Tracking Purdue's offense: More practice time in store for quarterback Aidan O'Connell
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WEST LAFAYETTE – Tracking Purdue’s offense after five games and heading into Saturday’s matchup against Maryland at SECU Stadium:
ONE TAKEAWAY
Leading up to last week’s game at Minnesota, Aidan O’Connell didn’t practice Tuesday. The sixth-year quarterback didn’t practice Wednesday.
Backups Austin Burton and Michael Alaimo were on the cusp of seeing more action.
“We got both Austin and Michael ready to play. They got all the practice reps, and they were ready to go,” Purdue coach Jeff Brohm said.
The situation changed Thursday as O’Connell was more involved in practice and was more comfortable dealing with his injury.
“He felt like he could go,” Brohm said.
And O’Connell returned to his role as the starting quarterback, helping guide the Boilermakers to an upset road win at previously unbeaten Minnesota.
This wasn’t one of O’Connell’s better games. He hadn’t practiced in nearly two weeks and missed the Sept. 24 victory over Florida Atlantic. He wasn’t sharp but still completed 68% of his passes and led the Boilermakers on the go-ahead field goal drive with 4:57 to play.
“I didn’t play very well but they supported me and picked me up,” O’Connell said. “It was a frustrating a couple of weeks, but I felt the love from my teammates and the coaching staff.”
For the first time as a starter, O’Connell didn’t throw a touchdown pass. In fact, Purdue had a string of 35 consecutive games with a TD pass halted during the 20-10 victory.
The reason? The running game was working for the second straight week, giving the offense a balanced attack. But O’Connell’s presence also was a factor, despite throwing two interceptions but Minnesota scored only three points off those turnovers thanks to the defense.
His teammates weren’t surprised O’Connell worked his way back into the lineup after missing one game.
“That’s who he is – a competitor,” said receiver Charlie Jones, who caught a key 28-yard pass on the go-ahead field goal drive. “He was upset he wasn’t able to battle with us (against Florida Atlantic). He did everything he could in the training room and on the field to get back out here with us. He’s a leader and he’s just really competitive. He’s a tough kid.”
Brohm is optimistic O’Connell remains the starter after another week of working in the training room and on the practice field. It would be nice to eliminate the quarterback drama going into another key road game.
“He played with courage. He played tough,” Brohm said. “It wasn't one of his better games, but he still continued to cut it loose and be aggressive and made some plays late in the game.
“I just think that we're hoping to get him even healthier this week and a little more practice time.”
TRENDING UP
Back-to-back: For the first time since 2017, the Boilermakers had two different rushers gain at least 100 yards in consecutive games - Dylan Downing (113 vs. FAU) and Devin Mockobee (112 vs. Minnesota). Markell Jones and D.J. did it against Indiana and Arizona, respectively.
Playing strong: The offensive line is allowing an average of 3.0 tackles for loss, which is tied for the lead in the Big Ten and tied for fourth nationally.
TRENDING DOWN
YAC: Averaging 80.5 yards after the catch in the last two games. Averaged 147 in the first three weeks.
Third down: Just 7 of 26 (26.9%) in the last two games.
3 QUESTIONS
▶ Can the offensive line continue to keep O’Connell upright and create holes for the running game?
▶ Will success in the red zone continue? Purdue has scored on 19 of its 20 trips, including 17 touchdowns.
▶ Could we see another 100-yard performance from a Boilermaker running back? The Terrapins are allowing 139.6 rushing yards through five games.
LOOKING AHEAD
With defenses taking away O’Connell’s deep throws, the balanced attack should continue to work. Purdue is averaging 174 rushing yards and 182.5 passing yards against FAU and Minnesota. The offense will have opportunities to move the ball against Maryland, which has allowed more than 20 points three times and over 300 yards in four games. But O’Connell and company must do a better job in the turnover department compared to last week when they had three, including two in Golden Gophers’ territory, ending scoring chances. Expecting O’Connell to improve his accuracy after a week of practice and his main target, Jones, to continue to make plays. It can’t be all Jones as the other receivers – and tight end Payne Durham – must be more involved in the passing game to keep the defense honest. Most of Purdue’s drives stalled due to the lack of production on first down until later in the game. More consistency on first down benefits the entire offense.
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)
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Tracking Purdue football offense: More practice time in store for QB Aidan O'Connell
