Purdue is WAY behind the top Big 10 schools in facilities and resources. They've been playing catch-up recently, but I think they vastly overestimate their position relative to the rest of the Big 10. Hope wasn't a great coach, and playing in a stadium 2/3rds full all year probably sealed his fate more than anything else - but I think the administration at Purdue is really out of touch and think their programs are more desirable than they actually are.