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Friday, March 29, 2024
The Observer

Predictions: Purdue vs. Notre Dame

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Oe Kenesey | The Observer
Oe Kenesey | The Observer
Mike Monaco Senior Sports Writer

I’m compelled to start writing about the Syracuse matchup next week. I’m compelled to say the Irish will obliterate Purdue.

But I can’t shake the last two games against Purdue from my thoughts. Notre Dame was trailing entering the fourth-quarter in 2013, and the Irish used a game-winning field goal with seven seconds left to top the Boilermakers in 2012.

So while all indications — including the nearly 30-point spread — suggest an Irish blowout, I think somehow, some way Purdue will keep it marginally interesting. The Irish defense won’t be as dominant as it was against Michigan, and the offense can’t stay perfect (10 for 10 so far) in the red zone.

Still, Notre Dame shouldn’t have too much trouble.

FINAL SCORE : Notre Dame 35, Purdue 17 Brian Hartnett Managing Editor

On paper, this game looks like a blowout. Notre Dame has outscored opponents 79-17 this season, and Purdue is coming off a loss to Central Michigan last weekend.

Appearances can be deceiving, however. While Purdue has struggled recently, the Boilermakers took the Irish down to the wire the last two seasons.

For Irish fans, there might be fears of a letdown, but these fears won’t materialize.

Why?

For one, Notre Dame’s offense is far more explosive than it was the last two seasons. For another, this Irish defense showed last weekend that it has the potential to be elite.

The units on both sides of the ball will excel, leading to a win that’s nearly as lopsided as last weekend’s 31-0 victory.

FINAL SCORE : Notre Dame 34, Purdue 7

Samantha Zuba Assistant Managing Editor

The Irish have proved a lot about themselves through two games. The offense has been a powerhouse as Everett Golson and the receiving corps get comfortable. The running back trio of Cam McDaniel, Greg Bryant and Tarean Folston hasn’t turned in an exclamation-point performance yet, but that means the Irish offense could become even more potent once this set ramps up its contributions.

The young defense stepped up against Michigan to contain Devin Funchess and, well, everyone. The Wolverines never reached the red zone, and the secondary flashed serious potential.

The Irish still haven’t been tested by a ranked opponent, but Purdue isn’t that team.

Look for the Irish to romp a third week in a row.

FINAL SCORE : Notre Dame 41, Purdue 10

 

Isaac Lorton Assistant Managing Editor

With Everett Golson leading the Irish offense, there will be no lack of scoring. Look for lots of points and even more yards for Notre Dame. Golson has a crew of capable receivers and a trio of running backs that is bound to have a huge game soon, and Purdue is just the team to do it against.

The Boilermakers gave up 333 yards of total offense (161 on the ground) and 38 points to Central Michigan. Yes, Central Michigan, a middle-of-the-pack MAC team that is now 6-23 against Big Ten teams.

The young Irish defense will have to build upon the success it had in the shutout against Michigan and make sure it does not get complacent against Purdue.

The Irish will put on a show for the Shamrock Series.

FINAL SCORE : Notre Dame 52, Purdue 17 Mary Green Sports Editor

Brian Kelly might not say it in public, but Saturday’s game is going to be a blowout. And there’s no worry of the Irish being on the losing side of it, either.

Notre Dame has picked up two big wins in its first two games and is looking for its 58th all-time against the Purdue. That shouldn’t be a problem against the Boilermakers, who start the season 1-1 and had their score more than doubled in a 38-17 loss last week to Central Michigan.

Purdue’s offensive numbers weren’t bad against Central Michigan, but it wasn’t able to get into the red zone often, which is how the Irish stopped Michigan. Notre Dame will do that again this week against the Boilermakers and move to 3-0.

FINAL SCORE : Notre Dame 38, Purdue 7