Iowa comes into this weekend’s tilt with Purdue ranked fifth in the CFB Playoff rankings and with hopes of “crashing the party,” as though an undefeated Big Ten team could be considered a party-crasher. The problem, of course, for Iowa is that Notre Dame stands ahead of them and, well, they’re Notre Dame. If the Irish are already ahead of the unbeaten Hawkeyes and they win out, it’s hard to imagine ND dropping out of the top four, which would lead to a hell of a situation if Iowa is 13-0 after the Big Ten title game. What’s funny (to us, at least) is the fact that this game against Purdue can do literally nothing for Iowa. Obviously, they need to win it as a loss to anyone at this stage is the end for their hopes. However, there’s no amount the Hawkeyes can win by that actually helps them in the eyes of any voter. That’s the state Purdue football is in right now.  

On Saturday, Purdue football and men’s basketball both have regular season games at 12 noon. I cannot remember the last time this happened – I attempted to ask Purdue’s sports information group about it and got a shrug and a “before my time.” Thanks, guys!

It’s not hard to imagine which game will have more interest from the Black and Old Gold side, but I can tell you it’ll be easier for you to watch football, as it will be on television, while basketball will – yet again – be online only.

Don’t worry, everyone… only two games left in the football season. Isn’t it wonderful that that’s what most of us are reduced to? Simply wanting it to be over with. Nice work, Morgan and Darrell. Making progress, indeed.

Now, to the predictions.

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Dave (zlionsfan):

Iowa's Ferentz Head coach for a hundred years Staying past his prime

Hazell struggling Hope perfect at Iowa (Only played one time)

Series almost square (well, in Iowa City) 19-20-2

Road wins - distant past Last win prior to Coach Hope 1992

Last week's game was close Iowa's a better team Hawkeyes 30-6

 

Michael (rrt1):

Iowa wasn't supposed to be this good this year, but they are. Purdue wasn't supposed to be this bad, and yet, they are. This does not bode well for the Black & Gold.

On defense, Purdue is hampered greatly by a duct-tape-and-toothpicks linebacking corps that has been riddled with injuries and is easily exploitable by opposing offenses. It's bad enough to mask some pretty solid play by the DL and the ball hawking of the secondary (which is obviously not without its own problems). The long and short of it is that, when put in a position to make a play, Purdue's linebackers haven't been able to stop their opponents from gaining large chunks of yards.

On offense, well, the offense is a complete mess. Worse yet, we don't know which offense will show up. Will we run the ball into the middle all game with nary a pass to keep the defense honest? Or will we roll Blough out of the pocket and try to work down the field? Who knows; your guess is as good as mine. There is no sense of identity, no consistency; it feels like we're just trying whatever. And none of it is working.

So I'm thinking we'll lose again. I have a strong sense of deja vu whenever I write these things; there's only so many ways to describe how bad of a state the football program is in. On the positive side, I guess there are only two games left.

Iowa 35 Purdue 14

 

J Money:

Purdue should be able to yet again use their size to gain a formidable advantage and to open up good looks for their smaller, quicker players on the outside. Playing away from campus shouldn’t pose much of a problem although of course there’s nothing like being in front of your home crowd. I saw more empty seats than I would have liked for Purdue’s last game but hopefully that will change as we move forward.

The Boilers’ defense still isn’t where it needs to be and turnovers look like they could be something of a problem, though not one to sound the alarm over just yet.

I see good things for Purdue this weekend.

Purdue 81 Old Dominion 71

Oh, sorry….right, this is about football. No, no good things there.

Purdue 13 Iowa 38

 

Aneesh the Swamy:

Get busy livin', or get busy dyin'. That's damn right.

For the second time in my life, I am guilty of committing a crime. Parole violation. Of course, I doubt they'll toss up any roadblocks for that. Not for an old crook like me.

I find I'm so excited I can barely sit still or hold a thought in my head. I think it's the excitement only a free man can feel, a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain. I hope I can make it across the border. I hope to see my friend and shake his hand. I hope the Pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams. I hope.

Purdue 21 Iowa 18

 

Boilerdowd:

Ferentz is a witch...but the good kind that makes losing teams disappear into thin air. Hazell is a nice guy...with a plan that's about to yield results...bet against it if you dare.

When black and gold faces black and yellow, Wiz Khalifa won't be around. Nor will many Purdue fans, we don't travel as well...especially when the team's this down.

Former Mr. Football is back, after a little scare with the knee, Shoopy's stinger is sharp and his gameplan, ready.

Blough can sling it and run a little bit, Replogle, Howard, Brown and co. will dole out the hits.

In Iowa City, it could be fun, we all should tune in, But it might be tough as you prepare for family to come in.

Cold weather and a damned good team will make it difficult as Purdue seeks the win. The victory would help Coach Haze match his greatest season here: a third triumph again.

Optimism? I have little, but Mr. Burke is sure things are going the right way... When the clock hits zero, results aren't too important when you've got that BTN payday.

Iowa 38 Purdue 6