Purdue Staff Identifies 'Glaring Issues' Hurting Boilermaker Defense

“We didn’t get off blocks, we didn’t play on their side of the line of scrimmage,” Odom said. “They have a really good offense, but also there were a number of technique things that were not where we needed them to be.”

The trip to South Bend wasn't the first time Purdue's defense had shown signs of weakness. Southern Illinois scored quickly on its first two possessions in a Week 2 game in West Lafayette. In the Big Ten opener on Sept. 13, USC connected on several explosive plays, exposing the Boilermaker secondary.

But the Notre Dame game was the first time this season that Purdue's defense failed to respond to adversity. The Boilers didn't surrender, but they certainly didn't have an answer for the Fighting Irish that day.

“It gave us a lot to work on, that’s for sure. Some glaring issues that come up," Scherer said. "[The off week] gave us an opportunity to look at our weaknesses, both from a schematic and technique standpoint that isn't working."

Scherer likes the 'fight' from defense

With a week off, Purdue's staff used the time to address some of the issues the Boilermakers face on the defensive side of the football. And yes, there are plenty.

The positive for Scherer? He is coaching a group of players with high competitive spirits and a willingness to learn. There is no quit in Purdue's defense, even when times are tough.

“We’re fighters. We’re going to fight. There are times it’s not pretty, there are times we may be out of position, but the guys go fight," Scherer said.

Purdue's defense has shown flashes at times this season. It pitched a shutout in a 31-0 win over Ball State in the season opener. After surrendering those two touchdowns to Southern Illinois in the first quarter, the Boilers held the Salukis to fewer than 100 yards in the second half.

In the Big Ten opener against USC, Purdue forced one of the nation's highest-scoring offenses into five field goal attempts.

Purdue's defense must improve, especially with the eight opponents remaining on the schedule. Scherer is confident his players can make strides simply because of their competitive attitude and willingness to learn.

"I think we understand as a coaching staff that every day … that we can push them to fix mistakes," he said. "We can push them as hard as they need to be pushed in order to get the results we need.”