Is anyone brave enough to pick Purdue?
We are approximately 24 hours away from kickoff of Purdue’s fourth game of the season. Purdue sits at 1-2 after an embarrassing loss to Notre Dame and a (slightly) less embarrassing loss to Oregon State. Purdue hasn’t been able to stop the run in these game and Nebraska is capable of running the ball. Seems like a recipe for disaster. What does the staff think?
Ledman (3-0):
I said it on the latest Boiler Alert podcast that I just don’t think I can pick Purdue again unless something drastically changes. I saw SOME progress in the game against Oregon State but Purdue still could not stop the run. Running to the outside seems to be the easiest and most effective way to run up the score against this Purdue defense. The Purdue offense, minus Devin Mockobee’s great game and one catch from Max Klare, didn’t show much of anything. The wide receiver corps has been decimated by injuries and this was a unit that was already a question. While I think Nebraska is much improved this decision is more about what I’ve seen, or rather haven’t, when I’ve watched Purdue. I think if Purdue struggles offensively once again that Graham Harrell has to be gone by Sunday.
Purdue 10
Nebraska 35
Drew (1-2):
I’ve reached the crossroads at game 4.
Do I continue to pick Purdue and face the consequences as the Boilermaker defense provides a convoy to escort the opposing RB into the end zone?
Do I do the reasonable thing and pick against Purdue because the Boilermakers look like they’ve yet to master the basics of tackle football?
I’m not a smart man, but I’m loyal as hell and have a penchant for chasing bad money. Purdue is going to win one of these games, and I want to have the satisfaction of calling it when it happens.
Purdue’s run game does enough and and defense finally faces a team that’s contractually obligated to throw the ball. Look for the first turnover of the season (by the opposing team of course) and a couple sacks.
Purdue 24
Nebraska 21
Ryan (3-0):
If it’s not obvious that my confidence in Purdue football is draining, look no further than predictions. I said Purdue would lose by 4 to Notre Dame. Whoops. Then I said they would lose by 7 to Oregon State. Better take but still not great. Now I’ve got a double-digit home loss to the Huskers. Boy do I hope Ryan Walters and co can prove me wrong but right now, things look to be in a bad state and it’s gonna take a mountainous effort to dig out of this hole.
Purdue 20
Nebraska 31
Jed (3-0):
This Purdue team seems to be lacking confidence in themselves and the first big test on Saturday is going to come the first time something goes wrong. How does this team respond? That’ll be the determining factor in how this and other games play out this season. So far, this Purdue team simply hasn’t responded well. The addition of Nyland Green and hopefully getting Jamal Edrine and CJ Madden back help, but I don’t think that’s enough to carry Purdue over a top 25 team in Nebraska.
After this performance, we’ll all likely be on Harrell-watch as the calls for his release will get really, really loud.
Purdue 13
Nebraska 32
Garrett (1-1*)
Editors note: Garrett was a coward and gave two scores against Oregon State so I decided to give him no credit regardless of outcome.
I hate to say it:
I don’t trust us to be able to stop much of anything right now, especially with a promising young QB at the helm of a resurgent Nebraska team coming off a heartbreaking loss after being ranked for the first time in what seems like an eternity.
Run defense gotta step up. Safeties gotta look like the head coach is a former safety. Tackling should not be attempted with only your arms.
Unfortunately, I don’t see that turning around in one week after the loss way out west.
I am finally giving in to the pessimistic devil on my shoulder and say we get blown out again unless Graham Harrell can figure out what the heck he’s doing.
I know it’s a home game but I don’t think that matters much anymore unless the defense plays B- football and the offense finally finds its footing. Final prediction? Huskers over Boilers.
Purdue 17
Nebraska 37
Kyle (2-1)
I just do not have a lot of confidence in what Purdue is doing on the field, especially after the last two weeks of obliteration against Notre Dame and Oregon State. The inability to stop the run by the Boilermakers is a real issue, they rank 18th in the Big Ten in Rush Defense and are 100 yards a game worse than the 2nd worst rush defense team, USC.
On offense, Purdue found some traction on the ground with Devin Mockobee and Reggie Love III combining for over 200 yards rushing on the night.
Nebraska has a very talented front seven and Purdue may need to rely on the ground game during the predicted rain and wind that will attack West Lafayette tomorrow. The Nebraska run game is better than average as well, with Dowdell thatis 6-2, 230 pounds paving the way.
Nebraska 31
Purdue 17