Purdue football burning questions: How does Year 1 under Ryan Walters translate to Year 2?
The Purdue Boilermakers are on the cusp of a new era under head coach Ryan Walters, and as the team prepares for the upcoming season, there’s a palpable sense of anticipation and a few burning questions about what to expect in year two. After a 4-8 season in 2023, the Boilermakers are looking to build upon the foundation laid down by Walters and his staff. While year one was marked by a mixture of promise and frustration, the team’s potential is undeniable, and the expectations are set high for year two. Let’s delve into the key questions that will shape the trajectory of the Boilermakers’ season.
One of the most pressing inquiries surrounding Purdue football is how the team will fare defensively under Walters. Prior to his head coaching job, Walters served as defensive coordinator for the Illinois Fighting Illini, where he transformed their defense into one of the nation’s best units. With a new staff, including Walters at defensive coordinator, the Illini saw a remarkable improvement, dropping their points per game allowed from 21.9 in 2021 to 12.8 in 2022, ranking among the top defenses in the country. Now, Purdue is hoping for a similar year-one-to-year-two transformation on defense. The Boilers ranked 105th in Division I last season, allowing 30.4 points per game. The question is whether Walters can replicate his defensive magic in West Lafayette.
The Boilers’ offense is another area of focus. While there were flashes of brilliance, the unit struggled to find consistency throughout the 2023 season. The Boilermakers had a talented quarterback in Hudson Card but the offense wasn’t as explosive as it could have been. The offense, led by coordinator Kevin Kane, is expected to be more potent in year two. The key will be for the offensive line to gel and create more time for the quarterback. If the offensive line can protect the quarterback, Purdue could be a much more explosive offense in 2024.
The Boilermakers’ schedule also presents a unique set of challenges. While navigating the Big Ten is always a tough task, Purdue’s non-conference slate is particularly demanding. Their schedule includes games against tough opponents like Virginia Tech and Fresno State, both of which will test the team’s mettle early in the season.
Finally, the question of roster turnover looms large. With the departure of several key players, the Boilermakers will need to find replacements and develop young talent. This will be crucial for establishing depth and ensuring a consistent performance throughout the season.
- Can Ryan Walters replicate his defensive success from Illinois at Purdue? The Boilermakers are hoping for a significant improvement in their defense from year one to year two under Walters.
- Will the Purdue offense find more consistency and explosiveness in year two? With a talented quarterback and potential for a more potent offense, the key lies in the offensive line’s ability to protect the QB.
- Purdue faces a challenging schedule in 2024, including tough non-conference matchups against Virginia Tech and Fresno State. These games will be early tests for the team’s resilience and competitiveness.
What did Ryan Walters and staff learn in year one together?
Walters always had visions of being a head coach. Despite a 4-8 season, Walters comes off even more confident in what he’s doing running the Boilermakers. The swagger and moxie are there, but wins ultimately are the determining factor, and Purdue’s schedule since Walters arrived has lacked many, if any, cakewalks. The win at Virginia Tech after hours of being bunkered in a locker room during storms showed this staff can win big games. However, the last-minute botch a week earlier against Fresno State also showed Purdue can just as easily lose in the same situation.
Coordinator Kevin Kane’s defense looked really good at times. Harrell’s offense the same. Those two seemingly never clicked at the same time, though. Walters and his staff will be looking to build on the successes of year one while addressing the areas that need improvement. The key will be for the staff to find a way to get the offense and defense to play at a high level simultaneously.
How will the Boilermakers address their offensive line woes?
The Boilermakers’ offensive line was a major weakness in 2023. The offensive line struggled to protect the quarterback and create running lanes. This was a major reason for the team’s struggles, and it is something that Walters and his staff must address in the offseason. The offensive line will be a major focus for the Boilermakers in year two. They need to find a way to improve the offensive line, whether it be through recruiting, coaching, or a combination of both. If the offensive line can improve, it will have a major impact on the success of the offense and the team as a whole.
How will the Boilermakers navigate their challenging schedule?
Purdue’s 2024 schedule will be a challenging one, but it also presents an opportunity for the Boilermakers to prove themselves. The Boilers will need to be prepared for a tough non-conference slate that will test their mettle. The key for the Boilermakers will be to focus on one game at a time and avoid looking ahead. If they can do that, they will be in a good position to compete in every game.
How will the Boilermakers address roster turnover?
The Boilermakers will need to find a way to replace the players they lost to graduation and the transfer portal. This will be a major challenge, but it is also an opportunity for the Boilermakers to develop young talent. The key for the Boilermakers will be to find players who can step up and fill the void left by the departing players. The coaching staff will need to be creative in finding ways to replace the lost production. The Boilermakers will need to find a way to develop young talent to ensure that they can compete at a high level.
How will the Boilermakers handle the pressure of expectations?
The Boilermakers are entering year two with expectations higher than they were in year one. The Boilermakers will need to find a way to handle the pressure of those expectations. The key for the Boilermakers will be to focus on the process and not get caught up in the results. If they can do that, they will be in a good position to have a successful season.
How will the Boilermakers utilize their experience from year one?
The Boilermakers have a lot of experience from year one. That experience will be valuable in the upcoming season. The key for the Boilermakers will be to use that experience to their advantage. The Boilermakers need to use their experience from year one to their advantage and build upon the foundation that they laid down. With a year of experience under their belt, the Boilermakers will be better prepared to face the challenges ahead.
The Boilermakers are facing a pivotal season in 2024. The team has a lot of potential, but they will need to overcome some challenges in order to reach their goals. The questions surrounding the Boilermakers are numerous, but the answers are eagerly anticipated. The Boilermakers are a team on the rise, and it will be interesting to see how they perform in year two under Ryan Walters.
