Week 5: Purdue at Notre Dame

Notre Dame’s Big Ten schedule will wrap this week with a home game against Purdue. The two schools are in a similar predicament, and not just because they own identical 2-1 records. Neither team can be believed at this point, and in this game it can be expected that one team will rise up to the opportunity and the other will begin a downward slide.

As powerful as Purdue’s offense can be, its defense can be equally as lethal to its team’s chances. The Boilermakers have allowed more rushing first down conversions than any other Big Ten team, and they rank ninth in the Big Ten in time of possession. That means a big day for the Fighting Irish ground game could stop Purdue’s passing game cold.

Notre Dame’s young quarterback, Jimmy Clausen, has helped to manage the Fighting Irish’s two victories in 2008. Still, Purdue must take advantage of Clausen when he does make mistakes (two interceptions in each of his three starts this year).

Notes:

After winning 11 straight in this series (1986 to 1996) Notre Dame has been even with Purdue in the past decade. In fact, the Boilermakers have taken three of the past five, including last year’s 33-19 win.

In the past 30 years the only time Purdue has won in South Bend came in 2004, when a 385-yard day from quarterback Kyle Orton gave the Boilermakers a 41-16 win.

Purdue senior linebacker Anthony Heygood ranks second in the conference in tackles per game (9.7). He and his fellow linebacker mates will look to keep the Notre Dame backs from moving the chains on Saturday.

Key Player (Boilermakers) – Curtis Painter, QB

At some point Painter will need to shoulder the pressure of the Boilermakers’ season. He has an opportunity to exploit a Notre Dame pass defense which has struggled against three subpar passing offenses so far this season.

Key Player (Fighting Irish) – Golden Tate, WR

Notre Dame’s best offense in its first three games has come from its sophomore wide receiver, who has averaged 20.2 yards per catch. In last week’s loss to Michigan State Tate also had a carry of 24 yards. Purdue may need to bring help to stop Tate.

Purdue by 3