Purdue Boilermakers - NCAA Football Odds, Lines & Betting

After a rollercoaster 2006 season, the Boilermakers look poised to show the program is solidly on the tracks and ready for a great ride in 2007. Head coach Joe Tiller will see the return of 20 starters from last season (nine on both offense and defense and two from special teams), led by quarterback Curtis Painter at the helm of last year's 13th-ranked offense. He will be joined by 1,000-yard receiver Dorien Bryant, wideoout Greg Orton and running back Kory Sheets, who might flirt with 1,000 yards as well. That might not happen, however, if Sheets splits time in the backfield with Jaycen Taylor. This is expected to happen as the team hopes to show several unique offensive looks.

Left guard Uche Nwaneri and left tackle Mike Otto are the only starters from the O-line not to return, but considering they take care of Painter's blindside, that could be a problem. On defense, Purdue will need to replace linebacker George Hall and defensive end Anthony Spencer, who led the team last year in solo tackles with 69. His overall total of 93 was also second most on the team. But improving the nation’s fifth-worst defense is critical. The good news is that the entire secondary is back. Look for defensive end Cliff Avril and defensive tackles Ryan Baker and Alex Magee to help plug leaks that looked more like a broken dam last season.

The Boilermakers started last season strong and also made a hard charge to the finish line. Unfortunately, they were useless during the middle of the season (where they lost to every ranked opponent they faced). The middle of the schedule is just as difficult this year with Notre Dame, Ohio State, Michigan and Iowa. If they can produce some consistent results, things should look good for a bowl appearance.

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