It’s that time of week once again folks. Purdue is remaining at home once again this week to take on the USC Trojans. I asked the staff who they thought would win this week. I also asked you, but those results are coming later today.
Ledman (2-0):
Being 2-0 on the season right now is nothing to be proud about. I think everyone in the football watching world believed that Purdue would start the season 2-0. Now the real challenges begin. Purdue is facing a USC team who scores over 60+ per game through
their first two games. They have kept their starters on the field for a very long time in both of those games, which I respect and am fine with in this transfer portal era, but regardless it’s still a lot of points. Of course, USC hasn’t won a game in the Eastern timezone since 2012 so maybe they have a weakness?
Purdue is a 20+ point dog at home and that’s a tough pill to swallow. I think that’s a bit high. I think the USC offense has inflated its numbers by keeping the starters out there for a long time while Purdue took the foot off the gas. This isn’t to say that Purdue’s offense could’ve put up USC numbers, they couldn’t, but only that the disparity is much smaller than it would appear. I think that Purdue’s best shot at winning this game is to keep the USC offense off the field by completing long sustained drives led by Devin Mockobee. If Mockobee carries the ball 30+ times again I feel like good things will come Purdue’s way. Unfortunately, I just don’t think Purdue can do that for 4 straight quarters yet. I’m taking USC, but Purdue will cover.
Purdue 17
USC 34
Travis (2-0):
I have said all offseason Purdue was going to upset USC as part of a 3-0 start and I will stick with it. Of course, I said last year Purdue would upset one of Penn State, Oregon, or Notre Dame at home and, well, look how that turned out. I think Barry Odom and Co.played the first two games pretty well. There was nothing fancy offensively and Purdue’s dominance was more on fundamentals than skill or trickery. This is the game where the plan elevates. I like that USC has to travel for this one and Purdue needs to take advantage. It will take some luck, butI am sticking with Purdue springing the upset.
Purdue 34, USC 31
Kyle (2-0):
Purdue rolls into Week 3 as a 20 point dog at home. USC lost every game in the eastern time zone in 2024. Is Vegas giving us free money?
Perhaps.
Purdue will need to run the ball and control the clock against an explosive USC Offense, but I believe they’ll be able to do so.
I’m not sure Purdue has enough in the tank for a a win, but I do think they have enough in the tank for a cover.
Purdue 17
USC 34
Ryan (2-0):
The Trojans are 0-9 in games played in the Eastern Time Zone since 2012. Lincoln Riley is 0-5 at USC when playing in the Eastern and Central Time Zones (Minnesota, Maryland, Michigan, and Notre Dame and a neutral site game against Tulane). It’s safe to say that this team is not the best when it’s far away from the sunny confines of Los Angeles. USC’s first two games teased a great offense and solid defense…against severely overmatched opponents. Despite all of the struggles in the past two seasons, Purdue is still a hefty step up over Missouri State and Georgia Southern. Unfortunately, I don’t think Purdue is at the same level as USC, but home field advantage may play a decent role this week. I think USC breaks its drought on the right side of the country, but Purdue keeps it close.
Purdue 27
USC 34
