Purdue (1-1) at Oregon State (2-1) – Staff Predictions

Game day is coming up in just under 12 hours. Sure, it’s an 8:30 PM kickoff here on the East coast (the best coast) but this means that I can be downstairs watching the game while my adorable four year old son sleeps away. No guilt for me! So, while I’m watching the game tomorrow, will I be having a celebratory drink or a depressing, wow two weeks in a row, type drink? I asked the staff for their thoughts.

Jumbo Heroes (2-0):

It’s weird being so upset about the Notre Dame loss. I mean, I knew Purdue was going to lose all offseason. I had no expectations going into the game, but somehow the Notre Dame loss to Northern Illinois gave me enough hope that Notre Dame was a paper tiger and Purdue could take them down. I was of course wrong in that hope but right in my predicted outcome. So, why am I so upset? Purdue is 1-1 right now just like I predicted they would be and I thought they had a shot at taking down Oregon State when I looked into this game, so why am I picking against Purdue now? Surely, a loss is a loss and it doesn’t matter right? Well, yes and no. In the record books a loss is a loss is a loss. Hardly anyone will remember the manner in which a team loses any one game when they look at their overall season record. However, I watched that game and didn’t see anything that inspired confidence in me.

Oregon State is a team that is going to focus on running the football. Purdue could not stop the run against Notre Dame and it often seemed like Notre Dame didn’t even have to try. So, what would give me hope that Purdue can stop Oregon State from running all over them? I can’t think of anything. What would make me confident that the Purdue offense that could only muster seven points against Notre Dame’s second and third string can score enough points to win? I can’t think of anything. What a depressing outlook.

I’m picking against Purdue until they show me something. Until they show me some fight.

Purdue 10

Oregon State 28

Ryan (2-0):

This game is where rubber meets the road. We saw what Purdue can do against FCS teams and top-25 teams. Oregon State represents likely the best measuring stick so far this season and if Purdue lays an egg, it feels like it could be a lost team. It starts with the coaching staff preparing for Oregon State. Oregon State has a good rushing attack and Purdue got gashed on the ground last week. I think it’s apparent where the focus needs to be.

All told, I think it’s obvious that Purdue’s talent is close to the level of Oregon State’s. Both teams are coming off big losses to in-state rivals and both have flaws that can be exploited. A fairly even match seems to favor the home team in this one so I think Purdue gets somewhat back on track, even if they don’t win the game.

Purdue 21

Oregon State 28

Jed (2-0):

A trip out west doesn’t go well for the Boilers as the heat surrounding Ryan Walters is turned up even more with a very mediocre performance against a beatable Oregon State program. Walters leaves himself little to no wiggle room and must go 5-4 in the conference slate to make a bowl game, something that is highly unlikely to occur.

Purdue 24

Oregon State 34

Drew (1-1):

I honestly have no idea what to expect from either team. I don’t think Purdue is as bad as they looked against Notre Dame, but I’ve got nothing to back that theory up.

At the same time, Oregon State just took it on the chin against Oregon in the Civil War. Their defense couldn’t deal with Oregon’s speed but Purdue isn’t Oregon.

I’m going to revert to my factory setting of being a homer, and against my better judgement, I’m taking the Boilermakers (ducks flying tomato).

Purdue tightens things up on defense, the offensive line isn’t awful, and Hudson Card has a big day both in the ground and through the air.

Purdue 24

Oregon St. 17

Kyle (2-0):

Last week showed everyone so many holes that Purdue has. It was clear that the Offensive Line and Defensive Line were real issues. The biggest issue is that Oregon State has two running backs that are just as good or better than Jerymiah Love of ND.

Purdue will have to keep up offensively in this one, and I am not sure they are going to be able to do so.

Purdue 17

Oregon State 27

Garrett (1-1):

I’m not superstitious (yes I am) but my prediction was so flawed last week I’m going to do the opposite.

In this young season, I don’t think Oregon State is bad, in fact I think they’re about on par with where we are. Additionally, like Purdue, they’re coming off a big beatdown against an in-state rival. That said, traveling out west that far is never easy and they have some die-hards in Corvallis.

This one’s all coming down to the Boilers’ offensive line being able to recover from a terrible performance last week. I think this one stays close, but it’s all contingent on that OL and maybe, just maybe, getting more than 200 yards of total offense. If we see an effort in the trenches similar to last week, I see Oregon State winning something like 23-17. If the Boilermakers offensive line can take a step up, I’m taking the Train Enjoyers 31-23. Weird two-pronged prediction, I know, but like I said, the season can sometimes be too young to recognize anything definitively.

Editor’s note: Two predictions? How cowardly, Garrett gets no credit regardless of a win or loss unless he gets the score exactly right. This will be noted in all the rest of his predictions going forward this season.