*.**+*NFLNews

Three keys, predictions for Notre Dame football vs. Purdue Saturday

Which version of 2024 Notre Dame football is closer to what it really is? Is it the one that handled a hostile environment at Texas A&M for a 23-13 win, or the one that was overpowered by Northern Illinois in a 16-14 upset loss?

The 19th-ranked Irish (1-1) face a crossroads Saturday when they travel to West Lafayette to face longtime, in-state rival Purdue. Kickoff at Ross-Ade Stadium is scheduled for 3:30 p.m. on CBS. The Boilermakers (1-0) took care of Indiana State, 49-0 before having last weekend off.

Here are three keys that will decide the 88th all-time meeting between the two programs, plus predictions from the South Bend Tribune sportswriters.

More: How far did Notre Dame football tumble in latest US LBM Coaches Poll?

More: What does Notre Dame football depth chart look like heading into Week Three?

Can Purdue’s offense play how it did against Indiana State?

It’s unlikely the Boilermakers will put up the numbers they did against the Sycamores given the step up in competition, but Purdue showed it can be dangerous offensively.

Quarterback Hudson Card was nearly perfect, completing 24 of 25 pass attempts for 273 yards and four touchdowns. Devin Mockobee rushed for 89 yards on 11 carries, while Reggie Love III, Jaheim Merriweather and Elijah Jackson all scored rushing TDs. Twelve different receivers caught a pass with Max Klare leading the way with five receptions for 71 yards.

The passing game should get an added boost with the return of wideout Kam Brown. The UCLA transfer missed week one with an injury he suffered during fall camp.

More: Purdue football newcomers shine in season-opening blasting of Indiana State

Purdue Boilermakers quarterback Hudson Card (1) passes the ball to Purdue Boilermakers wide receiver De’Nylon Morrissette (8) Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024, during the NCAA football game against the Indiana…


Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/three-keys-predictions-notre-dame-080054478.html

Author : South Bend Tribune

Publish date : 2024-09-12 08:00:54

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.

Check Also

College football games today: Time, TV, streaming for Week 7 Thursday schedule

Sep 21, 2024; Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA; James Madison Dukes quarterback Alonza Barnett III …

..........................%%%...*...........................................$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$--------------------.....