WEST LAFAYETTE − After consecutive Big Ten wins for the first time since 2022, Purdue football is trying to accomplish something else it hasn't done since that final season under Jeff Brohm.
A win Friday would put the Boilermakers above .500 beyond the season's midway point for the first time since Purdue was 5-2 through seven games on its way to a Big Ten West Division title in that 2022 season.
The Boilers can accomplish its potential program shifting moment at the expense of the coach some accuse of being the reason Purdue reached its recent low point.
Ryan Walters, who went 5-19 in two seasons as Purdue football head coach in 2023 and '24, returns to Ross-Ade Stadium as the Washington defensive coordinator. Walters' failures keeping Purdue moving forward in the post-Brohm era led to Barry Odom's current role as Walters' successor.
Walters likely will receive a negative reception upon his return Friday night from a Purdue fan base that finally sees light at the end of the long dark tunnel it entered during a 1-11 season in Walters' final year.
Win this one, and suddenly a path to postseason football appears possible.
Purdue would be 4-3 with five games remaining — at Penn State, Iowa and Indiana; home against Maryland and Wisconsin. Winning road games at Iowa and Indiana seems improbable, even with Purdue's recently improved play.
More: Purdue football buying into Barry Odom's personality, getting results
Could it be that, after 18 straight losses to Wisconsin, that's the team Purdue will have to beat to become bowl eligible.
That's a topic to cover later.
Or maybe not at all if Purdue can't pile on a third straight victory during a resurgent October.
Bowl chatter is probably a moot point if Purdue doesn't beat Washington.
The Huskies and Walters got the upper hand against Purdue last season in Seattle. But Washington looks vulnerable. Quarterback Demond Williams Jr. was knocked out of last Friday's loss to Iowa. The Huskies were once 3-0, but have since lost three consecutive Big Ten games, including to a Minnesota team Purdue just throttled 41-13 Saturday.
After giving up 40 total points during its 3-0 start, the Huskies are allowing 31 points per game in conference play.
Can Purdue get the gift it needs to ignite postseason aspirations.
And might it come at Walters' expense?
Sam King covers sports for the Journal & Courier. Email him at sking@jconline.com and follow him on X and Instagram @samueltking.
This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Purdue football looks to alter program path at expense of former coach