WEST LAFAYETTE — Purdue football ’s mature, experience defenses faces a big test this week, and it has almost nothing to do with Saturday opponent Southern Illinois?

The Boilermakers ’ self-assessments coming out of a 31-0 shutout of Ball State in the season opener are crucial to maintaining progress.

One factor which jumped out to coach Barry Odom immediately after the win — poor tackling — was addressed in drills during Monday’s practice. Purdue needed to quickly shift from celebrating a shutout to scrutinizing its performance against the standard of tougher matchups ahead.

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