Who to watch–QB Jim Everett, WR Steve Griffin, OT Mark Drenth, NG Brad Hornor, FS Rod Woodson.
What to watch–Drenth moves from guard to tackle to anchor the rebuilt line. With all their skilled people back, the Boilermakers` offense should be explosive. The defensive line is strong and the linebacking adequate. Coach Leon Burtnett calls Woodson ”the best free safety I`ve ever seen supporting the run. But for us to be good he has to play the football better.” Despite quality personnel, the secondary gambled too much and was burned frequently last year. The punter and placekicker are untested.
When to watch–Aug. 31, at Pittsburgh; Sept. 21, Ball State; Sept. 28, Notre Dame; Oct. 5, at Minnesota; Oct. 12, Illinois; Oct. 19, at Ohio State;
Oct. 26, Michigan State; Nov. 2, Northwestern; Nov. 9, at Michigan; Nov. 16, Iowa; Nov. 23, at Indiana.
