2003: 9-4 overall, 6-2 Big Ten (T-2nd)

Coach: Joe Tiller 55-32 in 7 years at the school

Returning starters: 12; 8 offense, 3 defense, kicker

Players to watch: QB Kyle Orton (251-414, 2,885 yds., 15 TD, 7 Int.), WR Taylor Stubblefield (86 rec., 835 yds., 3 TD), WR Ray Williams (15 rec., 204 yds., 3 TD), OT Mike Otto, DE Ray Edwards, CB Antwaun Rogers, SS Bernard Pollard

Hot topics: Tiller expects a Drew Brees-like season out of Orton, the only veteran quarterback returning to a contending team. Stubblefield could break the records set by former teammate John Standeford, the Big Ten's all-time leading receiver. Kicker Ben Jones was a Groza Award semifinalist last year. This season is a reverse of last year, when all of the experience was back on defense, so look for Air Tiller to re-emerge after spending much of last year in the hanger.

Cold facts: Despite the loss of six members of the front seven, Purdue coaches insist there will be no drop-off in talent. That's good because the Boilermakers were 13th in total defense last season.

OVERVIEW: The Boilers have gone to seven straight bowl games under Tiller, and yet they are sort of the antithesis of Ohio State. They find a way to lose all of the close ones. Twelve of their last 13 losses, dating to 2001, have come by a TD or less. The last time a Purdue team had as much experience on offense and as little experience on defense, it went to the 2000 Rose Bowl.

--Jon Spencer

Originally published Wednesday, September 8, 2004