Purdue +3.5 against Auburn in Nashville
I think this line is based on pubic perception of SEC strength across the conference. But Auburn was sub .500 in conference with no particular distinguishing feature of the team. They played their best ball in August/September and I hardly expect them to get it cranking again after a layoff with a coach who has shown no ability to motivate teams in bowl season. On the other hand Purdue played its worst football in August/September and have been a pretty good team since. Also, their coach seems to know how to play at bowl time being 4-0. Purdue is also playing for a sick kid. They wouldn't let a sick kid down, would they?
Purdue 9th ranked pass O goes up against Auburn 59h ranked pass d. That is the one really definite advantage I am seeing in this game, and Purdue will be more than happy to throw the entire game. Brohm is one of these offensive coaches who gets off on devising trickery with the long layoff of a bowl. I expect Purdue to have a few wild plays Auburn hasn't seen. However, I just don't think they can match up with Purdue's straight pass game.
Nashville is close enough that I expect Purdue fans to be there as well, while this should be a ho-hum bowl for Auburn fans.
Motivation, coaching and matchup advantage all favor Purdue. Change Auburn's name to anyone but an SEC team and Purdue would be he favorite.
I think this line is based on pubic perception of SEC strength across the conference. But Auburn was sub .500 in conference with no particular distinguishing feature of the team. They played their best ball in August/September and I hardly expect them to get it cranking again after a layoff with a coach who has shown no ability to motivate teams in bowl season. On the other hand Purdue played its worst football in August/September and have been a pretty good team since. Also, their coach seems to know how to play at bowl time being 4-0. Purdue is also playing for a sick kid. They wouldn't let a sick kid down, would they?
Purdue 9th ranked pass O goes up against Auburn 59h ranked pass d. That is the one really definite advantage I am seeing in this game, and Purdue will be more than happy to throw the entire game. Brohm is one of these offensive coaches who gets off on devising trickery with the long layoff of a bowl. I expect Purdue to have a few wild plays Auburn hasn't seen. However, I just don't think they can match up with Purdue's straight pass game.
Nashville is close enough that I expect Purdue fans to be there as well, while this should be a ho-hum bowl for Auburn fans.
Motivation, coaching and matchup advantage all favor Purdue. Change Auburn's name to anyone but an SEC team and Purdue would be he favorite.