ten Conference)
vs. Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1-2)
Ross-Ade Stadium (62,500) - West Lafayette, Indiana
September 27, 2003 - 2:30 p.m. EST

ALL-TIME RECORD: 531-454-48 (.537) - 116th season
BIG TEN RECORD: 284-316-32 (.475) - 108th season

PROJECTED ATTENDANCE: 62,500 (sellout)

RADIO: Boilermaker Sports Network (Flagship - WAZY, 96.5 FM, West Lafayette) - Joe McConnell (play-by-play), Pete Quinn (color commentary), Brett Schetzsle (sideline), Tim Newton (pregame/halftime/postgame), Gary Kline (engineer)

TELEVISION: ABC - Brad Nessler (play-by-play), Bob Griese (analyst), Lynn Swann (sidelines)

A LOOK AT THE BOILERMAKERS: The 22nd-ranked Purdue football team, under seventh-year head coach Joe Tiller, plays host to intrastate rival Notre Dame on Saturday, Sept. 27, at remade Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Ind. It is 47th meeting for the Shillelagh Trophy and the second of four straight home games for the Boilermakers. Purdue is one of merely two schools in the Big Ten and one of only 13 nationally to play in a bowl game each of the last six seasons.

IF THE BOILERMAKERS WIN ...
* They will be 3-1 for the third time under Joe Tiller (also 1997 and 2000). Purdue was 4-0 in 1999 and 2001.
* They will improve to 31-9 at home under Tiller, including 25-3 against unranked opponents.
* They will snap a three-game losing streak against Notre Dame. "

________________________________

"Michael Pointer: Purdue Q&A
Indianapolis Star sports reporter Michael Pointer answers your questions about the Boilers.

September 22, 2003
http://www.indystar.com/print/articles/6/024965-8476-117.html

Question: You said wait until after the Wake game to ask you how you felt about this year's Boilermakers. It's now after the AZ game, so how do you feel about this year's Boilermakers?!? Good reading, by the way. Keep up what is a very nice job on your part. (Bill from Fontana, Wis.)

Answer: Arizona is so bad, I don't know how much you can read into that game. Purdue ran for 300 yards, but my immediate response was, so what?? A lot of teams will do that against Arizona. (Some national observers have already said Arizona's defense has quit on coach John Mackovic.)

But having said that, I thought Purdue showed some maturity in that it jumped on Arizona in the first quarter and didn't let the Wildcats hang around. Plus, the defense was pretty relentless and the special teams are much improved. Overall, I don't see how you can't call the last two weeks a success.

This Notre Dame game intrigues me because it appears Purdue has the better team and Notre Dame's quarterback situation is very unsettled. But as any Purdue fan will tell you, strange things happen when the Boilers face the Irish. Remember last year's game, which Purdue basically gave away with all its turnovers?? You know Purdue will be pumped up to play. But how will it handle an always-emotional atmosphere against Notre Dame?"

____________________________________

Mild injuries won't hold back Boilers in struggle with Irish

.

By Steve Miller
Assistant Sports Editor

http://www.purdueexponent.org/interface/bebop/showstory.php?date=2003/09/24§ion=sports&storyid=football

"Purdue fans needn't worry — everyone will be healthy in time for Notre Dame.

The Purdue football team had some sore players on its roster after its 59-7 victory against Arizona. But coach Joe Tiller and the team's doctors say that, aside from a few bumps and bruises, none of the players have any significant injuries.

Landon Johnson says that he's been feeling a lot better since Saturday"

___________________________

Irish arouse Boilers

Tiller aware of rivalry at an early age

Tom Kubat, Journal and Courier

http://www.boilerstation.com/football/stories/200309240purdue_football1064380347.shtml

"It's Notre Dame week. And the Purdue coaches and players aren't making any attempt to downplay the situation.

Boilermaker coach Joe Tiller isn't worried about his team being too keyed up to play the Fighting Irish.

It's a special week and the anticipation is running high.

"Absolutely. We promote it," Tiller said Tuesday."

_____________________________

Boilers can't hide desire
Purdue seniors have yet to defeat Notre Dame in their football careers
http://www.indystar.com/print/articles/1/077406-6681-036.html

By Michael Pointer

michael.pointer@indystar.com

September 24, 2003
"WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Purdue football coach Joe Tiller well remembers the weird ways the Boilermakers have lost their past three games to Notre Dame.

There have been fumbles without contact and tipped interceptions leading to Irish touchdowns.

Special-teams woes have been rampant for Purdue. A then-backup quarterback and current tight end (Gary Godsey) led the Irish over the Boilers three years ago."

_________________________

Boilers expect new Notre Dame QB

By Tom Kubat, Journal and Courier

http://www.boilerstation.com/football/stories/200309222purdue_football1064208438.shtml

"The T-shirts in South Bend claim that "The Holiday is Over" and that you "Win with Quinn." We may start finding out this week.

The reference, of course, is to Notre Dame starting quarterback Carlyle Holiday and his heir apparent, true freshman blue chip recruit Brady Quinn.

Even though Notre Dame finished 10-3 last year in coach Ty Willingham's first season, the Fighting Irish won with defense."

___________________________

Purdue Boilermakers

http://www.indystar.com/print/articles/6/077355-8936-036.html

"• The opponent: No. 22 Purdue (2-1) hosts Notre Dame (1-2) Saturday (2:30 p.m., WRTV-6) at Ross-Ade Stadium. The Irish lead the series 49-23-2 and 30-16 since 1957, when the winner began to receive the Shillelagh Trophy. About 500 tickets -- which go on sale this morning at the Ross-Ade Stadium box office, 1-800-49-SPORT -- are available.

• Johnson's status iffy: Tiller said the results of an MRI on starting linebacker Landon Johnson's hip showed nothing broken. Johnson said he remains sore, but he is hopeful that he can start. If he can't, the Boilermakers likely would move Gilbert Gardner from strong to weak-side linebacker and insert sophomore Bobby Iwuchukwu into the starting lineup, Tiller said.

• Long stretch at home: Saturday is the second of a four-game homestand, Purdue's first since 1893 -- which was the school's sixth season of fielding a team. . . . Purdue's 59-7 victory over Arizona last Saturday was its largest since a 62-7 win over Boston University at Fenway Park in 1947."

-- Michael Pointer

_______________________________

Tiller defends struggling Notre Dame QB

Tom Kubat, Journal and Courier

http://www.boilerstation.com/football/stories/200309240purdue_football1064379668.shtml

"Carlyle Holiday, the athlete and runner. Brady Quinn, the freshman passer and future Notre Dame quarterback.

The question is, will that future begin as early as Saturday at Purdue?

Notre Dame coach Tyrone Willingham is going to decide after this week's practices whether it will be the struggling Holiday or the young Quinn that starts against the Boilermakers.

"We're preparing for both but we fully expect to see Quinn," Purdue coach Joe Tiller said.

_________________________

Schweigert won't face suspension

By Tom Kubat, tkubat@journalandcourier.com

http://www.boilerstation.com/football/stories/200309221purdue_football1064208438.shtml

"Senior free safety Stuart Schweigert is scheduled to appear in court Friday stemming from his arrest April 27 on charges of public intoxication.

Schweigert plans to enter a guilty plea in Tippecanoe Superior Court 5, and Purdue coach Joe Tiller said Sunday after practice that he doesn't plan any further disciplinary action against his star player.

Schweigert, who turned 22 in June, was arrested by Indiana State Excise Police after they stopped his SUV because they suspected he was transporting alcohol illegally. "

_________________________

Boilers will 'crank it up' for Fighting Irish

By Steve Miller
Assistant Sports Editor

http://www.purdueexponent.org/interface/bebop/showstory.php?date=2003/09/23§ion=sports&storyid=index

"What was once America's most storied football program is now its most stunned.

The Notre Dame Fighting Irish (1-2), who come to West Lafayette on Saturday to take on Purdue (2-1, 0-0 Big Ten), have lost two straight games by a combined score of 60-16. In their three games so far this season, they've mustered a grand total of three touchdowns.

Needless to say, this hasn't been the start that Notre Dame expected."

________________________________

Weekly Football Press Conference

Selected coach and player quotes from Tuesday, Sept. 23

Sept. 23, 2003

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind.

http://purduesports.ocsn.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092303aab.html

"Kyle Orton, Quarterback

On the Notre Dame game... "It's probably about the biggest you can get: playing Notre Dame. Every college in the nation wants to play Notre Dame and we get to play them every single year. Right now this is an important game for us because (we are) 2-1. We really need to get to 3-1 and really get on a roll, and we have an opportunity to play Notre Dame at home. I'm sure the crowd is going to be rocking. I'm sure it's going to be a packed house. It's just a big game for us."

On using the Notre Dame game as a recruiting sales pitch...
"That's a big recruiting factor. You play Notre Dame, you're playing on national TV at least once a year and you're playing against one of the most storied traditions in college football. I think that's a big recruitment factor. That was big for me, at least. I think when you're coming out of high school you always want to know that people are going to be able to watch you across the country. You can show off what you can do to the entire nation. When Notre Dame is on TV, people are watching."

________________________

Monday Morning quarterback
Boilermakers like their new look, especially in big win

http://www.indystar.com/print/articles/6/076901-5356-041.html

September 22, 2003
Purdue's football players were pleased to switch back to black jerseys for their 59-7 victory over Arizona on Saturday. They previously wore gold.

Some suggested it even helped them play better.

"The last couple of games, the emotion was getting better, but it wasn't where it needed to be," quarterback Kyle Orton said. "I think this helps us a little bit."

_____________________________

Ayodele leads Jacksonville defense

By Jeff Washburn, Journal and Courier

http://www.boilerstation.com/football/stories/200309230purdue_football1064295014.shtml

INDIANAPOLIS -- The African translation of Akin Ayodele's given name -- Akinola -- means "A warrior who has gone through many wars and never has been defeated."

Considering the way the former Purdue standout defender is playing as a second-year professional with the NFL's Jacksonville Jaguars, Ayodele is appropriately named.

A pass-rushing end during three stellar seasons as a Boilermaker, the 6-foot-2, 257-pound Ayodele has made a smooth transition into the starting weakside linebacker's role in first-year coach Jack Del Rio's 4-3 alignment.

Including a team-best 11 tackles in Jacksonville's 23-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday in the RCA Dome, Ayodele is the winless Jaguars' leader with 23 -- six more than cornerback Fernando Bryant, who is second with 17."

__________________________

Purdue gets commitment

September 18, 2003

http://www.indystar.com/print/articles/1/075384-2471-041.html

"The Purdue football team has received an oral commitment from Jeremy Coley, a 6-5, 245-pound defensive end from Mesabi Range Community College in Virginia, Minn.

The Boilers have received 12 oral commitments for their 2004 recruiting class, which are non-binding until the signing period in February."

____________________

center grove
Trojans standout picks Purdue
2-way star expects to play linebacker for Boilermakers

by Howard W. Hewitt

howard.hewitt@indystar.com
September 9, 2003
http://www.indystar.com/print/articles/1/072496-1301-036.html
"Center Grove fullback Jimmy Ladd had not broken loose yet this year until Friday's win over Carmel.

It turns out the 6-2, 215-pound senior was just getting started. After whacking the Greyhounds for 189 yards and three touchdowns, Ladd took off for a visit to Purdue University. He watched the Boilermakers' home-opening loss to Bowling Green Saturday and visited with coaches and players.

Ladd then gave Purdue coach Joe Tiller an oral commitment Sunday morning to join the Boiler squad next season."

____________________

Posted by: Walt on September 02, 2003 at 16:19:42 - IP 209.212.219.247

http://oldgoldfreepress.com/forums/MrGridironRecruiting/messages/47594.shtml

The Indy Star reports that Christian Graham, 6'1" 190 pound wide receiver/defensive back from Warren Central, is Purdue's 11th commitment. He has not yet met eligibility requirements. His twin brother, a heralded linebacker, is another Boiler target. The Star says he is leaning toward Tennessee. Warren Central ripped USA Today # 6 Cincinnati Elder on Saturday. Our other Warren Central recruit had great numbers in that game.

______________________

Miller set to play ball at Purdue

By Justin Daily
Bay City Tribune

Published August 24, 2003

http://www.baycitytribune.com/story.lasso?wcd=3211

"BAY CITY – The Boilermakers will have a new man on the squad in 2004 when Bay City High School senior Garrett Miller heads to West Lafayette, Ind. to join the Big Ten school.

Lineman Garrett Miller announced his commitment to play for Purdue University last week.

"It's Purdue, it's awesome. It's a relief to get it off my chest, now I can really focus on this season," said Miller."

____________________

Posted by: Ex-TexasBoiler on September 22, 2003 at 13:40:13 - IP 12.222.27.6

more from Premium site, Insiders.com and Chris Pool!

http://oldgoldfreepress.com/forums/MrGridironRecruiting/messages/47629.shtml

Pool's opening take..."Curtis Painter, a 6-foot-4, 205-pound gunslinger from Vincennes (Ind.) Lincoln is one of the best-kept secrets in the nation. While other quarterbacks get more pub, Painter has just as much skill and potential as the golden boys. Painter is the perfect quarterback for the Purdue, fun and gun, basketball on grass offense..."

_________________________________

No Decision Yet On ESPN Or ESPN2 Coverage For Purdue-Illinois Football Game

Major League Baseball playoffs force delay

Sept. 22, 2003

http://purduesports.ocsn.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092203aad.html

"WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The Big Ten Conference announced this afternoon that, because of ESPN's coverage of the Major League Baseball Divisional Playoffs, a decision has not yet been reached on whether the Purdue-Illinois football game on Oct. 4 will be televised by ESPN or ESPN2.

A decision as to which network will carry the game may not be known until Friday night, Oct. 3, pending playoff outcomes."

_________________________

MIDNIGHT MADNESS BACK AT PURDUE!

Posted by: waggs06 on September 21, 2003 at 13:01:48 - IP 65.221.141.53

http://oldgoldfreepress.com/forums/MrHoops/messages/51336.shtml

I have learned that Purdue will have a Midnight Madness this year, Octobert 17th/18th at midnight. Hopefully we can bring in some top 100 recruits to come visit that weekend. We play Wisconsin on the road that weekend btw. I am not sure what has been setup so far, but I will be talking with the GP president to try and figure out what we can do to help make it a great show. I believe they will be opening Mackey doors at 10:30 PM on the 17th.

__________________________

Men's Basketball Game Times Finalized

Additional game date changed and added to national TV schedule

Complete 2003-04 Men's Basketball Schedule in PDF Format
Download Free Acrobat Reader

Sept. 9, 2003

http://purduesports.ocsn.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/090903aaa.html

"WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Nine additional game times have been set, and one date has been changed to the Boilermakers' 2003-04 men's basketball schedule.

The Boilermakers have added two locally televised games and one nationally televised game to the non-conference slate.

The Oklahoma game, originally set for Dec. 10, has been moved to Dec. 11 and will air on ESPN2 at 9 p.m. EST. The Boilermakers' game against Evansville and the second game of the Boilermaker Invitational (against either Miami (Ohio) or SMU) will both air on ESPN Plus-Local."

_________________________

Mackey Arena Sees Improvements

Boilermakers' basketball facility makes upgrades

Aug. 27, 2003

http://purduesports.ocsn.com/sports/m-baskbl/spec-rel/082703aaa.html

"WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Mackey Arena will look different to those who enter its hallowed halls in the near future. Purdue's venerable basketball facility has undergone a series of renovations and improvements over the course of the last year, and will be updated further following the 2003-04 season.

Last summer, both the men's and women's basketball teams' locker rooms were completely renovated and refurbished. Renovations on the men's players' lounge have begun, as the construction of the women's basketball and volleyball video/meeting room nears its completion. "

________________________

Boiler trio make strides at camp

Newell teaches Purdue big men value of footwork

Jeff Washburn, Journal and Courier

http://www.boilerstation.com/hoops/stories/200308270purdue_hoops1061961168.shtml

"For Purdue basketball big men Chris Booker, Ivan Kartelo and Matt Kiefer, the 2002-03 season was an eye-opening experience.

The 6-foot-10 Booker was making the transition from junior college to the Big Ten. The 6-11 Kartelo essentially hadn't played in a competitive environment for two seasons. And the 6-10 Kiefer was transitioning from high school to college.

Each had his moments in a 19-11 season that included a trip into the NCAA tournament's second round."

______________________________

Baylor saga shocks Purdue center

By Jeff Washburn, Journal and Courier

http://www.boilerstation.com/hoops/stories/200309010purdue_hoops1062393153.shtml

"Barring additional defections or injuries, Baylor will have seven scholarship players available Jan. 3 when Purdue travels to Waco, Texas for a game against the emotionally drained Bears.

Baylor athletic officials have confirmed that the Bears' 2003-04 roster will include only seven scholarship players in the aftermath of center Patrick Dennehy's murder and subsequent resignation of coach Dave Bliss.

Bliss attempted to defame the dead player by telling assistant coaches and players to lie about how Dennehy secured scholarship funding during his redshirt season."

__________________________________

In Reply to: 2004 Recruiting (LONG) posted by pmn1322 on September 17, 2003 at 21:32:27:

It's looking like a class of:

6-3 SG/PG Xavier Price - 3 star HS
6-6 PG/SG Bryant Dillon (3 star JUCO)
6-8 SF/PF Gary Ware (3 star JUCO)
6-8 PF Greg Landry (4 star JUCO)

and perhaps a HS pt guard or center to be named later. That would be above average in my book, all things considered, with the challenges we face with Keady's uncertain future. I'd bet that get us 6th, 7th, or 8th in the Big 10 and top 50 overall. It sure loads us up for the Class of 2007 when you add the Jucos to the departing class of Kiefer, Teague, Buckley, and Carroll - we'd need to fill 7 spots potentially, right?