Defense is winner of Purdue's first scrimmage

Scrimmage No. 1 of training camp is in the books. And give the victory to the defense.

"I think the defense won the day, which is what I wanted," said fifth-year Boilermaker coach Jeff Brohm. "I wanted to make progress there, without question. We did a pretty good job of stopping the run. I think we did a very good job of challenging the routes. I think we had multiple interceptions, we have multiple pass breakups."

The defense--which as an entirely new staff that includes three co-coordinators--has been ahead of the offense for most of camp, which began Aug. 6. The new aggressive 4-3 base scheme has been on full display. And it often has made life difficult for an offense that has been dealing with a patchwork line most of camp, which featured six practices leading up today's scrimmage.

Today's scrimmage included multiple periods of live tackling. There also were situational periods focusing on third downs and the red zone, as well as two-minute drill work.

"We had way less lapses of people running open downfield," said Brohm, who says there were two interceptions that could have gone for TDs. "So, that was a very good thing. So, I really thought our defense stood up today, and that's encouraging. We got to build on that. We have players on that side of the ball that have experience. So, they've been through some hard times, as well as good times, and I think it's about gaining confidence as we continue get through camp and going out there and playing loose and playing free and taking chances and going out and going for the win. So, I was encouraged by what I saw at a lot of positions there."

The Boilermakers wrapped up the scrimmage around noon ET and ran roughly 100 plays, according to Brohm. Purdue is off on Sunday and back at practice on Monday. The squad has a second and final scrimmage on Aug. 21. Classes begin Aug. 23.

Sounds like there was no separation in the quarterback derby.

Just like in camp practices, each signal-caller--fifth-year senior Aidan O'Connell, junior Jack Plummer, fifth-year senior Austin Burton, redshirt freshman Michael Alaimo--had their time to shine on Saturday.

"I think they all had their moments and they all had some things where it wasn't as good," said Brohm. "I think it played out like what we've seen in practice, as a close competition. We're able to make some plays. A key is not turning the ball over, being efficient, taking negative plays. There was progress there. I think we were able to see what we needed to and we've got to continue to have as many of these game-like situations as we possibly can."

Purdue has made it a point of emphasis to run better, especially in short-yardage situations.

But working on the rushing attack has been tough with the line dealing with a raft of injuries that have hampered continuity. Purdue also was without junior back King Doerue, whom Brohm said was out today.

"I think we're gonna continue to push forward on running the football and being successful with that," said Brohm, who has devoted two full-time assistants to working with the line. "Figuring out ways to get yards when we need to and figuring out ways to have a little bit of creativity to manufacturer yards and figuring out a few ways to involve the quarterback. I think all those things need to happen.

"We just got to be as efficient as we can, and not get negative plays, and be able to convert short-yardage situations is critical. So, that's been an emphasis. There were some moments where we were able to do that, find a way to get the breakaway run. We haven't quite perfected that, for sure, but we just got to continue to work through it, be physical up front and get more guys ready to play."

Purdue was without LEO DaMarcus Mitchell and safety Marvin Grant, two projected starters.

Mitchell has been out most of camp getting himself hydrated and healthy. With Mitchell out, redshirt freshman Kydran Jenkins has been the No. 1 LEO. The team received good news about Mitchell on Wednesday, when it was learned the senior had made his grades and would be eligible.

Grant has been dealing with a quad issue and has missed most of camp, like Mitchell. With Grant out of the lineup, sophomore Sanoussi Kane has been running with the first team.

"DaMarcus, we're hopeful next week to get him back at some point," said Brohm. "Marvin Grant is very close. He did some things yesterday, just sprinting full speed. Those things we've got to be a little careful, so we don't have any setbacks. But he's very close, so we're hopeful next week."

Purdue worked on special teams, which were plagued with inconsistency in 2020.

Brohm said to expect more starters on coverage units in hopes of limiting big plays. On this day, he was generally pleased with freshman punter Jack Ansell, a 23-year-old Australian.

"We looked at the punting game very extensively," said Brohm. "For the most part, I think we've made progress there. Jack Ansell has a lead right now on that position. We just got to make sure he stays consistent. The good thing is he's been fairly consistent to this point and there's been a few really, really good kicks and we can't have the bad kicks."

As for the kicking ...

"I think we've made great strides," said Brohm. "Mitchell Fineran has come in and done a really good job. (Ben) Freehill has done a good job as the backup followed by (Edward) Dellinger. Today was not their best day. It was not. But every day to this point, they've been pretty solid. So, it was good for them to struggle a little bit today and realize that when it's game time, they got to step up."

Purdue has had its share of bumps and bruises in training camp, with the big injury being to projected starting super senior middle linebacker Semisi Fakasiieiki, who is out for the season with an ankle injury suffered on Monday. Fifth-year senior Kieren Douglas and senior Jaylan Alexander are working in the middle with Fakasiieiki out.

"We had some guys out today," said Brohm. "Pretty sure most of those guys will be back pretty soon.

"... There's certain guys we have to get to the game healthy. And when you go through your month-long camp, we're as careful as we possibly can be. I don't really know how to be much more careful than what we've been. But, you're going to have some nicks and bruises and some twists and sprains and hope that things aren't serious. And you've got to harden things up at every position, especially up front, and develop calluses so that you're ready to play."

Were there any new injuries today?

"We'll see.," said Brohm. "Nothing severe to this point. We'll see tomorrow where we are at."

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