Big Ten Daily (Nov. 21): Purdue Passes First Major Test in Maui Invitational

Purdue outscored Gonzaga 43-28 in the second half to defeat the Bulldogs 73-63 in the opening round of the Maui Invitational. Athleticism really shined for the Boilermakers in the win.

Bringing in more athleticism was a focal point for Purdue in the offseason. In the second half of Monday's opening round game in the Maui Invitational against No. 11 Gonzaga, it really flashed.

The second-ranked Boilermakers outscored Gonzaga 43-28 in the final 20 minutes of the game and posted a 73-63 victory to improve to 4-0 on the year. It was, by far, the most impressive performance for Matt Painter's squad in the young season.

As is usually the case, Zach Edey got his numbers. The reigning National Player of the Year ended the night with 25 points, 14 rebounds and three blocks. That wasn't what stood out, though.

Instead, it was Purdue's ability to use its athleticism to overcome a 35-30 halftime deficit. Yes, it's only November, but that should be a promising sign for a program that has lacked in that area.

Painter made a key halftime adjustment, starting Mason Gillis over Trey Kaufman-Renn to start the second half. That move gave Purdue more athleticism defensively and allowed for better floor spacing on the offensive end.

It provided the spark the Boilers needed against a quick, sharp-shooting team.

Braden Smith and Lance Jones locked down Gonzaga's guards in the second half. It created easy, fast-break opportunities for the Boilermakers, allowing Jones to showcase his lightning-quick speed at times.

Myles Colvin came off the bench and hit two clutch threes in the second half. Smith connected with Heide on an impressive alley-oop. Caleb Furst raced down the floor for a break-away dunk to essentially seal the win.

In the past, shooting just 23.5% from behind the 3-point line would've resulted in a loss for Purdue in a game like this. But this Boilermaker team looks different.

A good kind of different. 

James Franklin's Thanksgiving Quiz

Who's ready for a little holiday fun in the Big Ten? James Franklin was prepared for his weekly press conference, but not for Friday's game against Michigan State.

Instead, the Penn State head coach peppered reporters with holiday questions this week — all of it related to Thanksgiving foods. 

So, pull up a chair and enjoy Franklin's interaction with reporters from Monday. He's the only coach in the conference willing to ask the truly important questions this time of year.

🥬 String beans or collard greens
🍞 Dinner rolls or cornbread
🍽️ Dinner or leftovers

It being Thanksgiving week, James Franklin polled the Penn State media to see some of what will be on their plates. 😋@coachjfranklin x @PennStateFball pic.twitter.com/KRIFqAhfTj

— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) November 20, 2023

Jim Harbaugh Sidesteps Ryan Day Question

It seems pretty obvious that Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh has very little respect for Ohio State coach Ryan Day. He just didn't want to put that on record heading into Saturday's game.

You can travel back to Harbaugh's post-game interview after Michigan defeated Ohio State 45-23 last season. Following the victory, the Wolverines took a shot at Day, saying, "Some people who are standing on third base think they hit a triple, but they didn’t.”

Monday, one reporter gave Harbaugh the chance to address his respect level for Day and the Buckeyes. His response avoided the question entirely.

“It’s all about our preparation for Ohio. The days, the minutes, the hours, everything leading up to this game, that’s where our focus is,” Harbaugh said. “Preparing ourselves and planning. Got to practice and then execute. Anything else is irrelevant when you get into this kind of big game week.”

That's probably a wise move on Harbaugh's part. No reason to give the Buckeyes any additional motivation entering Saturday's game.

Harlon Barnett's Pitch to Michigan State

Harlon Barnett wants to be the head coach at Michigan State. The former Spartan and long-time staffer made his case this week as the Spartans prepare for their season finale against No. 11 Penn State on Friday.

“As far as the job itself and wanting the job — and I do want this job as the head football coach. There is nobody that they can go find that loves this place more than I do,” said Barnett. “And I don’t think will do a better job, because there’s something about loving a place and caring for a place than just going to some place for a job if that makes sense.

“I am a Spartan, I bleed green, and there’s nobody they can find to do a better job. Maybe equal to because I ain’t going to do that, but there’s nobody they can find better. ... That’s fair, right?”

Michigan State hasn't experienced much success since firing Mel Tucker and naming Barnett the interim coach. The Spartans own a 2-7 record and will be locked out of a bowl game for a second straight year.

Barnett was dealt an impossible hand and he handled it with grace. Should that be enough for Michigan State to give him a chance?

The school gifted a ridiculous contract to Tucker after just one winning season in East Lansing. If it can do that, it can certainly give Barnett the opportunity to coach his alma mater.

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