Of course, there are different degrees of “being back”. Purdue hasn’t been at the same level of an Alabama or an Ohio State since the late 60s when it spent some time as the No. 1 ranked team in the country. Purdue hasn’t even been a serious contender in the Big Ten race since losing at Ohio State in overtime in 2003. The level of “backness”, if there is such a thing, is probably a mere bowl game and being at least competitive against good teams. That is a level Darrell Hazell very rarely had (really, only a couple games against Michigan State) and Danny Hope also struggled.
Purdue 35, Missouri 3: Too Early to Think Bowl Game?
