The Purdue Boilermakers start their 2020 season after much debate within the Big Ten regarding whether to play or not, tomorrow at 3:30 PM EST on the BTN Network as they host the Iowa Hawkeyes. Purdue leads the series 48-39-3. Iowa won last the last meeting, snapping a two-game Purdue streak.
Head coach Jeff Brohm is in his fourth year at Purdue and holds a 17-21 record. The team will be without Brohm for the opener as he tested positive for COVID-19. He petitioned to be able to communicate virtually with his team but was denied. Co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Brian Brohm, Jeff’s younger brother, will handle the head coaching duties.
In addition to Brohm, receiver Rondale Moore won’t be available in the opener. Moore opted back in for the season on Sept. 24. As a freshman, Moore had 114 catches for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns. Last year he had 29 receptions for 387 yards and two touchdowns in four games before suffering a hamstring injury that kept him out the rest of the season. He’ll look to make his debut in two weeks against the No. 14 Wisconsin Badgers.
After missing the entire 2019 season, defensive end and fifth-year senior Lorenzo Neal returns for the Boilermakers. He’s appeared in 32 games with 29 starts. He has 63 tackles with 11 for a loss and four sacks.
The Boilermakers will need solid quarterback play this year after starting four different quarterbacks due to either injuries or ineffective play over the last three seasons. Jack Plummer is the returning passer from last year, throwing for 1,603 yards and 11 touchdowns to eight interceptions.
King Doerue looks to add to his 451 yards and five touchdown performance from last season at running back. In addition to getting Moore back this year, the Boilermakers have David Bell coming back at receiver. Last year, Bell had 86 receptions for 1,035 yards and seven touchdowns.
Date Opponent TV Time/Result
10/24 — Iowa BTN 3:30
10/31 — at Illinois BTN Noon
11/7 — at Wisconsin TBA
11/14 — Northwestern TBA
11/20 — at Minnesota TBA
11/28 — Rutgers TBA
12/5 — Nebraska TBA
12/12 — at Indiana
12/19 — Big Ten Championship
All times are Eastern
