We already knew Purdue would be without head coach Jeff Brohm, who stepped down to return to his alma mater and take the Louisville job, in its Cheez-It Citrus Bowl matchup vs. LSU in Orlando on Jan. 2.
Then on Thursday, bettors found out that the Boilermakers will be without four starters, including quarterback Aidan O’Connell, wide receiver Charlie Jones, tight end Payne Durham and cornerback Cory Trice. All four players have opted out to prepare for the 2023 NFL Draft.
O’Connell started 12 of 13 games this year, completing 319-of-497 (64.2%) passes for 3,481 yards with a 22/13 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Jones was named a second-team All-American after producing 110 receptions for 1,361 yards and 12 touchdowns.
Durham was O’Connell’s second-favorite target, catching 56 balls for 560 yards and eight TDs. Durham and O’Connell garnered second-team All-Big-10 honors.
Trice recorded 34 tackles, 10 passes broken up, two tackles for loss, two interceptions and one pick-six. He finished fifth in the Big Ten in passes defended with 12 (10 PBU and two picks).
Another starter, left guard Spencer Holstege, entered the transfer portal earlier this month. Backup RB Kobe Lewis has also entered the portal. He had 146 rushing yards on 43 carries for a 3.4 yards-per-carry average. Lewis also had seven catches for 56 yards.
LSU is also going to be without key players. WR Jaray Jenkins has declared for the NFL Draft and opted out of the Citrus Bowl. Jenkins had 27 receptions for 404 yards and six TDs.
LSU’s defense is going to be without edge rusher B.J. Ojulari, who is opting out to after turning pro along with CB Jay Ward. Ojulari played in 11 of 13 games, contributing 57 tackles, 13 QB hurries, eight TFL’s, five sacks and one forced fumble. Ward recorded 56 tackles, four PBU, 2.5 TFL’s, one QB hurry, one interception and one fumble recovery.
On Dec. 5, most books opened LSU as a 6.5-point favorite. The number moved up to eight or 8.5 within a few hours at most shops. By Dec. 7 after Scott Satterfield left Louisville and the Brohm to U of L media frenzy was full throttle, LSU was up to -10 or 10.5 at most spots.
That’s where the line remained until yesterday when Purdue’s four key players opted out. This caused the number to balloon up to -14.
Most books opened the total at 56 or 56.5 points back on Dec. 5, but it was up to 58 or 58.5 in a matter of hours. That’s where it remained until yesterday when it dropped back down to 56.5 points. The Boilermakers are currently available at +375 to +415 odds on the money line.
We should note that the status of LSU starting QB Jayden Daniels is uncertain at this point. He injured his ankle at Texas A&M in the regular-season finale. Although Daniels was able to play in the first half vs. Georgia in the SEC Championship Game, he aggravated the injury and didn’t play in the second half. If Daniels can’t go, backup QB Garrett Nussmeier will get the starting nod.
Jeff’s brother, Brian Brohm, is serving as Purdue’s interim head coach. Former Illinois defensive coordinator Ryan Walters was named the Boilermakers’ new head coach earlier this week.