Purdue Football Penalty Crisis Threatens Season Turnaround Hopes

Purdue football is struggling with a severe penalty problem. The Boilermakers were flagged eight times in a shutout loss to Northwestern. This issue has plagued the team for weeks.

Head coach Barry Odom acknowledges the self-discipline is not yet there. The team’s average of six penalties per game ranks among the Big Ten’s worst.

Discipline Breakdowns Derail Promising Drives and Defensive Stops

The penalty count has escalated dramatically. After a clean start with just three penalties vs. Ball State, the Boilermakers have averaged 7.4 flags over their last five contests. The infractions are occurring on both sides of the ball.

According to Pro Football Focus, the defense has committed 19 penalties. The offense has been flagged 18 times. These mistakes have directly cost the team valuable field position and points.

Coaching Staff Emphasizes Fundamentals Amidst Losing Streak

Coach Odom is focused on teaching and correcting the mistakes. He stated the team must understand how important it is to avoid these errors. The coaching staff is identifying the root cause of each penalty.

Players like cornerback Hudauri Hines point to practice as the solution. The goal is to eliminate the infractions during drills to prevent game-day repeats. This fundamental focus is critical for a team seeking its first Big Ten win in 13 consecutive games.

The team’s penalty crisis represents a major hurdle in its quest for competitiveness. Solving this discipline issue is the first step toward stopping the prolonged losing streak. Purdue football must play a cleaner game to have any chance of success.

Info at your fingertips

How many penalties is Purdue averaging per game?

Purdue is averaging six penalties per game this season. Over the last five games, that average has jumped to 7.4 flags per contest. Only three Big Ten schools are averaging more penalties.

Which players have the most penalties on the team?

Tackle Joey Tanona leads the offense with eight penalties. On defense, safety Tahj Ra-El has been flagged four times. Cornerback Tony Grimes has three defensive penalties.

How did penalties affect the Northwestern game?

Purdue was flagged eight times for 98 yards in the 19-0 loss. The defense accounted for six of those penalties. Three were costly pass interference calls.

What is Purdue’s overall team record and standing?

Purdue has lost a school-record 13 consecutive Big Ten games. The team’s overall losing streak against Power Four opponents has reached 16 games. The Boilermakers have a -11 turnover margin, one of the worst in the nation.

What has Coach Barry Odom said about the penalty issue?

Coach Odom said the team coaches and teaches to avoid penalties. He admitted the team lacks the necessary self-discipline right now. The staff is working to identify the reason behind each infraction.