GoldandBlack.com Predictions: Purdue's Saturday night game at Minnesota

Again this season, GoldandBlack.com shares its willy-nilly predictions and half-baked takes in advance of each of Purdue’s football games, starting with Saturday’s meeting with Ball State, the onset of the Barry Odom Era with the Boilermakers.

Scarred by years of predicting uncompetitive games and understanding of the modern gambling climate — please, bet responsibly and leave the damn athletes alone on social media, losers — we are incorporating BetMGM spreads into our predictions this season.

Alas, there is no line on this game this week.

GoldandBlack.com members, share your predictions, no matter how stupid and inane, at Knucklehead Central.

BRIAN NEUBERT, GOLDANDBLACK.COM BLOWHARD

Purdue’s getting there, but still hasn’t been close to turning progress into wins. This is an opportunity after Minnesota was pounded into a fine paste by Ohio State last week.
My biggest question: Does Minneapolis-St. Paul International really need two different terminals with separate rental car facilities? Really?
Most important player: Anyone and everyone in the secondary. No busts allowed.
Prediction: Minnesota 27, Purdue 24.

TOM DIENHART, GOLDANDBLACK.COM FOOTBALL REPORTER

My thoughts: Thus begins a run of three October games that seem eminently winnable. But the first of this triumvirate of games figures to be the toughest: at Minnesota. Yes, this isn’t one of P.J. Fleck’s best teams, but his squads are always big, tough … and well-coach. 
My biggest question: Can Purdue finally win the turnover battle? The Boilermakers are last in the Big Ten in turnover margin, with just one takeaway on the season. Hard to envision Purdue winning if it loses the TO battle again.
Most important player: Devin Mockobee. He has made a career vs. the Golden Gophers, rushing for an aggregate 265 yards in two previous games. If No. 45 is rolling, Purdue has a good chance at victory.
Prediction: Minnesota 29, Purdue 28

ALAN KARPICK, GOLDANDBLACK.COM CHIEF EXECUTIVE

 I suspect that most of the sentiment among my GoldandBlack.com brethren will be the same. It’s put up or shut up time for Purdue the next three weeks. Yet, Coach Barry Odom hasn’t made any promises and challenged his team (and defense) to do better, much better, this week. I like Odom’s accountability approach, and the hope is in Boilermaker world that it shows up on the field.
My biggest question: Minnesota quarterback Drake Lindsey likes to chuck it deep; Purdue has to find a way to slow down the big play. This, my dear readers, is an all-time understatement.
My most important player: Somebody, anybody, on the defensive line that can put pressure on Lindsey, and somebody, anybody, in the secondary that can make a play.
Prediction: Minnesota 36, Purdue 28

JORDAN JONES, GOLDANDBLACK.COM DITCH-DIGGER

My thoughts: The now-or-never month for Purdue continues. This isn’t a great Minnesota team, presenting Purdue with a real opportunity to notch its first Big Ten win since 2023. Purdue must clean up some of the mistakes and coverage busts from last week, as its margin for error remains minuscule. It’ll take Purdue’s best effort of the season, but it’s not unreasonable to imagine Purdue emerging victorious.
My biggest question: Can Purdue hold Minnesota below 30 points?
My most important player: CB Tony Grimes. The explosive plays through the air can’t continue.
Prediction: Minnesota 35, Purdue 28

DUB JELLISON, GOLDANDBLACK.COM FOOTBALL REPORTER

Saturday starts a make or break three-game stretch for Barry Odom and the Boilermakers. If the program is to prove it is on the path to greener pastures, winning two of the next three is paramount. 

Minnesota has been somewhat of a mixed bag this season and I see this as a winnable game for Purdue. Still, Minneapolis has not been kind to the Boilermakers, so I’m going with the slight edge to the Gophers, b

My biggest question: Can Purdue stop the pass? This is going to be the question moving forward. Drake Lindsay and the Gophers are going to go at the secondary. 

Most important player: Tony Grimes. Assuming Grimes suits up, which is the expectation, he will need to rally a secondary that got torched a week ago.

Prediction: Minnesota 38, Purdue 35.