Tressel Expects Purdue To ‘Boiler Up!’

COLUMBUS, Ohio — We don’t know if Coach Jim Tressel changes his own oil, but we do know the Buckeyes will be switching gears as they transition from playing traditional Big Ten, smash-mouth football against Wisconsin to yet another version of the spread offense in Purdue. "Basketball on Grass" is its nickname, the creation of mad scientist/head coach Joe Tiller, an Ohio native from Toledo, who’ll be making his last trip to the horseshoe as the all-time winningest coach in Boilermaker history.

"Joe Tiller has done a tremendous job at Purdue," said an under-the-weather Tressel before several dozen media members during his weekly press luncheon at the Jack Nicklaus museum on Ohio State’s campus. "They’ve made 10 bowl games in his 11 years."

The trigger man in Purdue’s offense is Quarterback Curtis Painter, who holds many passing records at the school which has produced Superbowl champions Len Dawson and Bob Greise, as well as current NFL starters Drew Brees and Kyle Orton.

"He’s just getting comfortable right now," said senior cornerback Shaun Lane when asked about Painter’s underwhelming performances this season – including Painter’s second half benching in the Boilermakers 20-6 loss against Penn State on Saturday.

"My coach always says, ‘Cream rises to the top.’ So we’re preparing and expect to see him at his best when he comes to Ohio Stadium." 

Coach Tressel also said he expects the Purdue running game to "boiler up!"

"Their running back is as good as there is in our conference," said Tressel about Purdue’s all-time rushing touchdown leader Kory Sheets. "Now, I’m a little biased because I think Beanie Wells is the best, but that Kory Sheets is a special player."

Ohio State counters with its own blockbuster backfield, led by junior running back Chris "Beanie" Wells and freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor, reason why the Buckeyes are 19-point favorites.

Running back Daniel "Boom" Herron and wide receiver Dane Sanzenbacher will not play after getting "whacked" (Coach Tressel’s usage of Soprano-ese) by the Badgers. Both suffered concussions, and head injuries aren’t typically considered healed until at least eight days from impact.   

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