Aidan O'Connell
FILE - In this Nov. 24, 2018, file photo, Purdue head coach Jeff Brohm looks on during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Indiana in Bloomington, Ind. Brohm did not like how his defense performed last season so he shook it up. He fired defensive coordinator Bob Diaco after one season, hired three new assistants and got more involved in the defensive meetings. Now it is time to find out how much has changed. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings, File)
Brohm hopes new defensive coaches help Boilers bounce back

By Michael Marot Feb. 19, 2021 02:33 AM EST

Nebraska linebacker Garrett Nelson (44) celebrates a sack against Purdue during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Dec. 5, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Short-handed Boilermakers looking for finishing punch

By Michael Marot Dec. 08, 2020 03:17 PM EST

Michigan's Hassan Haskins (25) dives into the end zone for a touchdown during the third overtime of the team's NCAA college football game against Rutgers on Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Piscataway, N.J. Michigan won 48-42. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Purdue receivers look for right combination against Rutgers

By Michael Marot Nov. 27, 2020 11:09 AM EST

Minnesota linebacker Josh Aune (29) holds the ball after he intercepted a Purdue pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 34-31. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Purdue seeking answers for strange twists in odd season

By Michael Marot Nov. 23, 2020 05:55 PM EST

Purdue running back Zander Horvath (40) tries to stay in the field of play against Minnesota defensive back Tyler Nubin (27) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Friday, Nov. 20, 2020, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Late INT helps Minnesota hang on for 34-31 win over Purdue

By Dave Campbell Nov. 20, 2020 11:28 PM EST

Purdue running back Zander Horvath (40) leaps between Northwestern linebacker Chris Bergin (28) and defensive lineman Adetomiwa Adebawore (49) during the third quarter of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Boilermakers head to Minnesota seeking more balanced attack

By Michael Marot Nov. 17, 2020 01:56 PM EST

Purdue linebacker Derrick Barnes (55) celebrates a defensive stop with safety Jalen Graham (6) against Northwestern during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Ramsey's 3 TD passes lead No. 23 Wildcats past Purdue 27-20

By Michael Marot Nov. 14, 2020 08:54 PM EST

Purdue cornerback Dedrick Mackey (1) breaks up a pass to Northwestern wide receiver Kyric McGowan (8) during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Northwestern at Purdue 11/14/2020

Nov. 14, 2020 05:47 PM EST

Northwestern quarterback Peyton Ramsey throws a pass against Nebraska during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Evanston, Ill., Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)
Purdue, No. 23 Northwestern battle for edge in Big Ten West

By The Associated Press Nov. 12, 2020 05:14 PM EST

Wisconsin quarterback Graham Mertz throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Illinois Friday, Oct. 23, 2020, in Madison, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
After long layoff, No. 13 Badgers visit reeling Wolverines

By Eric Olson Nov. 12, 2020 01:54 AM EST

A photographer has his temperature checked as he arrives for an NCAA college football game between Illinois and Purdue Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Purdue at Illinois 10/31/2020

Oct. 31, 2020 10:57 AM EDT

Iowa quarterback Spencer Petras (7) is sacked by Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis (5) and linebacker DaMarcus Mitchell (15) during the second quarter of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Opening weekend surprises creates different look for Big Ten

By Michael Marot Oct. 29, 2020 03:51 PM EDT

In this Friday, Aug. 2, 2019, photo, Purdue offensive coordinator Brian Brohm catches a ball during practice in West Lafayette, Ind. Brian Brohm went through his usual practice routine this week. He met with his older brother, Jeff, about game planning and the initial play-calling script as he prepared for Saturday's long-awaited season opener against Iowa. Less than a week after the Boilermakers fourth-year head coach tested positive for COVID-19 and was forced into isolation for 10 days, it's the other Brohm taking charge this weekend.(Nikos Frazier/Journal & Courier via AP)
Purdue's Brohm hopes to return Saturday, Moore still unclear

By Michael Marot Oct. 26, 2020 12:26 PM EDT

Purdue quarterback Aidan O'Connell (16) throws against Iowa during the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Oct. 24, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Iowa at Purdue 10/24/2020

Oct. 24, 2020 04:21 PM EDT

In this photo taken on Sept. 14, 2019, Purdue coach Jeff Brohm yells to an official during the second half of the team's NCAA college football game against TCU in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday. One big advantage for the Boilermakers: Ohio State, Michigan and Penn State don't appear on the schedule. They open the season by hosting Iowa on Oct. 24. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Brohm to miss Purdue opener vs Iowa after 2nd positive test

By Michael Marot Oct. 19, 2020 04:12 PM EDT

In this photo taken on Saturday, Sept. 14, 2019, Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis (5) celebrates a tackle against TCU during the first half of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind. With 6-3, 325-pound Lorenzo Neal manning the middle and freshman All-American George Karlaftis back at defensive end, the Boilermakers defense should be stingier than the last year's unit. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Moore's return provides Boilermakers' offense with boost

By Michael Marot Oct. 14, 2020 10:08 AM EDT

Northwestern quarterback Aidan Smith (11) gets off a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jace James while Purdue defensive end George Karlaftis (5) defends during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2019, in Evanston, Ill. (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Purdue beats Northwestern 24-22 on Dellinger's late FG

By Robbie Weinstein Nov. 09, 2019 03:39 PM EST

Northwestern head coach Pat Fitzgerald waits with the team to take the field before an NCAA college football game against Indiana, Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019, in Bloomington, Ind. Indiana won 34-3. (AP Photo/Doug McSchooler)
Northwestern hopes turnaround starts by beating Purdue

By Andrew Seligman Nov. 08, 2019 12:47 PM EST

FILE - In this Sept. 28, 2019, file photo, Minnesota head coach P.J. Fleck celebrates a touchdown during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Purdue in West Lafayette, Ind. Fleck believes keeping an open line of communication is the key to allowing him to redshirt a player without resistance, and avoid having an athlete make the decision himself. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy, File)
No. 5 Penn St., No. 13 Minnesota set for clash of unbeatens

By Eric Olson Nov. 07, 2019 03:00 AM EST

Purdue wide receiver David Bell (3) runs in for a game-winning touchdown against Nebraska in the final minute of an NCAA college football game in West Lafayette, Ind., Saturday, Nov. 2, 2019. Purdue defeated Nebraska 31-27. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Boilermakers name O'Connell starting QB with Plummer out

By Michael Marot Nov. 04, 2019 05:16 PM EST