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Purdue Boilermakers Life's a Brees with loaded offense
'99: 7-5, 4-4 Big Ten
CoachJoe Tiller (fourth season, 25-12; 64-42-1 overall)
Key offensive playersDrew Brees, QB, Sr.Heisman Trophy candidate is poised to break most Big Ten passing records.
Montrell Lowe, RB, So.
Tim Stratton, TE, Jr.
Key defensive playersAkin Ayodele, LB, Jr.Had 11 sacks last season at defensive end. Might play both spots this season.
Jason Loerzel, LB, Jr.
Throwback playerIf there's a skirmish in practice, you can bet emotional defensive tackle Matt Mitrione is in the middle of it.
21st century playerWide receiver Vinny Sutherland has the most unique personality. The high-spirited Sutherland has been known to showboat after a big play.
Fast FactPurdue's offensive line allowed just one sack for every 37.9 pass attempts last season.
OutlookAlthough the Boilermakers have won 25 games in the last three years, they are 1-7 against Penn State, Michigan, Ohio State and Wisconsin. The key might be better results inside the 20-yard line. Purdue even toyed with some two-back sets during spring practice. Both Tiller and Brees believe the QB was too cautious last year, and he intends to be himself this season. The Boilermakers return four starters on the offensive line, including three who will be starting for the third consecutive season. The Boilers are also solid on the defensive line, with the main questions being depth at linebacker and whether the secondary can stop the long pass. Purdue appears to be in line for a fourth consecutive bowl appearance for the first time in school history. The question is, what level of bowl will it be?-- Mark Ambrogi
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