GoldandBlack.com Predictions: Purdue vs. Ohio State

Again this season, GoldandBlack.com shares its willy-nilly predictions and half-baked takes in advance of each of Purdue’s football games.

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.

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

TOM DIENHART, GOLDANDBLACK.COM INTREPID FOOTBALL REPORTER

Hey, the games are on the schedule. So, they have to be played. (sigh) Next up: The No. 1 team in the nation, Ohio State. The defending national champs aren’t just good … they are juggernaut good. Will the Boilers be Chuck Wepner to Ohio State’s Muhammad Ali? Or, will Purdue shock the world as it has a few times vs. the Buckeyes?

My biggest question: Can Purdue muster up more gusto and fight after putting up a formidable battle at Michigan? It can be difficult to keep summoning strength when there is no payoff with a win. It already has been a loooooong season. Now, this?

Most important player: Antonio Harris/Malachi Thomas. I know. I cheated and picked two. It will be vital for Purdue to run well. That will accomplish two things: Keep the ball away from the mighty OSU offense and shorten the game.
Prediction: Ohio State 55, Purdue 7

ALAN KARPICK, GOLDANDBLACK.COM CHIEF EXECUTIVE

It is always special when Ohio State comes to town, and it will be fun (and interesting) to watch the Buckeyes’ world-class receiving corps and quarterback Justin Sayin.
My biggest question: Can Purdue employ the same measure of strategy it used in the Big House to keep this one interesting? Amassing 10 points or more will be a victory of sorts for the Boilermakers.
My most important player: Purdue’s defensive front (once again). It must find a way to pressure Sayin, but its not likely since no one has done it this year.
Prediction: Ohio State 30, Purdue 7

DUB JELLISON, GOLDANDBLACK.COM FOOTBALL REPORTER

Purdue has had opportunities to lock up a few wins over the last month or so, but have let opportunities go to waste. Now, three significantly bigger challenges lie ahead. That starts with the No. 1 Buckeyes, who look poised for another national championship run.

My biggest question: Can Purdue make enough magic to pull off another monumental upset? The Boilermakers are going to need fortune in their favor on Saturday, and can help themselves by causing turnovers and creating big plays on offense. Two things that haven’t happened much this season.
My most important player: Tony Grimes. Grimes and Hudauri Hines are going to have their hands full with Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate.
Prediction: Ohio State 42, Purdue 10

JORDAN JONES, GOLDANDBLACK.COM DITCH-DIGGER

Few programs hold as many victories over AP No. 1 teams as Purdue. But, the reigning national champions will present a monumental task for the Boilermakers. Since losing at Purdue in 2018, Ohio State has only lost five Big Ten games, four of which came at the hands of archrival Michigan. Maybe the Boilermakers should have borrowed maize and blue uniforms for this weekend’s matchup.
My biggest question: How much does Ohio State look to push this? With national championship aspirations, the Buckeyes might have as many as eight games left this year. Do they want to run up the score, or do they want to get out of dodge and stay healthy?
My most important player: The defensive backfield. Ohio State boasts the best receiving corps in the nation. How Purdue slows down Jeremiah Smith, Carnell Tate and company, I’m not sure.
Prediction:  Ohio State 38, Purdue 7.