Purdue is a different team without Robbie Hummel

So its true.

Purdue is going to miss Robbie Hummel.

And it may be worse than we all expected.

On Sunday afternoon, the Boilermakers hosted Michigan State, a team they beat pretty soundly in East Lansing earlier this month. And as Purdue is wont to do, they played a terrific game on the defensive end of the floor. They held Michigan State to just 53 points while forcing the Spartans into 22 turnovers, notching a season-high turnover percentage of 36%.

Without Robbie Hummel, Purdue is a different team.
(photo credit: USA Today)

The problem?

As good as they were defensively, Purdue was worse offensively and on the glass.

As far as scoring the ball is concerned, Purdue was terrible. They shot just 30% from the floor. Their eFG was just 32%. They only made 15 field goals. They only got six offensive rebounds. Perhaps most disturbing was their offensive efficiency, which was a horrific 67.5, 45 points below their average and 22 points below their previous low on the season.

Michigan State wasn't all that much better. The Spartans committed 22 turnovers and shot just 40% from the field. The difference? Michigan State's work on the glass, as the Spartans outrebounded Purdue 46-20.

I don't think its any coincidence that Purdue has their worst game offensively and on the glass in the first game they play without Robbie Hummel.

And its a shame, really.

I mean, had Purdue not lost Hummel and beaten Michigan State they would be right there with Syracuse and Kansas in the discussion for No. 1 in the country. Now, a top ten ranking may be getting generous. A push to the Sweet 16 should be considered a success. You may disagree, but Purdue played extended minutes with Chris Kramer at the four on Sunday.

I love Kramer's game. He's a great defender, a tough rebounder, and one of those kids that you love to play with and hate to play against. But if your team is forced to play a 6'3" two-guard at the four, I think it is time to officially admit your season is in trouble.

That said, it is very unlikely that the Big Ten will end in anything other than a tie, and likely a three-way tie. MSU has to play just Penn State and Michigan. Purdue's schedule is even easier, as they get Indiana and the Nittany Lions. Ohio State's only game is at home against an Illinois team they beat by 19 on the road a few weeks back.

Even without Hummel, Purdue should not be upset by either Indiana or Penn State.

If they are?

Well, you might be able to kiss a win in the NCAA Tournament goodbye.