WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. -- Purdue quarterback Joey Elliott got some leeway from his coach after his first career start.
Elliott got mixed results statistically, but Purdue coach Danny Hope billed the performance a success. The fifth-year senior threw three touchdown passes - and three interceptions - in a season-opening 52-31 win over Toledo.
"I thought he played great today," Hope said. "We had a lot of confidence in Joey coming in. Joey's not just another guy. He has spent four years as a backup, but he didn't waste any of his time here. He was always trying to compete to be a No. 1, he was always ready to play in the games, even as a backup."
Elliott might not get such understanding if he throws three more interceptions at Oregon. The 16th-ranked Ducks (0-1) are coming off an emotional 19-8 loss to No. 14 Boise State, after which running back LeGarrette Blount punched Broncos defensive end Byron Hout in the jaw.
"We need to focus on getting comfortable quickly and finding our rhythm," he said.
Elliott took the blame for some of the mistakes, though his receivers had several drops.
"Whenever we did make a mistake, it was my fault on a few of those, and I'm going to take the heat for them and go back and evaluate it and be ready to get ready for next week," he said.
He hopes the running game can duplicate its effort from the opener. Ralph Bolden ran for 234 yards and two touchdowns in his first start, the third-best rushing total in school history. Otis Armstrong set the record with 276 yards in 1972.
The Boilermakers ran for 315 yards, their best performance since 2003, but will need a strong, level-headed performance from Elliott in the Ducks' loud, intimidating Autzen Stadium.
"I thought he did well for a first-time starter," Beckman said. "You can tell he's a coach's son and a great competitor."
Purdue's point total against Toledo gave Elliott confidence heading into Saturday night's game.
"A lot of people doubted our offense," he said. "We've just got to stay to the grindstone, keep working day in and day out, and things will come out positive for us."
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Purdue QB Looks Ahead To Oregon After Mixed Result
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NBC4i.com
Published: September 07, 2009
Published: September 07, 2009
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