Purdue has a chance to notch another Big Ten win against a Maryland team that is reeling after losing six in a row and firing their coach. So, let’s see what the staff has to say about this week’s matchup.
Ledman (6-2):
This is a game that Purdue has to win if they want to be looked at as a team that is improving. Just think of it. Two years ago Purdue football won just one game. One. Last season Purdue doubled their win total to two game. Two. This season Purdue sits at three wins with four games
left. If they win this one against Maryland they will have again doubled their win total this time to four. Four. If they keep this up that means next season they will win 8 games and then 16 games the season after. Things are looking up.
In all honesty, this Maryland defense is bad, just like Purdue’s, and we’ve seen that this Purdue team can do some damage against bad defenses so I would expect the offense to come back to life against Maryland and for Purdue to grab the win.
Purdue 35
Maryland 21
Drew (4-4):
Maryland is a bad football team. Purdue hasn’t played a bad football team since Indiana State. This will be an interesting measuring stick for this program. Average teams beat bad teams. I think Purdue is closer to the middle than the bottom of the conference, but I was saying that with significantly more confidence a few weeks ago. A win over Maryland means Purdue has exited the basement, and is mucking around with a bunch of other flawed, but not terrible, teams on the ground floor. A loss means Maryland gets to slide over on the couch so we can spread out a little on the basement couch.
Here’s the thing: Maryland is saying the same thing about Purdue. Granted, I’d much rather be the Boilermakers than the Turtles, but my guess is that Maryland sees Purdue as a glimmer of hope in an otherwise hopeless season. They think Purdue is the best chance they have for a win. I think the Boilermakers are going to face a motivated Maryland squad.
As I said above, I think Purdue is mediocre and Maryland is terrible. I’m going with the Boilermakers.
Purdue: 27
Maryland: 17
Kyle (4-4):
Purdue has a chance to pick up a muc needed Big Ten victory against Maryland, but the Boilermakers will need to put together a complete performance on both sides of the football. Establishing the run game and avoiding costly turnovers will be critical, especially against a Maryland team that has the ability to make plays through the air with Chris Durr Jr. leading the way.
Defensively, Purdue needs to be physical up front and force the Terrapins into difficult third-down situations.
Being at Ross-Ade should provide an added boost, and this is the type of matchup the Boilermakers need to take advantage of if they want to show progress under Barry Odom.
Purdue 34
Maryland 24
Ryan (5-3):
Sure this Purdue team is not great (it is getting better though) but this Maryland team is worse. Neither defense is inspiring but I trust Ryan Browne and company more at home.
Purdue 35
Maryland 31
Casey (4-3 no Minnesota pick received):
It’s a get right game. Purdues offense has been consistent enough to beat a bad team. Browne’s gonna lead the way, this time with his legs and Purdue takes it with some fun 44-22.
Jed (4-4):
Welp, this sort of feels like a ‘gotta have it’ game for Barry Odom. That’s especially true as Purdue sits at just 3-5 after losing two straight games against opponents that many considered beatable for the Boilers. Instead, Purdue’s defense seems to have reverted back to form from Kevin Kane’s first stint and can’t seem to stop a nosebleed. That is forcing a lot of pressure on an offense that can’t keep up. It is especially true when Purdue played that poorly against PSU following a bye week.
Maryland fired Mike Locksley following another listless season after the Terps lost to Rutgers and they did seem to play much better in a 20-17 loss to Illinois. Maryland has now lost six games in a row and may be due for a ‘get right game,’ something that Purdue has done a good job allowing other teams to do this season. Rutgers will enter the game against Purdue with the 108th ranked rushing attack at 128.6 yards per game and 57th ranked passing attack at 237.9 yards.
That leaves them with the #81 overall offense in college football this season but when Purdue’s defense is ranked 124th overall, I’m not confident that Purdue will be able to win this game. That’s a hard pill to swallow considering Purdue once stood at 3-3 with a tough loss to Wake Forest and looked good against UCLA. A Maryland loss and finishing out the season 3-9 might lead to some tough discussions amongst the new leadership at Purdue.
Maryland: 27
Purdue: 24
Travis (6-2):
Purdue’s defense has been awful the last two games and last week the offense really struggled. Of course, it wasn’t on the field much last week. That said, Maryland is bad. They have already fired their coach and they lost to Rutgers. This absolutely needs to be a win, and a loss would feel like a huge step back after the wins over Illinois and Minnesota (especially the blowout of what looks like a really good Minnesota). The Boilers roll this week, I think.
Purdue 41
Maryland 21
