Game Outlook:
When I look at this game from a Purdue defense vs. Notre Dame offense perspective I feel like we have a chance. In the first half of games so far the Purdue defense has performed admirably, giving up only 14 points. Unfortunately, since the offense does nothing to help them out they have wilted on the field in the heat. That has led to 35 second half points given up over two games.
The defense is creating turnovers too, and it helps that Rees and ball security have been issues before. Ryan Isaac, Allen, and Frankie Williams each have interceptions, but again, the offense has done nothing with them even when they have come at critical moments of both games.
Fortunately, heat won't be the issue it has been the past two weeks. Unfortunately, the Purdue offense will. It has looked so bad that I feel like the defense has to pitch a shutout in order to give us a chance against good teams, and even then we had better hope for a Special Teams score like last week. I would feel better had Purdue turned both First and Goal situations into touchdowns last week (thus making it a better 31-14 win), but they couldn't do that. Instead they left 11 points on the field against a defense that is far weaker than the one it faces this week.
That is what will likely be the difference. If Purdue's defense produces some early stops the Notre Dame offense knows I can be patient and something will likely develop. The Boilers are like Michigan State with a worse defense. Eventually, cracks start to show like Anthony Brown getting burned twice for touchdowns last week. If Purdue's offense racks up three-and-out after three-and-out early on it will only be further demoralizing. Notre Dame was able to patiently grind Temple into powder and I fear the same for Purdue.
Purdue's only chance lies with an offensive breakout, and nothing I have seen so far has given any indication one is coming.
Remember 1997's stunning upset if:
The defensive line dominates as it did last year
Rees is careless with the football
Purdue gets a special teams or defensive score
The offensive line produces holes for Hunt, Dawkins, and Henry
Henry is able to exploit the soft spots in the zone
The ND record of victory in the series is 48-0 in 1992 and 1970 and may be in jeopardy if:
We see the same terrible offense of the past few weeks
Atkinson and Carlisle are able to run free
Rees throws for 300+ yards and no interceptions
Notre Dame gets a defensive score
Nix rips Henry limb from limb (it is in play)