This week is the start if conference play, but not for everyone. There are two in-conference games, one of which involves our own Boilermakers. For others, there is one final tune-up before they begin league play.
I view this as an important week for Purdue. It is the first chance for the Boilermakers to prove that things are significantly better under Barry Odom. A Purdue win would be a statement that things are gonna get better faster than we had hoped, and a bowl game would be a strong possibility.
With that in mind, here is this week’s conference slate:
Friday
Indiana State (2-0) at #22 Indiana (2-0) 6:30pm, BTN
The Trees are off to a modest 2-0 start and won a rivalry game 38-14 over Eastern Illinois last week. Running back Plez Lawrence, who is from my hometown, has been solid for them so far and could cause Indiana some measure of problems. It is a good thing he is already an ordained minister, because The Sycamores will need some divine intervention to win. Indiana 55, Indiana State 17
New Mexico (1-1) at UCLA (0-2) 10pm, BTN
The Lobos hung around with Michigan for a bit, so they might have a shot against a UCLA team that has been mostly dreadful so far. Considering that the Bruins have to go all the way to Northwestern next week, then the much more difficult portion of their schedule begins, the chance at going unwinfeated is on the table for them. UCLA 21, New Mexico 17.
Saturday
#4 Oregon (2-0) at Northwestern (1-1) B1G NUDE SATURDAY
The first conference game of the season might be between your eventual conference winner and a potential 0-fer in league play. Northwestern has not inspired a lot of faith this year, while Oregon is already a rolling death machine. The Ducks should easily take an early lead in the conference. Oregon 42, Northwestern 7
Wisconsin (2-0) at #19 Alabama (1-1) Noon, ABC
I have a morbid curiosity with this game. Is Wisconsin really as bad as people fear they are? If Alabama loses, what kind of chaos does that sew in Tuscaloosa? Luke Fickell would get a huge boost with a road win here, and an Alabama home loss to a Big Ten team would be cataclysmic. Go Badgers. Alabama 27, Wisconsin 17
Central Michigan (1-1) at #23 Michigan (1-1) Noon, BTN
Welcome to the Connor Stallions Bowl, everyone. The Wolverines should roll, but we have not had our annual MAC over B1G upset yet. Michigan 31, Central Michigan 6
Houston Christian (1-1) at Nebraska (2-0) Noon, Fox Sports 1
Bodybag game for the Huskers. Only tune-in if this is within three touchdowns at any point in the second half. Nebraska 56, Houston Christian 10
Towson (2-0) at Maryland (2-0) Noon on the ‘cock
Maryland’s non-conference winning streak will last into 2026. Maryland 52, Towson 6
Villanova (1-0) at #2 Penn State (2-0) 3:30pm, Fox Sports 1
Maybe Villanova can bring back Jay Wright to coach football for an afternoon. It would probably give them a better shot. Villanova is ranked No. 11 in the FCS, but that won’t be enough. Penn State 45, Villanova 7
USC (2-0) at Purdue (2-0) 3:30pm, CBS
I won’t back down. I have said all offseason that Purdue will upset USC as an announcement that things are being turned around a little faster and I am not backing down from it. With two top 10 opponents coming up next in trophy games this kind of feels like a must-win if there will be a bowl game this year. I am sticking to my guns. Purdue 34, USC 31
Norfolk State (1-1) at Rutgers (2-0) 3:30pm, BTN
This game should be over before you’re done reading the end of the sentence, so that is all the preview it deserves. Rutgers 56, Norfolk State 3
Youngstown State (2-0) at Michigan State (2-0) 3:3opm, BTN
Even though Youngstown State is another ranked FCS team, there is no need to watch the 3:30 slot on BTN. Maybe we should call that the Rotel & Barbasol Special Michigan State 48, Youngstown State 13
Ohio (1-1) at #1 Ohio State (2-0) 7pm on the ‘cock
Ohio State has won 53 consecutive home games against teams from the state of Ohio, last losing to Oberlin 7-6 in 1921. That is all to say that Ohio has the chance to do the funniest thing ever. Ohio State 49, Ohio 10
Western Michigan (0-2) at #9 Illinois (2-0) 7pm, Fox Sports 1
The last time these teams met was a blowout. The Broncos won 34-10 in Champaign back in 2016. Like many of us, I am sure Western Michigan would love to go back to 2016. Illinois 38, Western Michigan 3
UMass (0-2) at Iowa (1-1) 7:30pm, BTN
UMass lost to FCS Bryant last week. Iowa is Iowa, so we know the offense will be unwatchable. Just don’t watch BTN this week. Iowa gets the first of multiple 24-7 games this year, as I guarantee they will be involved in one 24-7 game this year as the winner or loser. Iowa 24, UMass 7
Minnesota (2-0) at California (2-0) 10:30pm, ESPN
A Classic of the old ACC-Big Ten Challenge to be sure. This might be the most competitive game of the day involving a Big Ten team, so if you can stay up late enough for it, have fun. California 24, Minnesota 21
