Kickin’ it with Kitch: IU

Editor’s note: Kelly Kitchel, a native of Walton, Ind., was an offensive lineman for the Boilermakers from 1998-2002 playing on the Boilermakers’ Rose Bowl team. Look for weekly blogs from Kitch throughout the season.

It’s hard to not think of what might have been for the Purdue football team this season. The Boilers head into the Bucket game with four wins and five out of their seven losses by a combined total of 21 points.

From a players’ perspective, in the off-season when you’re in the weight room and running in Mollenkopf all you can think about is missed opportunities and how hard I’m gonna work today to not let those opportunities slip away next year

I believe that the Bucket game this year is a huge game for the Boilers. This team can end on a high note and go into the off-season with a chip on their shoulder about missed opportunities. There is so much to build on from this season. Big wins, gut wrenching losses and Danny Hope stirring it up in the Big Ten.

I have had a ball watching Joey Elliott run this offense this year. I believe he really surprised some people this year in the way he lead this Purdue team.

Joey’s biggest impact, that we may not know for a while or ever never know, may be how he has guided these young quarterbacks this season showing them what it takes mentally to compete in the Big Ten.

I really believe after talking to many people associated with Purdue football that the young quarterbacks that are going to be competing for starting spots next year have grown and learned without even stepping on the field.

I am excited for Purdue Football and where it is going. This week it is going to Bloomington and taking care of business. I am not going to lie; I am a little worried about a letdown from last week’s loss that knocked Purdue out of bowl contention. However, if history is any indication this game will be very exciting.

Kitchel is part of Lafayette’s Sports Guys on ESPN 1450AM. He can be heard two hours before every Purdue game and for two hours after every game as part of their Post Game Call-In show. You can rant or rave about the the Boilers by calling 765-447-0414 after the game. E-mail Kitch at kellykitchel@espn1450am.com.

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