The 3-2-1: Oregon Blackout, QB icon on the call, must-win game and more

Three things learned. Two questions. One bold statement. It’s the 3-2-1, a look at the latest in Purdue football.

Three things learned

1 New unis are out!

Finally! Purdue made the big reveal of its new uniforms last week. And, the consensus among most is a thumb’s up!

The most radical change was the “PURDUE” across the top of the front of the jersey. It looks sharp and is an addition we were all for, though the letters are a tad small. Also, we like the numbers on the shoulders.

If memory serves us, the uniforms have not featured “PURDUE” across the front since the Jim Colletto era (1991-96).

It would have been fun to have had a Purdue Pete logo on the helmet. Or, a speeding Boilermaker Special logo. But, the motion “P” is a classic look since 1996.

Always like the all-black or all-white uni combos, too.

No doubt, Purdue will look sharp this fall.

2 – Promos out

The athletic department announced promotions for each home game in 2024. The promo of note: The Oregon game on Friday night, Oct. 18, will be a “Blackout.”

It will be neat to see fans wearing black and the team also presumably dressed in all-black against the backdrop of a night game in what surely will be a sold out Ross-Ade Stadium.

The Boilermakers are looking for any edge they can get playing a mighty Ducks squad that will rate among the nation’s best this season. Purdue will be hoping to capture some 2108 Ohio State magic.

3 – Mark Herrmann on the call!

What we all knew months ago became official on Monday: Herrmann will be the analyst on Purdue games alongside affable play-by-play man Tim Newton.

The unassuming and soft-spoken Herrmann is perfect for the role as the replacement for Pete Quinn , who used to snap to Herrmann from 1977-80. The Boilermaker quarterbacking icon brings a glossy broadcasting resume to the booth after calling Colts games in the past, as well as Boilermaker games, too. Old No. 9 has shown a keen eye for analysis in his prior analyst work.

Two questions

1 – Should Purdue take Dillon Thieneman to Big Ten Media Days?

The school announced Gus Hartwig , Hudson Card and Kydran Jenkins will represent Purdue at Big Ten Media Days. The Boilers are part of the festivities on July 23rd, the first day of the three-day event to be held in Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis.

Difficult to quibble with those choices, as each rates among the best players on the team and will be big keys to bowl hopes in 2024.

But Thieneman should be going.

Yes, he is only a true sophomore and he’ll likely be taken to Big Ten Media Days in 2025–in what probably will be his third and final season in West Lafayette, as he’s expected to leave for the NFL. And the three players repping Purdue are seniors, so they deserve their moment in the Indianapolis spotlight.

Still, Thieneman is the face of the 2024 Boilermakers. Gotta think many Big Ten/national media members will wonder: Why isn’t Thieneman here? People want to hear from him.

Thieneman is on the preseason Walter Camp All-American team and Lott Award watchlist, the first of many honors in the run-up to the 2024 season. No Purdue will player will have more preseason honors. He’s THE star.

Media Days are the time to show off your best, most highly visible players–regardless of class.

2 – What’s the must-win game on the 2024 schedule?

If the fight to six victories and bowl eligibility, Purdue faces some key swing games it needs to find a way to win. And, it goes without saying that Purdue needs to win HOME swing games. And perhaps no home swing game drips with more importance than the Big Ten opener vs. Nebraska on Sept. 28, which takes place a week after the Boilers’ junket to Oregon State.

This shapes up as a big game for two programs each being led by second-year coaches looking to get their teams on track and back into a bowl.

Will Purdue be 2-1 when this game comes around? It better hope so. The most likely scenario: The Boilermakers take down Indiana State and Oregon State and lose to Notre Dame to open the season. A 1-2 record will make an already uphill battle to six wins more taxing.

This tilt vs. Nebraska is the ultimate table-setter for Purdue and will go a long way toward establishing the tone and tenor of the season.

One bold statement: Hudson Card will break out

There has been some debate on if the Texas quarterback transfer will emerge in his second–and final–season in West Lafayette. Look for Card to shine.

Logic says the second go-around typically is the best for transfers.

Card flashed last year, but he was less than 100 percent on a few occasions, even missing the game at Northwestern. Card is stronger and smarter, confident in this offense. Plus, he’ll be ensconced by a bigger and deeper line.

The wideouts drip with potential, but they have something to prove. Card figures to make their job easier in what should be a strong final college season.

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