Purdue Football vs. Northwestern: Coaching Grades
The Boilermakers traveled to Evanston and emerged victorious against the Wildcats, but the game wasn't without its bumps. This week, we're analyzing the coaching performances from both sides, assigning letter grades for their in-game decisions and overall strategies.
Purdue Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Jeff Brohm (B+)
Brohm made some key adjustments in the second half, particularly on offense, that helped propel Purdue to victory. The offensive playcalling was more varied, leading to a more balanced attack. Brohm's ability to adapt and adjust earned him a high grade.
Offensive Coordinator: Brian Brohm (B)
While the offense did find its rhythm in the second half, the first half was a struggle. The play-calling seemed predictable at times, and the lack of explosiveness early on was concerning. However, the adjustments made in the second half were commendable, earning him a respectable B.
Defensive Coordinator: Brad Lambert (B-)
The defense showed some struggles against Northwestern's rushing attack, particularly in the first half. The Wildcats were able to find success running between the tackles, which is a concern moving forward. However, the defense tightened up in the second half, limiting Northwestern's offensive production.
Northwestern Coaching Staff
Head Coach: Pat Fitzgerald (C-)
Fitzgerald's decision to lean heavily on the running game, even when it was proving ineffective, was questionable. Northwestern's offense lacked explosiveness, and the play-calling seemed too predictable. The lack of adjustments on both sides of the ball led to a disappointing performance.
Offensive Coordinator: Mike Bajakian (C)
Bajakian's play-calling was predictable and lacked creativity. He struggled to exploit the weaknesses in Purdue's defense, resulting in a frustrating offensive performance for the Wildcats. While he did have some success with the running game early on, the lack of overall offensive effectiveness earned him a low grade.
Defensive Coordinator: Jim O'Neil (C)
The Wildcats' defense struggled to contain Purdue's explosive offense. The Boilermakers were able to find success through the air and on the ground, highlighting some weaknesses in Northwestern's defensive scheme. O'Neil's unit did manage to force some turnovers, but their overall performance was lackluster.
Overall
Purdue's coaching staff earned higher grades for their ability to adjust and adapt during the game. Northwestern's coaching staff, on the other hand, seemed to struggle to make effective adjustments, which ultimately led to their loss.
Moving forward, both teams will need to continue to improve in various areas. Purdue will need to solidify their defense, while Northwestern will need to find more offensive consistency. Coaching adjustments and creative play-calling will be crucial for both teams as they continue their conference schedules.