Purdue/Northwestern Thoughts

[LockStock2SB]

I just wanted to comment on how much credit the books seem to give Northwestern year after year (especially at home). The bottom line is that Welsh-Ryan Arena is not a tough place to play. I'm not saying Northwestern can't win this game tonight, but they were +5 against Michigan St, +7.5 against Northwestern and +5 on the road against a pretty solid Stanford team. That's pretty generous in my mind. Now I know Northwestern is capable of pulling one of out of their ass once in a while and this year's team is better than previous years. However, most teams in the big 10 are also up this year.

But to me one of the things that books overlook is the lack of home court advantage. The student section at Northwestern is small and there's usually a pretty meager showing. In addition, it is -5 degrees in Evanston today and only expected to get colder. If Northwestern students don't show up normally, I can't imagine that many showing up with the weather the way it is. Just my 2 cents

Curious to here other thoughts about this game...

 

[LockStock2SB]

Also, can anyone provide any insight as to whether or not Hummel and Kramer are playing?

 

[seriousaddiction]

Took Purdue 1st half but I am not too high on this Purdue team as of late. They got off to a great start and have come back to earth recently. Having Hummel and/or Kramer out for a few games really messed up the team chemistry. Northwestern does get a little more credit than they deserve , and the Boilermakers should win this game but who knows. Can never write off a home team in this conference. Thought MICH ST was as easy as it got last night when they went to Penn St last night and that was the case for 35 minutes as they dominated this game for most of the game. Penn St got the crowd behind them and got some calls to go their way and eventually cut it to 1 but just couldn't finish the comeback. All I'm saying is tread carefully. Purdue wins, but I just don't see them blowing N'western out (not if they play like they have been playing the past few games) If the beginning of the season Purdue shows up tonight they will win by DD though

 

[seriousaddiction]

Hummel and Kramer are both playing

 

[Prophet]

if Hummel and Kramer are playing, I like the Boilermakers

 

[What'sthegoodword]

Yes, from what I understand, they should both be in the lineup. Thanks.

 

[Hamboner0182]

with kramer playing, he will shut down moore or thompson, whoever they put him on. Kramer is the best defensive guard in the big ten. As long as Purdue shoots well they will cover prety easily. The Boilermakers crushed the Wildcats twice last season

 

[LockStock2SB]

Yeah I would really prefer a team like Minesota, Wisconsin, or Michigan in this spot because Purdue is not playing particularly well. But Northwestern lines are something that intrigues me given the fact that they open at prices making Welsh-Ryan seem like a tough place to play.

Then again, I know it's sort of a donk statistic, but Northwestern has failed to cover in 5 straight. They might be due