Week 7: Purdue at Ohio State

The come-from-behind win over Wisconsin gave Ohio State a second wind as it enters its second half stretch. The Buckeyes now feel as though they have a healthy backfield, a playmaker at quarterback, and an intolerant defense — all three will be exercised this week in a game they are expected to waltz through.

Ohio State’s experienced secondary — consisting of Malcolm Jenkins, Kurt Coleman and Anderson Russell — could give quarterback Curtis Painter and the high-power Purdue passing game fits. The Buckeyes have nine interceptions and allow just 155 passing yards per game. Still, don’t expect Purdue to change its gameplan; Joe Tiller’s club leads the conference in passing attempts (196).

The Boilermakers are over-matched in a game on unfriendly ground, so the only solution for Purdue is to force Ohio State into making mistakes. That’s a tall order, though, for a team that has created fewer turnovers (six) than any other team in the Big Ten.

Buckeye linebacker James Laurinatis is having a quiet season despite having collected 57 tackles through six games. While Laurinatis’ performance has been steady and solid, he has failed to make game-changing plays (one sack, one interception, no fumbles forced or recovered). Fans shouldn’t expect a man who is arguably the nation’s best defender to remain quiet for long.

Notes:

Two Purdue receivers (Greg Orton and Desmond Tardy) rank among the top four in the conference in receptions per game.

The Boilermakers’ only touchdown in their 23-7 loss to Ohio State last year came on a one-yard pass with 10 seconds remaining. Purdue last beat Ohio State in 2004.

Ohio State has owned the punting game from both ends so far this season. As a unit, they’ve averaged a healthy 13.1 yards on punt returns, while A.J. Trapasso leads all conference punters with a 44.9-yard average.

Key Player (Boilermakers) — Anthony Heygood, LB

Purdue’s top defender will have his hands full trying to chase down Chris Wells and Terrelle Pryor. A pass rush from the conference’s worst-ranked unit (just nine sacks all season) would help the cause, but don’t expect it.

Key Player (Buckeyes) — Terrelle Pryor, QB

In a game like this one, only an inexperienced player like Pryor can ruin the Buckeyes’ evening. Thing is, Pryor has yet to show any inexperience. The true freshman has played like a three-year starter, with the confidence to throw or run when the game is on the line.

Ohio State by 15