Purdue Football (3-4, 2-2) at Penn State (3-4, 0-4): Staff Predictions

After a week off to get healthy, which seems to have worked if you take a look at the newest depth chart, Purdue football will head back on the road to Happy Valley to take on the Nittany Lions of Penn State. Notably off the injury report this week are Mister Clark and Joey Tanona. Tanona would be a huge addition back to the offensive line as he was penciled in as a starter to begin the season. Clark adds much needed depth to the secondary which we all saw needed it when Hudauri Hines went out at the start of the game and did not return. He’s back as well. Charles Correa also got banged up last week but was not listed on the injury report so he appears good to go. Let’s get to the predictions!

Ledman (5-2):

Penn State has struggled to start this season. They are particularly bad against the run. That seems like a good thing for the Boilermakers and particularly Fame Ijeboi. Now, Purdue didn’t run the ball particularly well against Washington so maybe Purdue won’t be able to exploit this weakness of the Nittany Lions. But to know there’s a weakness is a good start. Penn State has also struggled offensively once they get into the red zone (something they have in common with Purdue) so there’s plenty of hope in this game. But, I just think being at Penn State with the team desperate for a win means trouble for Purdue. Plus, while it’s not been a murderer’s row of Big Ten opponents their schedule has been tougher than expected so an 0-4 while bad is not embarassing.

Penn State 28

Purdue 17

Travis (6-1):

I am a huge Penn State hater. They shouldn’t be allowed to have a football program after the deplorable way they handled the Sandusky affair. Can you imagine the panic they would feel if they fell to 0-5 in the Big Ten a year after they fired a very successful, but flawed coach by losing at home to Purdue. They have been pretty bad so far, and we will know if Purdue has a chance very early on. Against Illinois and Minnesota Purdue’s defense got early stops and played well with a double-digit lead. Agaisnt Washington the defense was awful again. I think a couple early scores puts the pressure on Penn State and they crack.

Purdue 31

Penn State 24

Kyle (3-4):

Purdue heads to Happy Valley this Saturday with an opportunity to make a statement against a Penn State team that is searching for answers after four consecutive losses.

The Boilermakers enter the matchup at 3-4, coming off a bye week and looking to build on an offense that has shown the ability to put up points against Big Ten competition. Ryan Browne has been productive through the air, while Fame Ijeboi gives Purdue a legitimate threat in the running game with nine rushing touchdowns on the season.

The key will be whether Purdue’s defense can slow down a Penn State offense that desperately needs a get-right performance in front of its home crowd. The Nittany Lions have dominated this series historically, but their struggles and injury concerns make this a more intriguing matchup than the records might suggest.

Ultimately, I think Purdue hangs around early and has enough offensive firepower to make things uncomfortable, but Penn State’s home-field advantage and defensive talent prove to be the difference late.

Prediction: Penn State 31, Purdue 24.

Ryan (4-3):

This is not your father’s (or grandfather’s) Penn State team and call it growing pains or a downgrade in head coach from James Franklin, the Nittany Lions are not great this season. PSU has a great passing attack under Rocco Becht but the team has only once had a player eclipse 100 yards rushing this season. If Purdue wants to stand a chance, they need to put all of their eggs in the ‘stop the pass’ basket and make Penn State beat them on the ground. Of course, my saying this will inevitably lead to PSU rushing for 300 yards. I think Purdue keeps it close but Penn State is still a better team right now.

Purdue 24

Penn State 28

Jed (4-3):

I said this in my preview for this game that it’ll come down to a few key points, notably controlling the line of scrimmage and limiting big plays. I think the offensive line will be fine as they seemingly are getting Joey Tanona and they have performed relatively well all season. The defensive line is another story as they have struggled to play in the offensive backfield all season.

When you go on the road, you want to hang your hat on what you do really well. At this point in the season for Purdue, that is Fame Ijeboi and Assad Waseem. If those two can have big games then Purdue should have a legit chance of winning at PSU for the first time since 2004.

I don’t think that happens as Purdue’s defense is still led by the worst DC in program history.

PSU: 31
Purdue: 24

Casey (3-3 w/no Minnesota pick received):

The road is a scary place. Certainly at Penn State. Well. Normally. But the Nittany Lions seem to have lost some teeth this year. Purdue followed up a couple impressive wins with a disappointing performance against Washington. But a bye week will give Purdue new life and the Boilers will shock again, 27-22, behind a strong Browne performance on the road.

Purdue 27

Penn State 22