Once again, save for an overtime loss to Ohio State earlier this month, Purdue has gone another year without being much of a threat in the Big Ten Leaders division. The Boilermakers have lost four in a row, most recently a 44-28 embarrassment at Minnesota. Under Hope, Purdue has just one winning season (2011).
So, athletic director Morgan Burke released a statement Monday addressing the state of program:
Everyone around our football program has high expectations for the 2012 season. We have worked very hard over the past four years to improve our personnel, facilities and every phase of our program, which is evident. Our student-athletes, alumni, fans, coaching staff and administration all expect to see the program move forward and take a step up the postseason ladder. Currently, our performance has kept us from reaching our goals. But we have a third of the season left to play, and our focus is to achieve that consistency over the remaining four games. We need to press forward, converting potential into results and having fun playing Boilermaker football.
Not much to digest in the way of specifics, but midseason statements are usually never a good thing. Not that Hope will be fired midseason; in fact, Purdue has the opportunity to finish strong with its final three games against Iowa, Illinois and Purdue.
If the Boilermakers can’t win those games, though, there might not be anymore Hope.