Let’s take a look at how each of Purdue’s 12 season opponents played in week 1. Some underwhelmed while others beat up on lesser talented teams (including the Boilermakers). Let’s dive in:
Ball State Cardinals (0-1)
Lost 31-0 at Purdue
Obviously a rebuild is in the midst in Muncie. Purdue had the clear talent advantage and parlayed that into a smooth victory.
Southern Illinois Salukis (1-0) Won 49-3 vs Thomas More A lopsided victory for Southern Illinois as they took on DII Catholic Liberal Arts College,
Thomas More. SIU should probably be prepared to be on the flip side of that coin this weekend with a trip to Ross Ade.
USC Trojans (1-0)
Won 73-13 vs Missouri State
USC beat up on Missouri State in their first game as an FBS team. Not much more will be learned about the Trojans as they will likely beat up on Georgia Southern this week before playing Purdue on the road.
# 6 Notre Dame Fighting Irish (0-1)
Lost 27-24 to #10 Miami (Hard Rock Stadium)
A close top-10 matchup saw the Irish fall to Miami in the home of the Dolphins. CJ Carr looks like a good young QB still with a lot to develop but considering Notre Dame’s schedule, the margin for error to return to the CFP is now a fair bit narrower.
#12 Illinois Fighting Illini (1-0)
Won 52-3 vs Western Illinois
A big win vs an FCS team. Happens all the time. We’ll know much more once the Fighting Illini travel to Durham to take on Duke.
Minnesota Golden Gophers (1-0)
Won 23-10 vs Buffalo
A fair victory for Minnesota who beat one of the better MAC teams from a season ago. Make no mistake though, this was a 3-point game heading into the 4th quarter. Minnesota was able to extend their lead in the 4th and then drained the final 9:45 of game time. A win is a win, but it could have looked prettier for the Golden Gophers.
Northwestern Wildcats (0-1)
Lost 23-3 at Tulane
Apparently, this is what happens when you disrespect New Orleans and don’t let them wear their white uniforms to commemorate the first game following Hurricane Katrina. Northwestern looks putrid on offense in this game and not much better on defense. At least the Wildcats get to play Western Illinois next week after returning to Evanston to lick their wounds.
Rutgers Scarlet Knights (1-0)
Won 34-31 vs Ohio
This game was also closer than expected as Rutgers gave up a 17-point lead to let the Bobcats tie it up. Rutgers was able to kick a field goal in the fourth quarter and hold off Ohio. Now Rutgers gets to take on another Ohio MAC team in Miami (OH) who just lost to Wisconsin.
#14 Michigan Wolverines (1-0)
Won 34-17 vs New Mexico
Most expected a larger victory for Michigan against a Mountain West team (see Penn State’s dismantling of Nevada) but in fairness, it was the first career start for Bryce Underwood, the 12.5-million-dollar man. Bryce looked good in his debut but has a far way to go to uphold a program like Michigan.
#3 Ohio State Buckeyes (1-0)
Won 14-7 vs #1 Texas
What could have been the game of the year was a sloppy slog of a game where both starting QBs looked less than great against star-studded defenses. Ohio State won’t face anything close to this challenge until it travels to Illinois in mid-October. Still then, the game worth tuning to will likely be Penn State at Ohio State on November 1st.
Washington Huskies (1-0)
Won 38-21 vs Colorado State
Yes, Washington also beat a Mountain West team by 17 like Michigan but the Huskies are not on the same level as the Wolverines. Washington has a schedule composed of highly touted opponents like Ohio State, Oregon, Illinois, and Michigan against lower regarded opponents like Maryland, Rutgers. Wisconsin, UCLA, and Purdue. But where in the mix is Washington? Time will tell.
#20 Indiana Hoosiers (1-0)
Won 27-14 vs Old Dominion
A 2-touchdown victory against Old Dominion does not inspire confidence for the Hoosiers but that’s why you schedule your cupcakes early and often in non-conference games. Kennesaw State and Indiana State pose as the next two opponents for Curt Cignetti and his squad before playing a real opponent in Illinois.
