WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue football’s offense feels like one on the trend of a breakthrough — and the numbers back it up.
Both statistically and anecdotally, Purdue’s offense has clearly improved in Barry Odom’s first season. Its 5.99 yards per play against FBS opponents is more than a yard higher than last season’s (4.93). Even without that stat, anyone watching would say this offense — at least in the passing game — feels more dynamic and propulsive than it did a year ago.
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As Purdue reaches the midpoint of the season Saturday at Minnesota, the offense’s most intriguing aspect is how much room to grow remains. It ranks in the bottom third of the Big Ten in sacks allowed (12th), third down percentage (13th), points per game (14th) and turnovers (tied for last).
Further cohesion and complementary production will lift that ceiling. Even in a 43-27 loss to Illinois on Saturday, the offense took a step forward. It needs to take another one to end a now 11-game Big Ten losing streak.
“I want to see us hit the plays we had called Saturday, and then see where that game ends up,” offensive coordinator Josh Henson said.
“I told the offense, our challenge is, yes, we’re getting better, we can see the improvement. But our standard has to be that we’re chasing excellence.”
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Purdue run game comes off best performance into tough matchup
Illinois schemed to limit Ryan Browne and the Boilermaker passing game. That’s not a new concept. It also previously had not helped the running game gain much traction.
That changed Saturday when improved offensive line play and better recognition out of the backfield opened up the ground attack. Antonio Harris provided an effective second punch, breaking off a 41-yard touchdown run en route to 69 yards on four attempts.
Henson said Harris, a preseason camp breakout, tweaked something in the season opener against Ball State. Last week was his first “back at full speed.” Malachi Thomas also turned two receptions into 29 yards. His and Harris’ production off the bench took some of the load off four-year starter Devin Mockobee.
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Even when excluding two 1-yard touchdown runs, almost a third of the designed runs went for 2 or fewer yards. However, beginning with Mockobee hitting a big gap on the left side for an 18-yard gain on Purdue’s first rush attempt, the line and backfield had their best tandem performance.
“I thought we were on our guys and covering up the defensive linemen and linebackers and giving our backs a chance to make cuts,” Henson said.
What Saturday did not answer, though, is what the offense will do when a defense next focuses on stopping the run. For instance, if and when the Boilermakers hold a lead and need to keep possession and run clock, will it be able to move the sticks on the ground?
That question could prominently factor into whether Purdue wins Saturday at Minnesota. The Gophers are one of three Big Ten defenses, along with Ohio State and Michigan, to hold FBS opponents under 3.5 yards per carry since the start of last season.
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“They play aggressive — assignment sound and they play extremely hard,” Odom said.
Purdue quarterback Ryan Browne flirting with ‘phenomenal’
The best compliment one can pay Browne is to genuinely expect more from a 300-yard passing game.
It was the third time this season — and second in three Big Ten games — in which the quarterback surpassed that threshold. His 50 attempts only yielded four explosives, though, including a 60-yard touchdown bomb to Corey Smith. Only one attempt qualified as what PFF terms a “big time throw” — defined as one with excellent ball placement and timing, typically downfield or into a tight window.
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Browne is approaching the fold between “hey, he’s only made six career starts” to “actually he’s a Big Ten veteran.” While still on the greener half of that experience spectrum, the third-year quarterback continues to find his feel for the finer points of the job.
“It’s natural for a guy like Ryan that’s ultra-competitive and wants to win every snap in every game to be looking for that explosive play on every snap,” Henson said. “Sometimes it’s just a hitch. Sometimes it’s just a nice little 6-yard gain on third-and-4 right over the middle.
“… He gave us a chance to win, and even with that said, he could have been so much better. He could have been phenomenal.”
Purdue receivers ‘threatening’ opponents, but still too volatile
Whatever you thought of Browne’s performance against Illinois, there’s no argument his receivers could have helped him more.
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While there can be some debate as to what constitutes a drop, PFF charged the Purdue receivers with four against Illinois. For the season, Browne’s drop percentage of 11.7% is tied with Iowa’s Mark Gronowski for third worst among Big Ten quarterbacks. Only Michigan’s Bryce Underwood (15.4%) and Maryland’s Malik Washington (14.7%) have had it worse.
Add receivers to the list of position groups which are flashing major upside and undercutting it with too many mistakes. While Purdue ranks second among all Big Ten teams in total pass attempts, it ranks 14th in percentage of attempts resulting in gains of 30 or more yards, and 16th in gains of 40 or more. Every drop is a missed opportunity not only for a gain, but a potential big one.
However, this may also be a position where improvements in health could help production. EJ Horton Jr. missed the Illinois game with an unspecified injury. De’Nylon Morrissette has yet to play this season but continues to work toward that debut. Tight end George Burhenn is also expected to return, though on an uncertain timeline.
Henson also said the passing game is the area of the offense which has evolved the most since the start of the season. That includes better route running and getting open more consistently.
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“Every week you’ve got to go prove it, but we’re threatening people with some things we’re doing,” Henson said.
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This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Purdue football offense improved but chasing potential in passing, rushing
