Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Purdue Boilermakers Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 14th 2024

Preview and Prediction

One week after enduring a humiliating defeat on their home turf against Northern Illinois, the 18th ranked Notre Dame football team will look to bounce back as they travel to West Lafayette, Indiana to take on Purdue this Saturday afternoon.

Following their loss to the Huskies, the Fighting Irish dropped 13 spots in the AP Top 25 poll. Northern Illinois, who entered the game as a four-touchdown underdog, managed to secure a 16-14 victory after blocking Notre Dame's last-second, 62-yard field goal attempt.

Now, the Fighting Irish will shift their focus to Purdue, who is coming off a dominant 49-0 win over Indiana State in their season opener.

Head coach Marcus Freeman will have the task of keeping his players motivated and focused as they prepare to face the Boilermakers. Just a few weeks ago, Freeman was celebrating his team's road win against Texas A&M.

"It's disappointing," Freeman expressed. "You go from the highest of highs to the lowest of lows in a matter of two weeks. But we need to take ownership of this situation. As coaches and players, we need to fix it.

"We've been in this position before, right? We've been here before. Now it's time to make the necessary changes. We need to get back to playing the type of football we know how to play, the way we've played before. And we can, and we will."

On the other side of the field, Purdue coach Ryan Walters sees this game as an opportunity for his team. With a bye week last week, the Boilermakers had extra time to prepare for their in-state rival, a team that has consistently landed top recruits and dominated headlines in the region.

Walters understands the potential impact of an upset win for Purdue.

"Yeah, I definitely think there is an element of proving it or earning respect," Walters stated. "I would be lying if I said this game wasn't circled on my calendar. We're excited for this opportunity."

In their season debut, Purdue quarterback Hudson Card completed an impressive 24 out of 25 passes for 273 yards and four touchdowns. Max Klare was his top target with five catches for 71 yards and a touchdown, while Devin Mockobee led the ground game with 11 carries for 89 yards.

On the defensive side, Purdue's edge rusher Will Heldt recorded two sacks.

For Notre Dame, all eyes will be on quarterback Riley Leonard, who has completed 38 out of 62 passes for 321 yards and two interceptions this season. He has also rushed for 79 yards and scored one touchdown.

Running back Jeremiyah Love could provide some relief for Leonard and the rest of the offense. Love has scored in both of Notre Dame's games this season and leads the team with 25 carries for 170 yards.

Defensively, Howard Cross III leads the Fighting Irish with one sack, while Xavier Watts and Adon Shuler each have one interception.

Walters anticipates a motivated Notre Dame team when they take the field.

"We're going to assume they will be a very determined football team," Walters said. "Any time you're ranked in the top five and suffer a loss in your home opener, it's going to leave a sour taste in your mouth. I have no doubt that Coach Freeman will have his team fired up and ready to play."

PREDICTION

Notre Dame Fighting Irish

27

20

Purdue Boilermakers

Notre Dame Fighting Irish vs. Purdue Boilermakers Recap SEP 14TH 2024