OSU vs. Purdue

After playing 6th ranked Penn State last week, Purdue’s schedule get no easier as they head to Columbus to play the 12th ranked Buckeyes. The Buckeyes are led by dual-threat freshman quarterback Terrelle Pryor and Heisman candidate Chris “Beanie” Wells. The Buckeyes are coming off of a huge win at Wisconsin and have won three in a row after their embarrassing loss to USC. It looks like the Buckeyes are starting to put things together and Purdue might be catching them at a bad time. As the freshman Pryor gains more experience with each game, it only makes the Buckeyes that much tougher. Pryor has accounted for seven touchdowns in just two starts and against a defense that has trouble stopping mobile quarterbacks; he might have a field day. Also, don’t forget about “Beanie” Wells. The running back is averaging almost eight yards a carry and Purdue’s run defense has been anything, but stellar. Wells did miss practice yesterday with the flu, but he is expected to play tomorrow.

The defense will definitely have their hands full, but I believe the key to a Boilermaker victory lies with the offense not the defense. The Buckeyes are too talented not to score, but can our offense capitalize on an OSU defense that has been giving up some points? The Purdue offense has been very inconsistent and if you don’t score you can’t win. However, maybe Coach Tiller sending Curtis Painter to the bench last week will wake him up and make him elevate his game. If the offense is able to click, I think we can definitely score some points on a defense that has not lived up to expectations. The Purdue players definitely seem motivated after being blown out the past two weeks. They are tired of hearing about the losing streak to ranked opponents and are looking to play spoiler this weekend.

Prediction:
I think the Buckeyes are too talented for the Boilers especially at home. I think this will be a competitive game as the Buckeyes have not blown out many opponents, but the Ohio State running attack will be too much to handle. Score: OSU 27-Purdue 21

On a side note, Purdue will be using a new place kicker this week. Freshman Carson Wiggs will be handling the field goal duties after Chris Summers missed two last week. Let’s see how the freshman responds in such a hostile environment.