Where: Ohio Stadium
When: Noon EST
TV: Big Ten Network
There is a lot that can be said about the loss to Wisconsin, and at the same time there really isn't much to say. It happened, it's over, and this team can still win the Big Ten and hope for bigger and better things down the stretch. For now, it's on to revenge week for the Buckeyes.
"Get used to it"- Purdue Head Coach Danny Hope.
That was the quote from Purdue's head coach after the then-first year coach led Purdue to an upset over Ohio State last October. I bet that has been in the minds of OSU ever since they left West Lafayette that day.
I fully expect the Buckeyes to take care of it on Saturday afternoon, however not in the way that myself or many other fans would have envisioned it a week or so ago. Too many injuries have beleaguered this team on the defensive side of the ball and you have to think that it will eventually be tough for the team to continue their dominance week in and week out (and if you watched the game last week, the word dominant shouldn't even be associated with the Bucks anymore). Captain Ross Homan will miss the next few weeks due to an injured foot, starting nickelback Christian Bryant has an infection that will keep him out indefinitely, and two players that would provide linebacking depth missed last weeks game and will probably miss out on the Purdue game. Combine those issues with the loss of C.J. Barnett and Tyler Moeller for the season, and the current situation for Ohio State's defense isn't exactly golden. I still think they are an elite unit, but they will not be when they aren't at full strength such as now. The defensive line REALLY needs to step up for the first time since the Miami game in September. Their lack of a fight against Wisconsin was highly discouraging, and the secondary will need their help in order for this team to succeed in the long run.
I like Purdue to mount an early touchdown drive, and for the Buckeye offense to punt on two of their first three possessions... then the flood gates will open. This team is too talented to let a group like Purdue come in and step all over them once again. Get used to it Purdue, you aren't a very good program and your coach is full of it.
Pryor will account for three touchdowns while Boom Herron takes care of the rest in an exciting second half rout of the Boilermakers. Revenge is a dish best served at home, and OSU is salivating to get after it I'm sure.
By the way, the season isn't over yet. For anyone that thinks it is, please don't say a word until after the Michigan game. This team can still win the conference, and in all honesty it wouldn't be the craziest thing ever if they somehow found themselves back in the national championship picture.
Prediction:
Ohio State- 35
Purdue- 16
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