Time for Iowa to put up some style points, you guys. Yes – Iowa and style points, in the same sentence, as Iowa continues their march to a possible playoff spot.
Before we go into the game – the weather! It looks like a gorgeous day in eastern Iowa tomorrow. It will be clear all day with temperatures in the mid 40s for tailgating. Chef’s kiss. It will be clear during the game as well, though temperatures will of course dip by the time we hit kickoff. Game temps look to be in the high 30s and clear,
with no chance of precipitation. Bring your coat, hat, and gloves for the game, but it looks like a gorgeous day otherwise.
Admittedly, I haven’t watched a ton of Purdue this year. I watched some of that (really fun) UCLA game earlier in the season before UCLA turned into a bit of a wagon. I caught a bit of their overtime loss to Wake Forest. I also saw the final stretch of the Maryland game in which Purdue contrived to lose to the Terps at home.
Guys? Their defense stinks. Only Rutgers gives up more points than Purdue. They can’t stop anyone. They don’t generate a pass rush – they’re tied for last in the league in sacks with 11 on the season. It’s jarring watching that unit. Did you all see some of the touchdowns they gave up to Maryland? Bad tackling. Horrible angles. Players running free on crossing routes because the secondary had no idea who to cover. It was like watching a version of the Washington-Iowa game, only Washington’s way more talented than this Purdue side, and Iowa hammered Washington (who also controlled Purdue.) I could see this veering into Iowa-Washington territory. Purdue’s offense is decent and they can score some points so this isn’t a total mail-in, but they give them right back with their defense. It’s just a bad unit all-around that betrays their offense, which has put points up on teams this year (36 against Wake, 38 against UCLA, 41 against Minnesota.)
Iowa is playing for something. Purdue just fired their defensive coordinator and lost to Maryland. The Boilermakers looked more than a tad dejected after the Maryland loss last week. Iowa’s favored by a robust 17.5, and I have the Hawks covering. I think Iowa wins this with some much-needed style, 41-17, and the playoff march goes on for another week.
Date: Saturday, November 14
Time: 6:30 pm CT
Matchup: Purdue Boilermakers (3-6, 2-4) at Iowa Hawkeyes (7-2, 4-2)
Location: Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, Iowa
TV: NBC
Updated Weather Forecast: Clear with highs in the upper 30s at kickoff. Cold.
Updated FanDuel Line: Iowa -17.5 O/U 47.5
