Way too early 2021 Big Ten power rankings | Where does Penn State Football stand?

Coach Jeff Brohm’s squad again dealt with quarterback injury issues last season, finishing 2-4 on the season, one spot ahead of Illinois in the west division.

Purdue started the season 2-0, including a win over the Iowa Hawkeyes, only to end the season on a four game losing streak. The Boilermakers were in every game they played though, with their average margin of defeat at just under seven points. Three of their four losses were by single digits.

Brohm’s squad can score points, as usual with his teams, as quarterbacks Jack Plummer and Aidan O’Connell split duties behind center. Plummer figures to be the starter come September, and will have one of the best receivers in the Big Ten back next season. No, not Rondale Moore who is off to the NFL, but sophomore David Bell, who caught 53 passes for 625 yards and eight touchdowns in only six games.

The other side of the ball was an issue for Purdue, surrendering just about 30 points per game, and void of any real difference makers on that side of the ball. They will depend on sophomore defensive end George Karlaftis who led the team with two sacks last season to pressure quarterbacks.

Purdue will score points and may put a scare into one of the contenders from time to time, but Brohm is still building in West Lafayette.