WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Five keys from the first half at Ross-Ade Stadium:
- Excellent defense. The Chippewas are playing some of the most disciplined defense I've seen in the last two years covering the team. They're getting pressure to Curtis Painter. They're shutting down Kory Sheets (9 yards!). They're making great open-field tackles and preventing big plays. True freshman LaVarus Williams is having the game of his life so far, picking off one pass and making several critical tackles. He could've had another interception late in the half, but was flagged for pass interference. Either way, holding the Boilermakers to 10 points is a huge success, even if Painter continues to make good throws (16-for-21, 151 yards).
- LeFevour's legs. Dan's on the run so far, with 63 yards on 12 carries. He made several critical runs on third down, including one on a fourth down to move the chains. That's what CMU needs to keep the offense on the field and continue to keep the defense fresh.
- Little to say about the passing game. LeFevour's accumulated just 69 passing yards. He especially was shut down in the second quarter, mainly because Purdue's putting on a good pass rush. The team should try to get Anderson involved a little more, as he just has one catch for 10 yards. He's too good to not throw to.
- Give Justin Hoskins some carries. Ontario Sneed is just not running very effectively. Hoskins should give CMU a fresh runner from the backfield in the second half should Butch Jones employ him. He could give the offense the spark it needs to score points the next half.
- Start the second half off right. CMU gets the ball to open the second half. Almost the same situation as it was at Georgia: Get a touchdown and maintain momentum heading into the final periods. They'll just need a better defensive performance this time around.
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