TCU at Purdue
When: Saturday, September 14 at 7:30 p.m. ET
Where: Ross-Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, IN
TV: Big Ten Network
This game is not getting the media attention that it deserves. TCU is one of the most electric teams in the nation and Purdue has a ton of talent on both sides of the ball. With a weak slate of games, this game somehow managed to miss out on the big networks. Still, you should tune in Saturday night.
TCU
The TCU Horned Frogs will put up a ton of points this season. They opened the season with a 39-7 win over Arkansas-Pine Bluff and had a week off last weekend. Running back Darius Anderson can propel his stock for the 2020 draft with a strong season and he has the tools to do it. He runs hard, finishes through contact, blocks, and can make defenders miss. He lacks elite speed, but he is fast enough to make plays with his legs. Right tackle Lucas Niang is a physical freak on the offensive line. His giant, 6-foot-6 frame will draw attention alone, but his quick feet and ability to handle a speed rush will make scouts grin. His name is one to watch. Finally, you cannot talk about TCU without mentioning wide receiver Jalen Reagor. Reagor is one of the best big-play guys in the nation. He has 20 total touchdowns in 28 career games while averaging 15.5 yards per catch and 11.2 yards per rush.
The Horned Frogs do not have much to like defensively, but cornerback Jeff Gladney is a stud. He has long-range speed, limits yards after the catch, and loves to jump routes. He has 24 passes defenses in his career. Gladney will be vital in stopping Purdue’s passing attack.
Purdue
Purdue sees TCU’s high-powered offense and decides to compete. Simple as that. The Boilermakers are a scary team in the Big Ten despite an early loss to Nevada. Rondale Moore is perhaps the most explosive player in college football. The true sophomore already has 24 catches for 344 yards and two scores on the season. Moore is a virtual lock to be a first-round pick in 2021. Purdue also has tight end Brycen Hopkins. Hopkins is my favorite tight end in college football – and that means something coming from an Indiana fan. He is a gifted athlete with sweet hands who presents a big threat in the red zone. I also firmly believe that quarterback Elijah Sindelar will be drafted in 2020 for his strong arm. The Purdue offense is pretty fun.
The Boilermakers have some defensive studs as well, but they will not be playing in this one. Defensive tackle Lorenzo Neal is recovering from an injury that dates back to last season and is out for a few more weeks. Linebacker Markus Bailey suffered an injury in practice this week and is out for the season. Their absence makes the offenses in this game even more explosive. Strap in for a fun-filled barn burner.