Purdue defense expects potent Oklahoma State offense

DALLAS, TX. (WLFI) - Purdue football worked out at Southern Methodist University on Saturday in preparation for its New Year's Day game against Oklahoma State.

Describing the players as "eager", Purdue interim head coach Patrick Higgins led the Boilermaker players through a one-hour closed practice Saturday at Westcott Field in Dallas, the home of the Southern Methodist University Mustangs.

"They're eager. After you spend about, five, six weeks away from the game, you want to get back at it," Higgins said shortly after Saturday's workout.

The Boilers are heavy underdogs in their Heart of Dallas Bowl matchup against Oklahoma State but feel confident about their chances against a Cowboys team that has scored more than 50 points in four games this season, including an 84-point outburst against Savannah State.

"Those are really high points," said Purdue cornerback Ricardo Allen. "It's a challenge as a defense to go against an offense like that. But I think it will be a great chance to go out and go against them."

Boilermakers safety Landon Feichter doesn't expect much standing around against the Cowboys offense.

"We'll be doing a lot of running around," Feichter said. "But it's going to be a blast."

The Boilers are scheduled to hold an open practice at SMU on Sunday. The Heart of Dallas Bowl is scheduled to kick off at noon Eastern time New Year's Day the Cotton Bowl.

"We're looking forward to having a great bowl game," added Purdue quarterback Robert Marve.