Who has faith in Purdue?
The opening scene in The Godfather is iconic. We open on the face of an Italian man saying these lines, “I believe in America. America has made my fortune. And I raised my daughter in American fashion. I gave her freedom, but I taught her never to dishonor her family.” Why am I talking about this scene? Well, because this past week it was time to show whether you believe, not in America, but in Matt Painter and in Ryan Walters. I asked about expectations for next season and you provided your responses. Let’s take a look shall we? First up, men’s basketball.
The question was a simple yes or now, would Purdue finish in the top 4 of the brand new Big Ten next season? The answer was a resounding yes. Even without back to back National Player of the Year Zach Edey an astounding 87% of Purdue fans think that the team will be back in the top four of the conference race next year. I don’t think it’s an unreasonable expectation, but with the transfer portal going wild I just don’t know enough about the other teams to make a truly informed choice.
Next, we turn to football. Rather than ask if Purdue will finish in the top 4 of the conference, that would be a hell of a feat, I asked if Purdue would make it to bowl eligibility, another feat given the schedule they have in front of them.
The graphic says “only” 42% feel Purdue will be bowl eligible next season, but I think that’s an incredibly optimistic number. I don’t make the graphics, just an FYI. Given the rigorous nature of Purdue’s schedule I think if Walters gets this team to bowl eligibility he should win Big Ten coach of the year. It’s going to be tough. I hope he’s up to the task.