Purdue Forecast

Submitted by BlueintheLou on
Well, we come into the Purdue home game needing one more win for bowl eligibility. Are last true win came in late September against Indiana. The weather this October has been less than ideal, throughout much of the Midwest/Great Lakes region. For a team relying on a true freshman quarterback from San Diego, I thought I would take a look at game time temperatures for each of the previous 9 games. Sept. 5, Western Michigan (Ann Arbor): Gametime Temp: 75 (1-0) Sept. 12, Notre Dame (Ann Arbor): Gametime Temp: 70 (2-0) Sept. 19, Eastern Michigan (Ann Arbor): Gametime Temp: 66 (3-0) Sept. 26, Indiana (Ann Arbor): Gametime Temp: 63 (4-0) Oct. 3, Michigan State (East Lansing, MI): Gametime Temp: 53 (Rain) (4-1) Oct. 10, Iowa (Iowa City, IA): Gametime Temp: 34 (Dropping) (4-2) Oct. 17, Delaware State (Ann Arbor): Gametime Temp: 48 (5-2) Oct. 24, Penn State (Ann Arbor): Gametime Temp: 45 (Dropping; Rain) (5-3) Oct. 31, Illinois (Champaign, IL): Gametime Temp: 50 (Dropping) (5-4) How much does weather really impact the game, well for someone from San Diego, probably a lot more than you think. I have for one been of the opinion that Tate's play began to suffer when the weather went south for fall and winter. I'm sure many of you have had this thought, but I thought it would be interesting to see the numbers. Temperatures > 60 at gametime: Tate 4-0 Temperatures 60 at gametime: Tate 0-4 Temperatures irrelevant at gametime: 1-0 Obviously, the competition has increased a bit into the B10 season, but weather certainly goes along way to keep someone comfortable and confident. Reason for optimism: Forecasts for this weekend are calling for temperatures to approach 60. While it might not hit that benchmark, after a chilly October, a high of 57 might seem like heaven to Tate and allow him to be more comfortable and aid in the outscoring of the Purdue Boilermakers. Let's get that sixth win.

Bronco648

November 4th, 2009 at 3:23 PM ^

I have noticed that Tate wears a 'head sock' under his helmet. I really didn't think it's been so cold as to require something like that. But, yeah, point taken. Perhaps a little Indian Summer will be good thing for the Offense.

60blue

November 4th, 2009 at 3:27 PM ^

You could even expand this outside of weather and say RichRod has never won in the month of October at Michigan. Not sure if that is more or less relevant than your 60 degree mark.

BlockM

November 4th, 2009 at 4:37 PM ^

In other news, I'm 0/100 picking up chicks when the temperature is above -47 deg Fahrenheit. I need to find somewhere colder to live... because that's clearly my problem. The personnel has nothing to do with it.

dakotapalm

November 4th, 2009 at 4:40 PM ^

Isn't this the guy who wears long sleeves on the first weekend of the season? OH, and the temperature drop was coincidental with his shoulder injury. I'm sure that's not a factor at all.

BlueintheLou

November 4th, 2009 at 5:24 PM ^

Sorry to have irked you all. It's plainly obvious that there are other factors in play. Plus, I'm not even saying this is a factor. But you can't deny that temperatures can affect someones comfort level. Just thought I would note it. My apologies for wasting your time.

2 Walter Smith

November 4th, 2009 at 5:28 PM ^

I think Tate struggles in cold weather. His short throws and bubble screen passes are not nearly as accurate, and those throws have little to do with the level of competition.

Stymie2000

November 4th, 2009 at 7:26 PM ^

After a while Temp wouldn't matter. I mean, how long does it take to become used to cold temps. Look at altitude. It takes a few days to be somewhat okay with it but a couple months to be comfortable. I'm not a doctor but I would think he would be used to it by now. At least as much as most people can get used to chilly temps.

BlueintheLou

November 4th, 2009 at 7:55 PM ^

Altitude is one thing. You can't escape it. You're always under the influence of altitude, thus the acclimation time is much less. With cold temperatures, it's harder to get used to, especially when you have windows of warmth. It's almost like having a cigarette when trying to quit. It can desensitize you. Plus, it's not like you sleep in the cold to acclimate. I would imagine the cold is still bothering Tate coming from San Diego. It's probably not much, but I'm sure his throwing hand gets cold and can affect his throw. Hopefully once he lives through another Michigan winter, he'll be ready to roll next year.