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Friday, December 13, 2002
Bye week refreshes Boilermakers
By Tim Stratton
Special to BCSfootball.com
Tim Stratton and the 12th-ranked Purdue Boilermakers had the week off to rest before their final two games. This Saturday, Purdue travels to East Lansing, Mich. to face Michigan State (ABC, 1 p.m. ET). If Purdue wins its final two games, Stratton and Co. will head to the Rose Bowl, the school's first trip to Pasadena since the 1966 season.
We had the weekend off and let me tell you how great my body feels. Last week, we practiced Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and had Friday and Saturday off. I went home for the weekend to see my family, especially my grandmother. It saddened me to see her because she's not in the best shape, but it helped cheer up her day that my parents, my nephew and I went to see her.
|  | | Vinny Sutherland has been one of Drew Brees' go-to receivers this season. |
My family watched the Northwestern-Michigan game and wow, that game was probably one of the most exciting games I have ever witnessed.
I had to be back Sunday morning for a full afternoon practice. We have a big game to prepare for when we travel to East Lansing this weekend. From watching Michigan State's game on Saturday against Ohio State, it's evident that the Spartans play Big Ten football. They play very physical and their defense will bring the heat on Drew Brees.
The bye week helped our offensive line rest up for the final two games, so I'm sure they'll be on the mark. Our timing in the passing game hasn't lost a step, which is great considering many people feel a bye week slows an offense like ours. We feel that Michigan State plays very similar to Michigan's defense -- man-free and blitzing a whole bunch. With two weeks to prepare, our offense will be ready.
Defensively, we'll have to contain T.J. Duckett, who is a truck. He's an incredible blend of power and speed. He'll be a challenge for our defense just like Michael Bennett was at Wisconsin. Michigan State has some talented receivers, but our defense will be revamped and should play a strong game.
A lot of attention will be focused on special teams because in two of the last three years when we have played this team, it has come down to a block field goal or punt. No changes have been made. It just comes down to playing consistently.
The game will be on ABC at 1 p.m. EST. I hope you all watch it, it looks to be another thriller. Take care and have a great week.
Stratton's Purdue Statistics
| Year |
Rec. |
Yards |
Average |
TD |
Long |
| 2000 |
51 |
518 |
10.2 |
1 |
29 |
| 1999 |
49 |
593 |
12.1 |
4 |
34 |
| 1998 |
38 |
381 |
10.0 |
7 |
29 |
| Total |
137 |
1,492 |
10.9 |
12 |
34 |
Click here to go to Purdue's official web site.
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