What kind of offense are we expecting, Boilers?
What can we expect from a 2025 Purdue Boilermakers offense, you ask?
Well, nobody asked and I feel like breaking some rules on how to write a “proper article” so buckle up. This will be very stream-of-consciousness. Yeah, yeah, never begin with a question. But I did.
So here’s the dealio, Emilio. Here’s what’s Gucci, Stanley Tucci.
We’re gonna expect an RPO offense that will skew toward the run. Let’s say like 55% run or 60% run. Quick passes, ball to the outside, holy crap if the receivers can block, the screen game is gonna be fun while you have three tailbacks who are capable of catching out of the backfield.
Between Mockobee, Merriweather, and Virginia Tech transfer Malachi Thomas, that’s the potential of an offense that can just annoy the hell out of an opponent with constant 4-6 yard gains. The wheel route potential makes me sweat.
This will be a quick release passing offense while riding on the running backs. What’s the whole team look like entering summer? Oh no, another prompted question to move the plot. Blatant exposition.
QB is gonna be a game manager situation. I don’t expect any cannonballers given the current roster. Again, quick release, make playmakers make plays. I’m skipping over quarterback aside from one thing that relates directly to me:
Looks like it’ll be Arkansas transfer Malachi Singleton. Singleton attended North Cobb High School in Kennesaw, Georgia. I attended Harrison High School in Kennesaw, Georgia. Make our stupid part of the Atlanta suburbs look good, kid. Aside from home ties, I think he’s a perfect fit for an RPO offense. Pitch it around and switch it around, prodigal son.
Running backs already covered. Dynamic group, there. Hard runners with crazy legs and then you have the true freshman bowling ball tailback Ziaire Stevens who could make a splash. Excited about that kid.
Gosh I don’t even turn 30 for two weeks and I call them kids. It’ll happen to YOU.
The trick with the offense here is wide receiver blocking and how the OL can attempt to be a cohesive unit. It’s almost like football is a game won at the line of scrimmage.
I know, I’m the resident SEC guy. But that means I know a lot about Barry Odom. He was head coach at Mizzou when I was in my last years as a student at UGA. I think his offensive philosophy fits perfectly for a team like Purdue that not only has the potential to be a “disruptor” in the Big 10, but a potential conference winner.
I can’t get over how great of a hire Barry Odom was. The man was simply thrusted into a role he wasn’t ready for at his alma mater, it didn’t work out, he goes and does well at Arkansas, takes over UNLV. At UNLV he gets their first solid recruiting class in ages. He runs a winning program with a methodical offense.
I have a lot of respect for Odom. When I heard the hiring announcement, it elicited an “oh HELL yes.”
Pardon my French.
This all comes down to blocking, but I trust Odom’s scheming. The OL isn’t going to be the biggest in the world, but I trust Barry Odom working around such things in the short term.
As long as the offensive line can hold for quick stints instead of long-term pocket protection, which will be the plan with a 60/40 option offense, everything should be coming up Purdue Pete.
Constant short gains, fast-paced, punishing and exhausting offense.
I hate making predictions, but in my line of work I often feel compelled to make predictions. I am never afraid to amidst when I am wrong.
I believe that with Barry Odom’s offense “pace control” type of offense and his defensive mind, this team that was just 1-11 can go 7-5.
Boiler Up, baby.