When you think of legendary Purdue running backs, a few come to mind. Kory Sheets. Markell Jones. Current Giants running back Tyrone Tracy Jr. And very recently, Devin Mockobee, who has rejuvenate the position for a program that has needed some offensive minded inspiration of late. So it should have not surprise when a relatively unknown sophomore named Fame Ijeboi broke out this season. However, it was the unexpected nature of his development that has made Ijeboi one of the most pleasant surprises of the Big Ten season.
As it stands, in a conference predicated on the ground game, Ijeboi currently ranks sixth in total yards with 568. However, what's more impressive is that he is ranked second amongst all running backs with 9 total touchdowns. In fact, that number has him tied for third in the entire conference. Only Wayne Knight and Jeremiah Smith have more. Not such bad company for a player who many have probably never even heard of before this season.
What's been most important is that Purdue has actually been competitive as a result of his performance. A team that was expected to potentially finish last int the conference finds itself at 3-4 and 2-2 in Big Ten play. This is down to one of the most explosive offenses in the Big Ten. They average 409.1 yards per game and on the ground, 5.9 yards per carry.
Still, the offense seems to go as Ijeboi goes. If he's on his game, the aerial attack featuring the gutsy Ryan Browne at Qb and the reliable Asaad Waseem at receiver comes alive as well. In wins against Illinois and Minnesota, the offense combined for 65 points due to Ijeboi's strengths. However, when defenses bottle him up, like Washington did recently, the Purdue offense does seem to enter a lull.
For Penn State , it is imperative that they have come out of the bye having focused on shoring up their run defense. Ranking as one of the worst run defenses in the Big Ten, Penn State can ill afford for Ijeboi to have a good game. As evidenced by Northwestern, Penn State is capable of being gashed on the ground and if Purdue can exploit that, it may not be a good day at the office for Penn State.
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This article originally appeared on Nittany Lions Wire: Fame Ijeboi is latest breakout RB for Purdue
