Week 7 Predictions – 2021
Last Week: The Buckeyes continued to show signs of improvement in the 66-17 win over Maryland. This puts them at 3-0 in the conference and the AP has moved them to 6th in the polls. More importantly, they are certainly showing signs of playing like the team fans expected them to be in 2021. Keep winning and all their goals are still within reach in front of them. As for or Buckeye50 staff weekly predictions, 6 weeks into the season and still only 4 games separates the top from the bottom of our standings. Dave, Andy and Trout all went 5-0 on the week while almost everyone else was 4-1. Overall, Josh, Joe-S-U and Steven are still leaders of the pack with a 21-7 mark. But it is still anyone’s game so be sure to stay tuned and follow our standings!
This Week’s Games: The Buckeyes have the week off this week but there is always some good games of note. And as we get closer to the first playoff poll, there are a couple games this week that could effect that landscape. The key match-up this week will be #1 Georgia hosting #11 Kentucky. Can the Wildcats keep their streak alive and will they pull of the upset? …. Texas may still be in shock from their last second loss to Oklahoma but not time to let up as unbeaten Oklahoma State comes into Texas Stadium. Is it considered an upset if the two-loss Longhorns defeat the Cowboys? …. Cincinnati continues their quest to break the Group of 5 into the playoffs, this week against Central Florida. Do they keep making a case or are they due for a letdown weekend? …. Unbeaten Michigan State has moved into the top ten And Mel Tucker is up for Coach of the Year. Can Indiana pull off an upset at home and get their season turned around? …. Iowa has sort of backed until the #2 team in the country and they don’t even have Chuck Long under center. They have won their three cross over games, can they run the table in the West?
Buckeye Greats: As with the past, we will continue to include former Buckeye players in our prediction fun and we are thrilled to have Vaughn Broadnax back with us as a regular participant for the seventh straight year.
Here we go with our Week 7 Picks – Good Luck to All – Gregg
(11)Kentucky @ (1)Georgia
Andy: Normally most years teams who are performing similarly on offense and defense would make for a close game, Kentucky is ranked 18th in total defense and 60th in total offense while Georgia is first in total defense and 48th in total offense. Kentucky has slowly upped their recruiting under coach Mark Stoops. That said even three or four years of good recruiting isn’t enough to close the gap on Georgia’s roster which is arguably the best in the country. Georgia has a simple method, on offense they chip away with the run game until they get favorable looks and matchups and then throw to ball down field to their talented receivers. It is going to be very difficult for Kentucky to make any kind of offensive push against Georgia, especially with Georgia being at home. Georgia 28 Kentucky 13
Coach Rick: Georgia by 10
Cory: Kentucky is a good story. Typically the Wildcats aren’t all that good and when they are, well, they’re in the SEC so it’s hard to shine. Yet, here we are halfway through the season and they remain undefeated. The schedule has not been too difficult, however, Kentucky does possess wins over Florida and LSU. But, they don’t play just any team this week – they play No. 1 Georgia. If you haven’t noticed yet, the Bulldogs are pretty darn good. Their defense might be the best in the country as the most points they’ve given up in a game was 13. In their last three games Georgia’s given up 10 total points and that includes wins over No. 8 Arkansas and No. 18 Auburn. We are witnessing the best Georgia team we’ve seen in a long time, and oh yeah, they’re not even playing with their starting quarterback, J.T. Daniels, who remains out with a lat injury. Georgia 31 Kentucky 7
Dave: Georgia 42 Kentucky 21
Gregg: Kentucky is having a nice season and Coach Stoops is doing a great job in Lexington. The winner of this one will be in the drivers seat for Atlanta from the SEC East. But to win the SEC and make it to the playoffs, you have to beat the big boys and Georgia is one of the big boys. The Bulldogs lead the series against the Wildcats 60-12-2, Kentucky may make a game of it for the first half but in the end, the Bulldogs win. One question I have, is anyone missing JT Daniels in Athens? Georgia 44 Kentucky 17
Jason: A battle for SEC East supremacy and an inside track for the CFP takes place in Athens on Saturday. The Wildcats haven’t been dominant, but they have found a way to win games. Defensively, they have been solid, especially in the secondary, where they have allowed below 300 yards in every game so far.
The Georgia defense has played as good as anyone in college football although they have yet to face a top 20 offense. Stetson Bennett has been solid and playing behind an offensive line that has kept a clean pocket allowing him not to make mistakes. He won’t make the big play so if he can avoid throwing the ball to the opponent, the defense will do the rest. To beat Georgia, you will have to throw the football at a high rate and UK doesn’t have the explosiveness offensively especially against a very good defense. There won’t be a lot of mistakes on either side but UGA will be on the field a lot more than Kentucky and pull away in the second half for a comfortable win at home. Georgia 31 Kentucky 17
Joe-S-U: Georgia over Kentucky
John: While I would love it if the SEC would continue to eat their own and the Wildcats pulled the upset, there is a reason the Dawgs are a three TD favorite. Kentucky may be improving, but they are elite yet and this Georgia team is. Georgia 35 Kentucky 10
Josh: Kentucky has had a great run so far, and beat Florida who was figured to be in the discussion for winning the SEC East. Georgia though has shown why they are probably the best team in the country as they have given up less touchdowns (3) than field goals (4) so far this season. The Bulldog will have to make some plays, but I don’t see the Wildcats doing anything offensively that Georgia wont be able to stop. Georgia 24 – Kentucky 6.
Steven: Kentucky has been punching well above their weight class. They come down to earth Saturday afternoon. Kentucky leading rusher Chris Rodriguez Jr. is averaging under 4 yards per carry, so he’s a grinder. I expect that average to drop. He’ll be running into the teeth of the Georgia defense that is limiting opponents to 64.2 yards per game. Unless he, and Kentucky as a whole transform into home run hitters between now and the game it’s going to be a long day for the Wildcats in Athens. Not expecting Georgia to be tested past the second quarter. Time to hit the snooze button. UGA 35-10
Trout: The Wildcats have been a good story this year, but I don’t think their win streak will survive this week. Granted, I am still somewhat skeptical of the Bulldogs, they are clearly the better team in this matchup. Kentucky has won all their games this year, but when you look at the opponents, none of them seem to be world beaters. Florida is their best win, but that’s not saying much in my opinion. Having said that, it does still take a decent amount of skill to be 6-0. They should be able to compete with the Bulldogs for a while. But after a while, Georgia will be able to pull ahead and win by a few scores. Georgia wins and ends Kentucky’s dream season. (Georgia, 28-14)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Kentucky has started off the year undefeated and is playing well. This week the college football world will see if the Wildcats are for real. Georgia has dominated with defense all year and have displayed an improving offense. Until Mark Stoops does it over a Georgia or Alabama I refuse to pick Kentucky in these types of games. Georgia to upend Kentucky 31-24.
Final Score: Georgia 30 Kentucky 13
(12)Oklahoma State @ (25)Texas
Andy: Every year there are a handful of teams that fly under most peoples radar’s despite getting off to a hot start. The Cowboys have snuck out to a 5-0 start and have beaten two top 25 teams so far in their season. Texas has lost a pair of games although to a two teams with excellent records themselves in Arkansas and Oklahoma. That said this Texas team is definitely the most talented team Oklahoma State will have played all season. Oklahoma State has only won their five games by a combined 34 points, in other words they’re winning each week by an average of 6.8 points. I feel Texas will be looking for a win after a disappointing last minute loss last week to rival Oklahoma, they’re going to get it done with either quarterback Hudson Card or Casey Thompson who have both flashed for Texas this season. Look for Bijan Robinson to have a big game this week for the Longhorns. Texas 35 Oklahoma State 28
Coach Rick: Oklahoma State by 17
Cory: I thought I was a genius for picking Texas last week, watching the Longhorns run away with a large lead against rival Oklahoma in the Red River Rivalry. Then, the second half of the game happened and Texas collapsed in a furious comeback made by Oklahoma. I still believe the Longhorns are a good team and they’ve got some terrific talent in running back Bijan Robinson and Xavier Worthy. Oklahoma State comes into this game with the better number next to their name, and the Cowboys are undefeated. Yippee. Their two best wins are Kansas State and Baylor, neither of which register too highly on my radar. As long as Texas isn’t feeling the hangover from the highest-scoring Red River Rivalry game ever last week, I like the Longhorns to pull the upset this week. Texas 42 Oklahoma State 35
Dave: Oklahoma State 28 Texas 21
Gregg: Oklahoma State had an extra week to prepare and I think the Longhorns will still be stinging from letting the game fall through their fingers last week against the Sooners. (can you say ‘choke’ Sarkisian) And this is probably one of those games where the Cowboys will have an extra incentive to win as Texas runs away from the Big 12. Oklahoma State 31 Texas 28
Jason: The Cowboys are unbeaten and humming right along coming off a dominant win over a decent Baylor squad. They go up against a Longhorn team that is trying to regroup after a complete collapse a week ago in the Red River Rivalry against Oklahoma. Fortunately for Texas, the ‘Pokes don’t have the offensive explosiveness or personnel that the Sooners have. Texas QB Casey Thompson has been very good, throwing for nearly 400 yards and 5 TD’s a week ago. They also have arguably the best RB in college football in Bijan Robinson so we know Texas can score. If they get up big early again this week and Oklahoma State will struggle to come back. The Cowboys can throw the ball but they aren’t overly balanced on offense. Talent will rule the day in this game and Texas has more of it. It won’t be easy but a couple of fourth quarter scores will enable the Longhorns to pull away and get a big bounce back win for Steve Sarkisian’s bunch as Texas successfully defends their home field. Texas 38 Oklahoma State 24
Joe-S-U: Oklahoma State over Texas
John: Texas is actually favored in this one, so if the lower, but favored team wins is it still considered an upset? Texas 38 Oklahoma State 35
Josh: Texas has the game won last week until Caleb Williams came in and gave the Sooners the best chance. Oklahoma State has not had a record that has proven them to be one of the better teams. and I think this will be a rebound game for Texas who will still be looking for a chance to rematch with Oklahoma in the Big 12 championship game. Texas 35 – Oklahoma State 31.
Steven: How much will the Oklahoma loss get into the heads of the Longhorns, or will they be able to put last week behind them? Oklahoma State is allowing less than a hundred yards per game on the ground, so this might be interesting to see if Texas can crack that mark. If Texas can shore up their defense I think they have the offense to dominate the Cowboys, especially through the air. Texas gets back on track, Longhorns 38-21.
Trout: I think this game will be very close with the Cowboys pulling off the victory. Texas showed that they have a lot of talent on the offense with their game against Oklahoma. However, they also showed that their defense is a huge liability. I feel like this game will be a repeat of last week for Texas. Both teams will score a ton of points, with the lead changing multiple times. And in the end, the Longhorns lack of a defense will come back to bite them. The Cowboy will win this game and kick the Texas Longhorns out of the top 25. (Oklahoma State, 45-42)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): Texas showed signs of life last week early in their game against Oklahoma. Unfortunately, someone forgot to charge Texas’ batteries at halftime. I can only imagine the offensive assault Oklahoma State has planned for Texas’ defense. I just don’t think it will be enough to overcome Bijan Robinson and the boys in their house. Texas defeats Oklahoma State 49-45.
Final Score: Oklahoma State 32 Texas 24
UCF @ (3)Cincinnati
Andy: Cincinnati is running out of games on their schedule where they won’t be favored by more than two touchdowns against their competition, this is one of the few. Cincinnati is favored by 12 points, it is not hard to see why. They have a ton of momentum after beating Notre Dame and quarterback Desmond Ridder has continued to progress as a quarterback despite being in his fifth year. On top of that the Bearcats have the 22nd best total defense in the country and the game is at home, and UCF is trotting out their second string quarterback due to their starter being injured. Cincinnati will look to use a game like this to bolster their playoff resume and beat up on UCF. Cincinnati 45 UCF 17
Coach Rick: Cinci by 24
Cory: With multiple top-10 teams losing last week Cincinnati now finds itself in the driver’s seat to become the first non-P5 team to make the playoff. Cincinnati’s hardest games are behind them so now the name of the game is to stay focused because talent-wise, they should win the rest of their games. Of the remaining games, the two that standout that could be challenges are UCF and No. 23 SMU. The Bearcats are at home against UCF this week, and the Golden Knights are without starting quarterback Dillon Gabriel, who is out with a shoulder injury. UCF can put up the points but their offense has not been nearly as potent with backup quarterback Mikey Keene in there. Cincinnati 35 UCF 17
Dave: Cincinnati 32 UCF 14
Gregg: Cincinnati has won 23 games in a row at home, I see them continuing this streak. At this point there is just too much riding on thier playoff chances. Bearcats have a very tough defense, and to think they would probably be doing even better if Marcus Freeman was still there. Cincinnati continues to carry the playoff flag for the Group of 5 at least one more week. Cincinnati 35 UCF 10
Jason: UCF is not the UCF of recent years in large part due to the loss of QB Dillon Gabriel to a shoulder injury. They need to muck the game up and rely on a talented defense to win games. If Cincinnati gets up early, this game could get ugly, but the Bearcats don’t get a lot of pressure on opposing QB’s and offensively they struggle to move the sticks on 3rd down. If the Knights defense can get off the field and limit the big play, they have a chance. UCF still has the talent on both lines that could make this interesting but they struggle to throw the ball at all and the Cincinnati secondary is very good, allowing just 3 TD passes all year. This game could put a scare into the Bearcats into the second half but ultimately UCF just doesn’t have enough on offense to compete. Cincinnati will weather the early storm, solve the UCF defense, create a couple turnovers and walk away with a comfortable win, keeping their eyes set on a potential trip to the CFP. Cincinnati 42 UCF 17
Joe-S-U: Cincinnati over UCF
John: The Bearcats are the new darling of the E$PN’s of the world, but the cold, hard truth is their schedule is putrid. Their marque win is against a highly ranked, but suspect, Notre Dame that could potentially lose between two and four more games, starting with next weeks tilt with USC. Next is a win against a bad Indiana team. Looking that their schedule, UC has a great chance to finish the regular season unbeaten. As much as I love Luke, however, an unbeaten Cincinnati has no business sniffing the four team CFP which is why the playoff field needs to be expanded. End of rant. Cincinnati 42 UCF 17
Josh: Of the teams left on Cincinnati’s schedule, UCF might have one of the best chances to beat them behind quarterback Dillon Gabriel who has had back to back 3000 yard passing seasons. This year he has not had the same production, and UCF had back to back losses to Louisville and Navy. Cincinnati had a slightly close game against Temple last week but dominated the rest of the way to not make it a contest. I think the Bearcats could be on upset alert, but win this game at home. Cincinnati 42 – UCF 24
Steven: Cincinnati is 3rd in the nation in scoring defense and top 10 in scoring offense. ‘Nuff said. UC 44-20
Trout: I think the Bearcats are determined to make it to the Playoffs and they won’t let anyone stop them. Fickell will have his team ready to play this game. They know that they have to win out for any chance to make it into the playoffs. Although UCF won’t be pushovers by any means, they are not the caliber of team that they used to be. I think the Bearcats get a few score lead and stay there most of the game. It won’t be a clear blowout, but Cincinnati will be in control of the game. The Bearcats beat the Knights and keep their playoff hopes alive. (Cincinnati, 28-17)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): I cannot go against Cincinnati and the Fighting Luke Fickells. Cincinnati blasts UCF 45-20.
Final Score: Cincinnati 56 Central Florida 21
(10)Michigan State @ Indiana
Andy: At the beginning of the season this looked like it would be in Indiana’s favor. Instead we’re entering October without IU quarterback Michael Penix and no rushing attack from the Indiana offense. Even though backup quarterback Jack Tuttle was highly recruited out of high school, he has failed to live up to that hype as a college quarterback. Michigan State is hot, being undefeated and they will have momentum coming into this game despite being on the road. The one thing that could prove to be interesting is Tom Allen’s defense vs the Michigan State offense. Michigan State has a run heavy offense this season and IU run’s their base defense in 3-3-5 which makes it really hard to get big plays against them either with passing or running the football. MSU and Kenneth Walker will have to consistently win on 3rd and 4th downs in this game to keep long drives on the IU defense, if they do that they should be able to control this game and win by a touchdown. Michigan State 24 Indiana 17
Coach Rick: Michigan State by 3
Cory: Coming off a terrific 2020 season expectations were high for Indiana, which is the first time in a long time we’ve been able to say that. And so far, the Hoosiers have fallen far below those expectations as they are 2-3 with their only wins being over Idaho and Western Kentucky. To be fair, their three losses came to No. 2 Iowa, No. 3 Cincinnati, and No. 7 Penn State. To make things even worse, starting quarterback Michael Penix is out with a shoulder injury. Backup Jack Tuttle was solid last season in replacement for Penix, but it remains to be seen if he can step up and be the guy. It does not get easier this week as Indiana plays host to No. 10 Michigan State. The Spartans have had a complete turnaround from their two-win season last year. Quarterback Payton Thorne has been a significant improvement at the position from the last two years, but the Spartans lean heavily on running back Kenneth Walker III, who has 913 rushing yards and nine touchdowns. Indiana’s defense is capable, but the offense is too inconsistent to hang in this game. Michigan State 28, Indiana 14
Dave: Michigan State 28 Indiana 21
Gregg: Michigan State may not deserve a top 10 ranking but they are certainly better than Indiana. Sparty big. Michigan State 38 Indiana 17
Jason: Indiana has really struggled and QB Michael Penix hasn’t been healthy and is questionable coming in to this week. They have struggled offensively and have been turning the ball over. The Spartans don’t create many turnovers but they have been efficient. Offensively, the Spartans have found their stride behind RB Kenneth Walker who is among the conference’s best in the first half of 2021. IU is sitting at 2-3 but the schedule hasn’t done them any favors with the 3 losses coming against 3 teams ranked inside the top 10. Michigan State is yet another top ten matchup and even if you don’t believe Iowa, Penn State and Cincinnati are top truly top ten teams, they are all solid and Michigan State isn’t far behind. If the Hoosiers can avoid the turnover, they have the ability to control the time of possession which the Spartans have struggled with. The IU defense needs to keep Michigan State behind the chains and get off the field and allow the offense time to work. The Spartans aren’t dominant but they have a talented defensive front that will make it difficult for Indiana to run the football. If they can’t run, they aren’t explosive enough through the air to compete. The Spartans won’t dominate but they will do enough to stay unbeaten and the Hoosiers will be staring at having a difficult time getting bowl eligible with Ohio State, Maryland and Michigan upcoming. Michigan State 27 Indiana 17
Joe-S-U: Michigan State over Indiana
John: This game is hard to handicap, given IU being coy about Michael Penix Jr.’s status for the game. Penix wasn’t exactly lighting the world on fire prior to separating his shoulder against Penn State, so I’m not sure that a healthy backup wouldn’t be the better option against a Michigan State secondary that has look suspect at times. Sparty is only a 3 point favorite in this one. I think that’s more of a reflection on the fact that no one is really sold on MSU rather than being high on IU. MSU always seems to Sparty one game away a year. For some reason, I think this is it. Indiana 24 Michigan State 23
Josh: Michigan State is a sneaky good team for the time being, and one blog said they have the best receivers in the Big Ten. I dont buy that for a second, but I would argue that have the second best running back behind Henderson. Indiana is riding high after a good season last year, but they are quickly crashing back to reality and one of the bottom teams in the conference. Part of if is spite and I want to see them lose, but I dont think they win this one, and the Spartan’s remain undefeated. Michigan State 35 – Indiana 27
Steven: Indiana is a dumpster fire. Injuries have derailed a preseason top 25 Indiana team such that they’re going to limp to the finish and will be punished every step of the way. It may be a struggle for them to be bowl eligible at the end of the year. Sparty has found a groove on both sides of the ball. QB Payton Thorne has matured from last year and is currently 25th in the nation in passing and just outside the top 10 in passer efficiency rating. This will be good to watch at least from a scouting standpoint. The outcome is pretty well determined at this point. It will take a tremendous effort on the part of Indian to overcome injuries and the disjointed nature of the season so far. MSU 41-17
Trout: Sparty should be the Hoosiers in this game. Although I don’t think Michigan State will be competing for the Big Ten title, they are still a team on the rise. Indiana on the other hand, seems to be trending downwards. They just don’t look good on either side of the ball and Michal Penix has clearly regressed as a quarterback. The Spartan will score early and maintain that lead throughout the whole game. Indiana may keep it somewhat close, but in the end, Sparty wins it by a couple scores. (Michigan State, 24-13)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83):Indiana has been more disappointing this year than a Jim Bollman offensive game plan. On the other hand, Michigan State has been more surprising than Urban Meyer having a QB under center on 4th and 1. Michigan State has been a juggernaut running the ball this year while Indiana still has not found any identity on offense or defense. The Spartans slay the Hoosier 35-16.
Final Score: Michigan State 20 Indiana 15
Purdue @ (2)Iowa
Andy: The only way this game could go in favor of Purdue this week is if Iowa simply can’t get up emotionally to play against inferior competition after a big home win against a top 5 ranked opponent. I don’t see Kirk Ferentz and his team letting down after a big game, they need to win as much as they can if they hope to make the playoff. Iowa 28 Purdue 17
Coach Rick: Iowa by 21
Cory: Iowa’s win over Penn State last week vaulted the Hawkeyes into the No. 2 spot in the rankings, but there are issues with this team. The offense is inconsistent and when faced against a good defense last week, quarterback Spencer Petras was terrible until the fourth quarter. If Iowa wants to remain unbeaten and make it into the playoff they need to get better on that side of the ball. One way to do that is to get a little confidence and what better way to do that than playing against a bad Purdue team? Purdue can’t run the ball and with a team that is as one-dimensional as that it will be easy for Iowa to focus on defending the pass. Iowa 28 Purdue 10
Dave: Iowa 28 Purdue 14
Gregg: I thought it was a really strong win for Penn State to defeat Auburn and now Iowa has beat Penn State. I know that Clifford went down in that game but if you are going to be a top team, you got to play with ‘next man up’ mentality. The Hawkeyes secured the win and somehow find themselves ranked #2 in the country. I agree their defense is worthy of a high national ranking but their offense needs to improve for them to take their game to the next level. They should be able to run the table against the B1G West teams and that starts this week against Purdue. The Boilermakes have been hit with some big injuries but at least the Big Drum is still functioning well. I think this one is close for the first half as the Hawkeyes continue to search for any offense but will score enough to secure the win. Coach Kirk, be sure to take the team to ‘Dogs and Suds’ after the game but get out of town with the win and fit to see another day in the top 5. Iowa 27 Purdue 13
Jason: Iowa suddenly has a big target on their back. They may or may not be the 2nd best team in college football. They beat a bad Indiana team, struggled offensively against Iowa State, escaped Colorado State and dominated a Maryland team who turned it over 7 times. It also took a Penn State QB injury to come back and win that game. Regardless that’s where they sit today and their schedule doesn’t have much left. Purdue comes in with really nothing to lose. The Boilermakers can pass the football and the defense has been solid and now they face an Iowa team that’s 119th in college football in offense and last in the Big Ten in total yards. Is that really the definition of a 2nd ranked football team? No..but their defense is creating turnovers at a record rate, leading the country with 20, and RB Tyler Goodson is the real deal. QB Spencer Petras is underrated as a passer but just hadn’t had to do much with the short fields the defense is giving them. This game won’t be a blowout because Purdue doesn’t turn it over and their defense is good enough to slow a rather pedestrian offense. However…..The Hawkeyes will still get a turnover or two and that’s all it will take. The offense will play conservative and allow the D to win the game for them and they will. Iowa continues their unbeaten run with sights set on Indianapolis and the Big Ten Championship. Iowa 27 Purdue 14
Joe-S-U: Iowa over Purdue
John: Iowa appears to be head and shoulders above the rest of the Big Ten West. Purdue is, well, Purdue. It won’t necessarily be pretty, because Iowa doesn’t play a particularly pretty brand of football, especially on offense. However, the Hawkeye defense should be up to beating anyone left on their schedule. Iowa 24 Purdue 10
Josh: If this were are Purdue, I would have said they maybe have a chance. Iowa’s offense is not scaring anyone, and they have the easiest path to make the Big Ten championship of any of the teams ranking in the top 10. Purdue hyped up in 2018 after beating Ohio State and has been one of the worst Big Ten teams since. Iowa 17 – Purdue 3.
Steven: Iowa’s offense is not spectacular, but much like Georgia, it relies on an outstanding defense to put then in a favorable position to win. The Hawkeyes’ outstanding defense is keeping opponents to about 90 yard rushing per game. So far, Purdue is rushing for 90 yards a game against teams like Oregon State, Connecticut and Illinois. The little engine that could is going meet Mt. Everest. This will not be pretty. Purdue might well abandon the run by the second series. At that point, game on for the edge rushers. Whether Purdue QB Jack Plummer finishes the game may be the only question left to answer. Herky 27-12
Trout: Although Iowa’s offense isn’t great, they should have no trouble with the Boilermakers. The Hawkeye defense is one of the best in the nation and they will be able to stop whatever Purdue throws at them. I can also see them getting a few turnovers, and potentially a pick 6. Plus, their offense is just good enough to be able to score a few times on a bad Purdue defense. Iowa will win this game with little resistance from the Purdue Boilermakers. (Iowa, 35-10)
Vaughn Broadnax (OSU 1980-83): There are seemingly two teams in the B1G that Purdue seems to give fits. They are both four letter worded teams and one is Iowa. I’ll let you figure out the other one. To say it has been a fortuitous year for the Hawkeyes would be an understatement. 20 plus turnovers at midseason is just crazy. Purdue on the other hand has had to deal with injuries. While their best receiver David Bell is back, their WRs are awfully thin. They also are not showing the prowess offensively one would expect fromPurdue a Jeff Brohm team. With that said I am riding the mojo Iowa has been riding all year. Iowa over Purdue 27-24.