11/3/2025 Boilermaker Water Cooler Chat: Horseshoes and Hand Grenades Edition
Rants, ravings, and somewhat sensical opinions following the wild, wacky, and wide-wide world of Purdue sports.
Almost only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades.
You know what, “almost” can be pretty entertaining. Purdue almost pulled it off, on the road, against a Big Ten powerhouse program. If there wasn’t a couple self-inflicted wounds early in the game, Purdue could have won. This is a broken record in 2025.
Barry Odom’s team is improving and is a million miles better than they were under different leadership last year. They are climbing the mountain, but not getting over the hump. Odom promised that wins will come, he just didn’t know when… but the Boilermakers are almost there. Almost.
The Game:
Purdue 16, #21 Michigan 21
The Boilermakers couldn’t capitalize on two promising drives early in the game, end up losing by one score.
Purdue’s defense did what they could to slow down the Michigan offense, taking the ball away twice. In fact, Purdue won the turnover battle. I am not sure if that will happen again this season. Giving up only 21 points on the road, that is impressive. Tahj Ra-El was everywhere, racking up 13 tackles. Hudauri Hines picked off the multi-million dollar Michigan QB as the defense pulled their weight this game.
The offense was without Devin Mockobee, wasted two drives early in the game. Ryan Browne struggled as he continues to battle injury. The offense has no creativity in the play calling, and it shows in the outcome.
Break It Down:
Purdue almost took care of business, but the offense couldn’t put it together. I know the Boilermakers are still losing, but at least they aren’t just croaking immediately on impact like they have the last few seasons. Almost took out a ranked team in the Big House, a feat that the Boilermakers haven’t done since Joey Elliot graced the field for the Boilermakers.
These boys keep fighting. They have pride, they have passion. They are putting things together… but they can’t get over the hump. Need the offensive coordinator to figure some things out, because with even a serviceable offense right now, Purdue could have 5 wins. That is the difference between victory and… almost.
Big Man on Campus:
Due to popular demand, the BMOC will not be awarded this week. Coffee is for closers.
Purdue Basketball is Almost Here:
The #1 Purdue Boilermakers finished their preseason slate with an exhibition win over UINDY 92-49. The Big 3 only played about 20 minutes allowing some role players to flex their muscle. Matt Painter did what he normally does in these games, he played strange lineups, let the game play out, and gave everyone on the roster a bit of a run. The standouts? Gicarri Harris (20 points in 18 minutes) and Daniel Jacobsen (10 pts & 8 rb in 16 minutes).
With the win, Purdue improves to 0-0 on the season, because exhibition games do not count. I feel it necessary to write that again. Certain fanbases equate them to the Super Bowl (but only if they win).
What are some of the keys in this upcoming season for the Boilermakers? Clearly the known commodities are Braden Smith, Fletcher Loyer, and Trey Kaufman-Renn will be the core that this team needs to thrive. The curious part is who is going to supplement the big 3. CJ Cox is the heir apparent, as he started last year. Gicarri Harris has impressed this off season. Key newcomers are Oscar Cluff, Omer Mayer, and Liam Murphy. Freshman Jack Benter is coming off redshirt and looks to provide a different style punch for this team.
While Purdue fans have every right to be excited about this upcoming season, there are still plenty of concerns with this roster, despite starting the season ranked #1. How will the defense fare? The loss of Jacobsen last year due to injury absolutely hurt the defensive prospects of the season. Purdue had zero rim protection, and consequently, no rebounding because of his loss. Will Jacobsen’s presence, along with Oscar Cluff’s addition be enough to bolster this defense? What kind of jump will CJ Cox and Gicarri Harris take as sophomores? I guess we will see shortly!
Purdue – U Indy Photo Gallery by Mark Elsner: https://iscpurdue.com/purdue-vs-uindy-exhibition-10-30-25/
A Look Ahead:
Purdue basketball will tip off, finally, on Tuesday 11/4 against Evansville. On Friday, 11/7 the Boilermakers will take on Oakland. Both of these games are in God’s country, and it will be great to unleash Mackey Magic for the first time this season!
Purdue football host the #1 team in the nation, Ohio State, for a very strange 1:00 pm game. Ohio State is looking for more style points, looking to flex their muscle and look sharp going into the post season. Is this the game that Purdue turns “almost” into a victory? I wouldn’t count on it. Ohio State opens as a 4 touchdown favorite. You never know, though! I personally have seen several upsets of Ohio State at Ross Ade… hope springs eternal.
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