GoldandBlack.com: Kicking it with Kitch

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (GoldandBlack.com) - Editor's note: Kelly Kitchel, a native of Walton, Ind., was an offensive lineman for the Boilermakers from 1998-2002 playing on the Boilermakers' Rose Bowl team. Look for weekly blogs from Kitch throughout the season.

Camp Randall, one of the most fun places to play in the country. I have said many times before; I absolutely loved playing up there the two times I made the trip as a player.

I think it was just the overall atmosphere. The fans are crazy loyal and when they played [insert music here]… JUMP AROUND at the beginning of the fourth quarter the whole place looked like it was moving.

I am pretty sure I saw a ninety-year-old woman jumping and feeling the music. It helps that my best memory was when we went up there and beat them in 2000 when Craig Terrill blocked a field goal and Ashante Woodyard returned it to the house. We all piled on in the end zone.

I am also pretty sure that even Coach Hope was in the bottom of that dog pile. That was one of the most memorable moments for me in my career. That is one of the reason I and a lot of guys choose to play in the Big Ten. Big time atmospheres against Big time teams.

The Boilers have a huge opportunity in front of them. I think in most people's eyes they are hoping to take one out of two in the next two weeks and if they take both, it could set up one heck of a senior day against the Spartans. I have a really good feeling about this game. Purdue is starting to click defensively and the offense is taking care of the ball. I really like that combination.

If it comes down to the offense having to drive to win the game, I want Joey Elliott in my huddle. He has played too well this season not to have Karma go his way for a game winning drive.

A lot of days when we walked onto the practice field we would hear someone say "It's a Great day to be a Boiler." This truly is a great day to be a Boiler. The football team is on a little roll, the men's basketball team is in the preseason top 10, and Sharon Versyp got me fired up at their preseason banquet for the women's team.

I would think Purdue fans are pretty proud right now. If you have the funds get up to Madison and watch this game in person. I really think it could be a special day.

Kitchel is part of Lafayette's Sports Guys on ESPN 1450AM. He can be heard two hours before every Purdue game and for two hours after every game as part of their Post Game Call-In show. You can rant or rave about the the Boilers by calling 765-447-0414 after the game. E-mail Kitch at kellykitchel@espn1450am.com.