Boilermaker Unknowns Could End Up as Heroes

The talents of Purdue quarterback Drew Brees are obvious, as are those of his receivers and running back Montrell Lowe. And the Boilermakers’ offensive line has earned plaudits for its effectiveness in protecting Brees.

But Brock Spack, Purdue’s defensive coordinator, thinks some lesser-known defensive players may make headlines Monday against Washington.

“The other day, I was sitting in the locker room, waiting for the guys to get dressed, and saying to the other coaches, ‘Someone in this locker room is going to be a Rose Bowl hero and we don’t know who it’s going to be,’ ” Spack said. “You’ve got to leave it up to your players.”

Spack’s choices as potential heroes are freshman linebacker Gilbert Gardner and redshirt freshman linebacker Landon Johnson. Gardner was moved from wide receiver to linebacker in training camp and adjusted well enough to make 41 tackles and force two fumbles; Johnson was second on the team with 62 tackles, even though he missed a game because of an ankle injury.

“Gardner is a very talented player,” Spack said Friday. “I think he’s a guy who has a chance to be real good. He’s a great athlete and he forced a fumble against Indiana [in the Rose Bowl-clinching 41-13 victory in the season finale].

“Landon is another possibility, and so is Matt Mitrione [a junior defensive tackle]. That’s the great thing about college football--somebody is going to be a hero.”

Defensive end Akin Ayodele agreed the Boilermakers’ linebackers might play pivotal roles. He also picked Johnson and Gardner as the players most likely to step up.

“All week long, I can tell just by talking, they’re very focused and ready for this game,” said Ayodele, a junior. “After the game, you guys will hear their names a lot.”

Coach Joe Tiller agreed the linebackers must make big plays, but he sees another group that might excel. At least, he hopes it will.

“Personally, I think our secondary will be important,” he said. “The play of Ashante Woodyard, Ralph Turner, Chris Clopton and Stuart Schweigert will be very important in how things turn out.”

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The market for Rose Bowl tickets appears to be soft for the second consecutive year.

A year ago, Y2K fears and a lack of excitement over a second consecutive visit by Wisconsin made for slow sales. However, even though Purdue and Washington are rare visitors, the game again isn’t a hot ticket.

As of noon Friday, there were 74 offers of tickets on ebay.com, and only 17 had been bid on. Others were bid on but for less than the reserve price set by the seller.

Four local brokers called at random declined to be quoted, but indicated interest was no better than average and all had plenty of tickets available.

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Tiller shortened Friday’s practice and players didn’t wear full uniforms, part of the tapering process. They will work out in sweats today. “I think our legs look pretty good, and that’s always a concern,” he said.

Their digestive systems are fine too, after a few dicey moments related to their visit to Lawry’s Thursday for the Beef Bowl. “A couple of guys had their stomachs stretched,” Tiller said. “Otherwise, touch wood, we’ve been healthy and haven’t lost anyone.”