Purdue enters Year Two of the Ryan Walters era looking for growth following a 4-8 debut campaign. The Boilermakers will again face one of the nation’s most demanding schedules, a daunting proposition as they hope to return to postseason play.
Throughout the summer, GoldandBlack.com will preview each of Purdue’s 2024 opponents. Today, we begin with a look at the Indiana State Sycamores with the help of Todd Golden from the Terre Haute Tribune-Star.
The overview:
Curt Mallory enters Year Eight in Terre Haute as the program seeks its first winning season since 2018. Times have been tough for the Sycamores recently, as a 2-9 year in 2022 was followed up with a 1-10 2023 season. Purdue holds a 6-0 all-time series lead over Indiana State, with all six games coming inside Ross-Ade Stadium. Most recently, Purdue blasted the Sycamores 56-0 in Week Two of the 2022 season.
Name to know: offense
Plez Lawrence, running back – Indiana State is extremely inexperienced on the offensive side of the ball with only three players who were on ISU’s final two-deep of the 2023 season still on the roster. Lawrence was not one of those players, as he was injured late in the season, but he is the most proven commodity on the offensive side after rushing for 502 yards. ISU’s offensive line has two starters back and a lot of bulk. Mallory’s system emphasizes the run, so we’ll see.
Name to know: defense
Maddix Blackwell, safety – While the Sycamores’ offense is green, the defense returns six starters. Blackwell has played regularly since 2022, so he’s savvy. He led the Missouri Valley Conference in tackles with 107 and added two interceptions and 1 1/2 sacks to go with it. Blackwell was one of two All-MVC selections for ISU along with linebacker Garret Ollendieck, who was third in the MVC in tackles.
Biggest question:
Can the offense produce? – The Sycamores haven’t had anything resembling potency on the offensive side of the ball since 2018. In 2023, ISU averaged just 13.5 points. ISU has averaged less than 20 points in each season played since 2018. With inexperience rampant on that side of the ball, a lot of new faces will have to emerge to reverse that trend.
Key newcomer:
Elijah Owens, quarterback – During spring practice, Owens took most of the snaps with the number one offense. He played four games in 2023 as a true freshman, as he passed for 310 yards to go with two touchdown passes and three interceptions. His continued development will be crucial. If he can’t cut it, then it’s possible one-time USC quarterback, but recent JC transfer, Keegan Patterson could be ISU’s guy.
Early outlook on Purdue vs. Indiana State
This game should not be competitive if the Boilermakers hope to improve in 2024. After a combined 3-19 record over the past two campaigns, the Indiana State program appears to need more time to be ready to compete with a major FBS opponent.
Purdue enters this matchup unbeaten against FCS foes all-time. Don’t expect that to change in the season opener.
2024 expectations
Indiana State perpetually has a lot of hurdles in front of it before it ever takes a snap. Even by modest standards in FCS, facilities are very poor, winning has been elusive and fan apathy is rampant. The Sycamores also must find a way to navigate the Missouri Valley Conference, which represents the elite of FCS football. It’s always a challenge and this season will be no different. ISU will hang its hat on its experienced defense, but Purdue’s speed and size spell trouble for the Sycamores when they visit Ross-Ade Stadium on Aug. 31.
2024 Purdue football schedule
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