Purdue football predictions 2024: Our game-by-game picks are in for Boilers

INDIANAPOLIS – Purdue football improved since last season, raising its across-the-board talent level — and by extension its depth — and further buying into Ryan Walters’ system.

Will its record improve? On the eve of the season, those two questions seem only marginally related.

Based on historical precedent, the Boilermakers face understandable skepticism as to whether they can beat projected playoff teams or win in the most intimidating environs in the Big Ten. Set those five games aside. Set aside also an opener against an in-state FCS opponent.

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To reach bowl eligibility without springing a major upset, Purdue must go 5-1 in those other six games. Preseason camp showed this roster can compete in each of those games. A single off-kilter week, though, completely removes any margin for error.

A 5-7 record may seem pessimistic. This team could be a real nuisance to at least some of those top-10 foes, but also probably won’t catch every break in the more talent-equated matchups.

Here’s what that could look like:

Purdue 38, Indiana State 7: Devin Mockabee and Reggie Love III combine for a quick 150 yards, Will Heldt records his first two sacks of the season and this warm-up goes according to plan.

Notre Dame 35, Purdue 20: This will be a game in the second half. Notre Dame might have one of the five best defenses in the country, though. A Benjamin Morrison pick-six in the third quarter opens this one up.

Purdue 28, Oregon State 24: A massive, massive game for the direction of the Boilermakers’ season. The Beavers have a first-time head coach in Trent Bray and have not yet publicly identified their best quarterback. Hudson Card’s touchdown pass to Jahmal Edrine with under 30…

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Author : IndyStar | The Indianapolis Star

Publish date : 2024-08-28 08:41:01

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