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First Look: Rutgers

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Rutgers Football Head Coach Greg Schiano

Here’s an early look at Purdue’s eighth opponent of the 2025 season, the Rutgers Scarlet Knights:

Date/Time: Saturday, October 25, Noon EDT

Location: Ross-Ade Stadium

Surface: Bermuda Grass

Capacity: 61,441 (tickets)

Weather: The early forecast shows a high of 60 degrees with overcast skies

2025 schedules/rosters: Purdue schedule | Purdue roster | Rutgers schedule | Rutgers roster

Series notes: Although Rutgers joined the Big Ten in 2014, this will mark just the third meeting between the Boilermakers and Scarlet Knights. Rutgers left each matchup victorious. Purdue out-gained Rutgers 474-217 in Piscataway in 2017, but it couldn’t take advantage of scoring opportunities, and Rutgers held on to win 14-12. In 2020, in front of an empty Ross-Ade Stadium, Purdue could not get stops against Rutgers’ offense, as the Scarlet Knights walked out with a 37-30 victory. Purdue still seeks victories against two Big Ten programs: Rutgers and UCLA, though the Boilermakers and Bruins have not met since UCLA joined the Big Ten last summer.

TV: BTN

Early line: Rutgers -2.5, O/U 59.5

STORYLINES TO WATCH

Rock bottom?

During Purdue’s four-game skid against USC, Notre Dame, Illinois and Minnesota, some positives did emerge. The offense showcased the ability to move the ball, particularly through the air, and the defense looked like it turned a corner in the loss to Minnesota. That came crashing down in the 19-0 shutout defeat at Northwestern.

The Wildcats dominated time of possession and controlled the line of scrimmage. Purdue entered the red zone just once, and it entered the fourth quarter with a mere 117 yards of offense. After the game, Barry Odom was at a loss for words concerning his team’s performance. The Boilermakers looked flat from the get-go, a troubling sign. Was the shutout defeat rock bottom for Purdue? It certainly hopes so.

Last chance?

Although five games remain on the schedule, Saturday’s meeting with Rutgers might present Purdue’s last realistic chance to pick up a victory. Purdue’s November schedule looks daunting, with road trips to Michigan and Washington and home meetings with Ohio State and Indiana, the top two teams in this week’s AP Poll.

Rutgers took advantage of a favorable non-conference schedule, defeating Ohio, Miami (Ohio) and Norfolk State. Since then, the Scarlet Knights have dropped four games in a row, most recently a 56-10 thumping by Oregon, where the Ducks racked up 750 yards of offense. Both teams will take the field on Saturday after disappointing performances. Who will leave with a smile on their face?

Making history

Purdue will look to make program history by defeating Rutgers for the first time. The two will meet for the third time, as Rutgers took the first two contests. Purdue out-gained Rutgers 474-217, but it fell 14-12 in 2017, and Rutgers ran all over Purdue in a 2020 game with no fans inside Ross-Ade Stadium. The Scarlet Knights are one of two Big Ten teams that Purdue awaits its first victory against with UCLA being the other.

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