What we learned from Purdue coach Jeff Brohm during Monday's press conference
WEST LAFAYETTE – What were the topics Purdue coach Jeff Brohm addressed during his weekly press conference ahead of Saturday’s matchup at Maryland? Here are five.
Graham's status
The sixth-year coach is “hopeful” safety/linebacker Jalen Graham will return to action. Graham has been out since suffering a tibia injury against Penn State in the season opener.
The senior finished that game but didn’t play against Indiana State, Syracuse, Florida Atlantic and Minnesota. His return will be a welcome addition since the Boilermakers are thin in the secondary and need their top playmaker to deal with the Terrapins’ dynamic offense.
Running back King Doerue (calf) is likely doubtful.
O'Connell ready?
The sixth-year quarterback came out of Saturday’s win over the Golden Gophers in good shape and should be ready to face Maryland.
“I think Aidan held up pretty well for the most part other than normal soreness, so I expect him to just do as much as he can this week and that he feels comfortable,” Brohm said. “As we get to later in the week, hopefully, he continues to progress. But I'm optimistic.”
O’Connell was 27 of 40 for 199 yards and two interceptions during the 20-10 win. It’s the first time O’Connell didn’t throw a touchdown pass in a starting role.
Brohm said quarterback Austin Burton was banged up last week but added his injury wouldn’t prevent the UCLA transfer from maintaining his role as the backup.
Ground attack
How many programs in the history of college football have had two different walk-ons rush for at least 100 yards in consecutive games? That’s what the Boilermakers saw in the last two games.
Dylan Downing gained 113 against Florida Atlantic and Devin Mockobee rushed for 112 in the win at Minnesota. With Doerue out, there are more options in the running back room as opposed to the last few seasons.
“They give great effort. They want to win. They're hungry,” Brohm said. “Coach (Chris) Barclay does a great job with them. We've had some injuries. When you have injuries, you get an opportunity. They've been ready.
“I just think that they have risen to the occasion when we've needed them, and we'll continue to push them up on that. We’re proud of what they've done to this point for us.”
Line play
Although Brohm and the coaching staff had to shuffle the offensive line last week, expect the normal starting group to be on the field against the Terrapins.
Right tackle Daniel Johnson was out for a while and Marcus Mbow and Mahamane Moussa filled in. With Mbow moving to tackle, Sione Finau saw more action at right guard.
“We were able to play Sione more, get him more opportunities and repetitions out there,” Brohm said. “We've got to continue to get him involved.”
New challenge
Minnesota’s strength is on the ground.
Maryland’s strength is through the air.
It’s a new week and a different obstacle Purdue’s defense faces. Led by quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa and six receivers with at least 12 catches, the Terrapins will force the Boilermakers to make plays in the open field.
“This team will throw the ball. They like to throw the ball. That's what they like to do,” Brohm said. “They have a quarterback who's accurate, who can run around and make plays. Can escape the pocket, can make plays with his feet, can buy time, and can throw an accurate catchable ball. He's played a lot of football, so he's got good experience.
“Their receiving attack is balanced. All those guys are catching about the same amount of balls and they do a good job spreading that around."
Mike Carmin covers Purdue sports for the Journal & Courier and USA Today Sports Network. Email mcarmin@gannett.com and follow on Twitter and Instagram @carmin_jc
Purdue (3-2, 1-1) at Maryland (4-1, 1-1)
Saturday
Time: Noon
TV: BTN
Radio: WAZY (96.5)
Future game: Oct. 15 vs. Nebraska, 7:30 p.m. (BTN)
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: What we learned from Purdue coach Jeff Brohm during Monday's press conference
