Purdue football coach Ryan Walters does not have to look too far for motivation heading into his second season at the helm.
All, he has to do is pull out two preseason Big Ten Conference polls that have the Boilermakers slated to finish 18th out of 18 teams that make up the new Big Ten Conference. A season ago, Purdue football finished 4-8, knocked off Big Ten foes Indiana, Illinois and Minnesota, while falling to both Iowa and Northwestern by a combined 14 points.
The Ohio State Buckeyes garnered eight of 13 first-place votes as the preseason top team. Newcomer Oregon received the other five first-place votes, finishing second in the preseason polls. Defending national champion Michigan and Penn State tied for third.
At Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis, Walters said he has brought up the expectations for Purdue football several times to his team already.
“I definitely feel like there’s a chip on everyone’s shoulder in the building. We’re all here to compete. The three things we talk most about in our program are competitive, selfless and disciplined with competitive being at the forefront,” Walters said.
“So, when you go 4-8, you better have a chip on your shoulder. I feel like the guys we brought in feel like they have something to prove, as well. Definitely use it as motivation. Can’t really pay attention or harp on it too much, but we’re not going to turn a blind eye to the elephant in the room. We definitely addressed that as a team.”
Purdue football quarterback Hudson Card acknowledged he and his teammates have heard plenty about the expectations surrounding the Boilermakers.
“It’s been brought up a couple of times in our building,” Card told the media.
With a ton of new faces, as well as transfers, Purdue football will be tested very early and often during the 2024 campaign. After opening the season Aug. 31 at home against Indiana State, the Boilermakers will take on Notre Dame and will travel to Oregon State before kicking off the Big Ten portion of the season. Purdue football will battle Big Ten favorites Ohio State, Penn State and Oregon, along with seeing the likes of Nebraska, Wisconsin, Illinois, Michigan State and Indiana in the Big Ten.
Two years ago, Purdue football played for the Big Ten championship at Lucas Oil Stadium, and the Boilermakers have not had the worst league record since 2015.
And, Walters has no plans on returning there this season.
“I know 4-8 sucks. I don’t ever want to be here again,” Walters said.
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