Predicted Overall Record 9-3 (5-3 in the Big Ten)

Click the link for the 2011 Purdue Boilermakers football schedule.

This is the third year under Coach Danny Hope, and as I see it, this will be his best Purdue squad by a wide margin. The Boilermakers return 16 starters, and I expect this experience to pay dividends. Last year Purdue was hit hard by injuries, including losing their top three quarterbacks early in the season. Freshman QB Rob Henry was forced into action and he did play better as the season progressed, but as a team they finished last in the Big Ten in passing statistics. Look for a major improvement in 2011, especially at the quarterback position, and expect a bowl bid come December.

Strengths: As I mentioned above, Purdue will be loaded at the quarterback position. Everybody got action last year because of the injuries and that experience will prove to be invaluable. The offensive line returns four starters, and the defense returns starters at nine of eleven positions. That should be beneficial, as the defense had to take their licks last season as an undermanned unit.

Weakness: The secondary got torched last year, and although they return all four starters, major improvement is needed. Road victories will be tough to come by as they play Penn State, Michigan, and Wisconsin away from West Lafayette. Winning one of these games would be satisfactory; winning two of them could make a season.

Favorable Win Against the Spread: Oct. 1 vs. Notre Dame. Purdue could be catching the Irish at a vulnerable spot, as they will be coming off a three-game stretch of Michigan, Michigan State, and Pittsburgh. On the other hand, Purdue should be 3-0 entering this game and will be coming off of a bye. I look for Purdue to be getting close to a touchdown and a straight-up victory would not surprise this writer.

Favorable Loss against the Spread: Oct. 15 at Penn State. Purdue should be no worse than 4-1 entering this game, and if things broke right they could be 5-0. Because of this, I look to be laying low double-digits. Purdue has had little success in State College and has lost four straight overall to Penn State. Expect the pattern to continue in 2011 and play the home team in this matchup.

Closing Thoughts: The early loss of quarterbacks set the table for a disastrous season in 2010, but that should not be an issue this season. Not having to face Nebraska or Michigan State will not make many people in West Lafayette too upset. This team will be worth a look this season when they are a sizeable underdog and if things break right, I can see them winning five games in the Big Ten.

Doc’s Sports is set to embark on their 40th year in the sports handicapping business this football season. Yes, Doc started the company back in 1971 and still spends his weekends in front of the TV watching numerous games throughout the day. We are again expecting a monster season in college football anchored by our weekly selections from the Big Ten Conference. Our main office is located right in the heart of Big Ten Country and each year we fully expect to hit 2 out of every 3 college football picks we release from this conference. Jump on board now with a full season football picks package from Doc’s Sports!