Philadelphia, PA (My Sportsbook) - 2006 SEASON IN REVIEW: A 4-0 start to the 2006 campaign had Purdue fans everywhere thinking their beloved Boilermakers could make some serious noise in the Big Ten. After all, since coach Joe Tiller arrived on the scene Purdue had been a thorn in the side of nearly every conference contender. Defensively, however, the team showed signs of cracking early and it was only a matter of time before the Boilermakers would be snake-bitten as a result. A tough loss to in-state rival Notre Dame was the beginning of a stretch that would see Tiller's troops drop four of five games. The Boilermakers were able to regroup though, claiming victory in three straight before losing at Hawaii in the regular season finale. At 8-5, Purdue was invited to play in the Champs Sports Bowl against Maryland, but the result of that contest was a 24-7 loss. In the end, the season was deemed something of a success, although none of the team's eight wins came against foes with a winning record.

2007 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: With nine starters back on offense, the high-octane Boilermakers should once again be one of the better offensive teams in the Big Ten. Junior QB Curtis Painter is back after setting a new single-season school record for passing yards (3,985) and he will have a slew of talented receivers at which to look down field, led by senior Dorien Bryant. Just 5-10 and 175 pounds, Bryant has terrific speed and led the conference with 87 catches for 1,068 yards in '06. Junior Selwyn Lymon has ideal size (6-4, 215 pounds) and could shine opposite Bryant. The Purdue ground assault features senior Korey Sheets and junior Jaycen Taylor, both of whom have been productive in the past. The offensive line, specifically the right side, boasts three returning starters, including All-Big Ten guard Jordan Grimes. With Painter leading the way and hopefully cutting down on the league-worst 19 INTs he threw last season, the PU passing attack should be fine. If the Boilermakers are able to get decent production out of the run game, then upping last year's win total is a distinct possibility.

DEFENSE: The Purdue defense was dreadful last year, ranking near the bottom of the national rankings in nearly every major statistical category. A total of nine starters are back and while some may view that as a negative considering the unit's ineffectiveness in '06, there is something to be said for experience. Finding a replacement for NFL first-rounder Anthony Spencer won't be easy but there is more than enough help at linebacker and defensive back to take some of the pressure off the front line. Former LB Cliff Avril will line up at one end spot and has the ability to be a shining star on the PU defense this year. Senior linebackers Stanford Keglar and Dan Bick are back, but depth is a concern. All four defensive backs return and the hope is that they will be a much improved unit after getting torched last season. There is plenty of room for improvement from the Purdue defense, and as long as the line is up to snuff, the back seven should be able to make enough plays to keep the Boilermakers in most games.

SPECIAL TEAMS: This was a significant area of concern for Tiller last year as then freshman kicker Chris Summers converted just eight of his 20 FG attempts. The hope is a year of seasoning will help him become more consistent. Punter Jared Armstrong had a terrific year in '06, averaging better than 43 yards per boot, and more of the same is expected of the 6-3 senior.

OUTLOOK: Two MAC foes and one from the newly named FCS (formerly Division I-AA) dot the early docket for Purdue, so the team could easily be 3-0 heading into the conference opener at Minnesota. The annual battle with Notre Dame is next followed by consecutive wars versus Ohio State and Michigan. Of the team's final five bouts, three will take place in West Lafayette giving the Boilermakers the edge they may need to earn a favorable bowl invite. Purdue won't finish atop the Big Ten this year, but there is enough talent in place to assure the team gives every opponent it faces a run for their money.