T-Mill over at Off The Tracks was kind enough to answer a few questions about the Boilermakers going into tomorrow's game.  It appears that there are some distinct strengths for Purdue, but also some serious areas that can be attacked.

1)The Irish had trouble getting any push against the Michigan State defensive line.  How would you rate the big guys up front for your Boilermakers at stopping the run?

Strictly on running plays we have done well. What we have had trouble stopping is running quarterbacks and more of a spread-style run. It's no secret that Oregon's LaGarrette Blount and Jeremiah Johnson gashed us. Oregon has an incredibly good rushing offense though. They are going to gash a lot of people. What's more of a concern is that Dan LeFevour of Central Michigan tore us apart running out of pressure. In short, we're fine at stopping your traditional running plays, but if your offensive line can open some holes there will be space with our inexperienced linebackers. 
 
2) Would you rather this game rely on the legs of Kory Sheets or the arm of Curtis Painter?  What are their strengths and weaknesses?

Right now I would say the strength is Sheets. Honestly, I would like more balance though. That is what truly makes us dangerous. Sheets was pretty much an afterthought until his big run to win the game last week. Against Oregon he played his best game as a Boilermaker. I only get concerned with using him too much because we don't really have a proven backup since Jaycen Taylor got hurt.

I think if Painter can finally start putting things together and play to the hype he has received we will become a very dangerous team. We finally have that balance we have tried to achieve between the run and the pass. We just need to stay committed to that balance.  
 
3) The Irish have some talent at wide receiver and Jimmy Clausen has looked solid so far at quarterback.  How susceptible is the Purdue secondary to the pass?  Are any of your corners or safeties particularly dangerous to opposing QBs?

The secondary is actually the strength of our defense at the moment. Safety Torri Williams is making up for lost time after having his past three seasons end due to injury. He is possibly Purdue's best player in the secondary, but he had 2005 ended due to a broken leg, 2006 to a shredded knee, and 2007 to a torn Achilles. The guy simply can't catch a break.

Cornerback David Pender is our top cover corner. He will likely be matched with Tate. I remember well what Tate did last season, so Pender has his work cut out for him. Another player to watch out for his fifth year senior safety Frank Duong. He's an undersized former walkon that plays with unbelievable tenacity. If you look at him you wouldn't think he played at all, but he has actually led us in tackles twice and had a pick six last week.  
 
4) While a lot of the protection issues from 2007 have been improved, I'm still nervous about the Irish offensive line.  Any members of the Purdue front seven with a particular nose for the quarterback?

So far most of our penetration has been done by the defensive line, and it has come from multiple sources. Alex Magee is the biggest defensive end we have had at Purdue under Coach Tiller. He already has a pair of sacks. Keyon Brown was suspended for the opener but has a sack and a half.   Duong's pick six last week was also set up because LeFevour was hit as he threw.

We're getting plenty of pressure, but we almost get too much. Too often we have 4 guys rushing the quarterback only to forget about the running back. Opposing quarterbacks then just dump the ball over the rush and the back has a free 20-30 yards before anyone touches him. If Clausen can recognize this Saturday he will do well.