In-State Foes Set to Clash: Notre Dame at Purdue Game Preview
The Notre Dame Fighting Irish finish September at 3-0 and are firmly in control of their own destiny in the College Football Playoff (CFP).
Photo via Michael Caterina-Imagn Images
This week, the Irish face in-state rival Purdue. Last season’s game was a turning point for Notre Dame. Starting 0-2 and with many questioning the new defense under then-new Defensive Coordinator Chris Ash, the Irish were in a shootout with Purdue 28-16 when a nearly two-hour weather delay came about. That delay seemed to right the ship for the Golden Domers. They only allowed two more scores to win 56-30 and begin a win streak that is now up to 13 consecutive games.
The Boilermakers come into this game on a two-game losing streak. They do possess a potent offense that is averaging a touch over 39 Points Per Game (PPG). They are led by returning starting quarterback Ryan Browne, who has already eclipsed 1,000 yards passing with seven touchdowns and only one interception. His top target is wide receiver Assad Wasseem, who has 321 yards receiving and one touchdown. Running Back Fame Ijeboi leads the rushing attack with 248 yards on the ground and six touchdowns. This gives the Boilers a more complete offensive attack than last season.
While Purdue can be very explosive offensively, they do allow plays on the defensive side of the ball. They are allowing close to 37 PPG and have only forced one turnover this season. This puts them near the bottom of most defensive statistical categories. Of note, they allow over 200 yards rushing per game; could be a great game for the running game to find consistency.
Road Game Jitters
This is the first true road game for the Irish this season, and being an in-state rivalry, it would be safe to assume the West Lafayette crowd will be on full tilt for this game. Also, looking at the statistics, one would assume that Notre Dame could be able to do what they please against this defense. In the early stages, that thought process must be removed. The best way to give Purdue hope would be to make major mistakes. They should run their offense and then try for explosive plays. Throughout this season, the Irish have been methodical in wearing teams down. The temptation to go for the early kill will be there, but temptation can lead down the road to ruin. If they play within themselves, the opportunities will be there.
Strength on Strength.
Purdue can put up some points if this early season is any indication, albeit against less-than-stellar competition. Notre Dame has shown they do not allow points along with anything else. The calling card for this team has been a defense that can only be defined with three words: mobile, agile, and hostile. They force turnovers (accounting for eight so far) and are downright stingy in yardage, only allowing 193 per game. This will be a large step up in talent and depth for Purdue to contend with.
Look for Notre Dame to impose their will early. Purdue will try to stretch the field; despite missing Safeties Luke Tallich and Brauntae Johnson for this game due to injury, the horses are still there to force Purdue to slow down the attack and get away from their game plan.
Road Game and Rivalry? No Matter.
Notre Dame has been privileged to not play their top-ranked foes to start the season. This has allowed them to gain confidence and iron out issues (running game) before the competition picks up. I feel this game could be a turning point for this offense, much like last year was for the defense.
The opportunities will be there for the Irish to get big plays, as long as they are patient and let them come naturally and do not take any unnecessary risks to make them happen that could lead to disastrous results.
I feel Purdue is improving under second-year coach Barry Odom, but this would be an upset that would dwarf past early-season missteps. At some point it comes down to talent and the “ Jimmies and the Joes”. Notre Dame has every advantage in this game other than the venue. I look for them to impose their will on both sides of the ball, early and often.
My prediction: The Irish prevail 53-13.
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