Breaking down the Gophers' opponents: Purdue

College football is quickly approaching -- we're 24 days away from the Gophers' season opener on Aug. 30. So, with that in mind, I'll take a look at Minnesota's 12 opponents by asking five questions to a beat writer covering that team. Today's installment is Game 10, Purdue.

Opponent: Purdue

When, where: Nov. 10, TCF Bank Stadium. Time, TV to be determined

2017 record: 7-6, 4-5 Big Ten; defeated Arizona 38-35 in Foster Farms Bowl.

Opponent's beat writer: Mike Carmin, Lafayette Journal & Courier

Five Questions for Mike Carmin on Purdue

1. Jeff Brohm took Purdue from 3-9 to 7-6 with a bowl win in his first season in West Lafayette. What does he do for an encore?

2. Quarterbacks David Blough and Elijah Sindelar both suffered significant injuries late last year. How is their health and how do you see Brohm using both this season?

Both participated in summer workouts. In fact, David was full-go in spring practice about four months after suffering a fractured ankle. Elijah didn't do anything in spring practice other than throw. I expect both quarterbacks to be ready to compete for the job. I suspect we'll see both quarterbacks throughout the season.

3. The Boilermakers allowed 38.3 points per game in 2016 but improved dramatically to 20.5 (24^th nationally) last year. They suffered significant losses to graduation, so how do they sustain that momentum on defense?

It will be hard for the defense to match last year's success, let alone surpass what the group accomplished. This defense is going to be young and inexperienced. They have four returning starters but plenty of new faces decorate the depth chart. The first month of the season will be interesting to watch unfold to see what happens.

4. Purdue will beat the Gophers if …

5. The Gophers will beat Purdue if …

… If Brohm is still searching for playmakers on offense, especially at receiver, and the defense struggles to make stops.

Looking for more on the upcoming college football season? Check out some previous posts:

http://www.startribune.com/breaking-down-the-gophers-opponents-new-mexico-state/488507281/

http://www.startribune.com/breaking-down-the-gophers-opponents-fresno-state/488624451/

http://www.startribune.com/breaking-down-the-gophers-opponents-maryland/489125891/

http://www.startribune.com/breaking-down-the-gophers-opponents-iowa/489217581/

http://www.startribune.com/breaking-down-the-gophers-opponents-ohio-state/489517011/

http://www.startribune.com/breaking-down-the-gophers-opponents-nebraska/489628181/

http://www.startribune.com/breaking-down-the-gophers-opponents-indiana/489770771/