NIU vs. Purdue: Q&A with Hammer and Rails

There is a big game in West Lafayette, Indiana this week between the Huskies of Northern Illinois (3-0) and the Purdue Boilermakers (1-3). To get Hustle Belt readers up to speed on the Boilermakers, we asked Travis Miller of Hammer and Rails, SB Nation'as fantastic source for all things Purdue, some questions to scout the enemy.

Hustle Belt: I know Coach Hazell mentioned using FSU's game plan to stop Lynch. Do you see this working?

Hammer and Rails: Despite the numbers, I don’t think the defense has been that bad aside from the Wisconsin game. They looked terrible as a unit against the Badgers, but before that they had not surrendered a point in the first quarter and only 17 total in the first half. What happened is that the defense wore down, especially in the heat of the first two weeks, and wasn’t getting a break because the offense struggled so much in the second half. The defense could not get a break and had to stay on the field after three-and-outs.

I think the FSU plan can be successful because Greg Hudson, our defensive coordinator, was the linebackers coach at FSU last year. It at least gives Purdue a chance. We know that Lynch is a great player and can really only be slowed, not stopped.

HB: As bad as NIUs defense has been, it seems Purdue's offense has equally struggled. Is this the week Purdue cracks 300 yards and plays better offensively?

H&R: I sure hope so, but I am not confident. It struggled greatly against an Indiana State team that gave up 73 points to Indiana. The players were recruited more for a spread system and are having trouble adjusting to the pro style that John Shoop wants to run. The offensive line has also been a major disappointment. Rob Henry looks uncomfortable on the field and has been at his best running a similar read-option to Lynch. That is more his strength.

HB: Purdue has struggled in the second half but has played well in the first half. What's caused this one-sided performance, and do you think this trend continues?

H&R: That has been Purdue’s tendency as it has been shut completely out in the second half against Cincinnati and Wisconsin. I think the defense has worn down, which is not a good thing when you face a relentless and versatile player like Lynch. The offense also greatly needs a confidence boost because it hasn't exactly lit the world on fire in the first half.

HB: Right now NIU is a 3-4 point favorite depending on the bookmaker, but what outcome do you see unfolding?

H&R: I think this is a must-win for Purdue. The season can quickly get out of hand if the Boilers don’t win and they have no chance for a bowl game with a loss. A win gets things pointed back in the right direction because NIU is not your typical MAC team. They’re very, very good and could easily win 12 games again this year.

NIU also won at Iowa already, and I think that is a big factor from a mental standpoint. Our attendance is way down the crowd won’t be as much of a factor as it was at Iowa, so it certainly helps NIU.